Is the Job Market on the Rebound?

Reuters is reporting the American job market increased slightly in November2009.  Government data reveals the lowest job cuts in nearly two years,since December 2007.  Does this mean we are finally beginning to see alight at the end of the tunnel?  Maybe; but it also depends on who youask.  While the government data showed a total of 11,000 jobs cut by U.S.employers last month, many experts, including Gad Levanon, a Senior Economistat The Conference Board, insist the recovery efforts will continue to be weakat least through the first half of 2010.  Further, although the layoffsnarrowed for the eighth straight month, the numbers weren’t as many as manyexperts anticipated.

So what does this mean for those searching for work?  Frankly, it meansnot much has changed.  Remaining committed to one’s career, even in a lessthan ideal job market, can be difficult; however, no one can do it foryou.  It’s all about focus, determination and the right tools to ensureyou stand out from the competition.  These tools, of course, include aflawless resume, the ability to do well in an interview with your conversationskills and faith in your education and abilities.

As A. Harrison Barnes, CEO of EmploymentCrossing.com, pointsout, networking can play a significant role in locating those positions youmight had not considered before.  Further, with the highly competitivestate of the job market, any tool you can include in your arsenal is crucialand can often mean the difference in landing a job or losing it to the nextinterviewee.  Of course, taking advantage of sites such asEmploymentCrossing can also give you the upper hand in today’s unpredictablecareer market.

Another tip, courtesy of A. Harrison Barnes, is to remain focused in yourjob search.  It’s easy to becomedistracted, only to end up in jobs that do not match your area of education oryour interests.  Do your research, regardless of how desperate you are forwork.  Ensure you understand exactly what you’re getting into. EmploymentCrossing is an excellent place to start your search.  Here,you’ll discover more tips and advice from A. Harrison Barnes as well as updatesfrom the employment sector and of course, job opportunities you will only findon EmploymentCrossing.

Despite the often confusing news that’s reported in the media, the jobopenings remain scarce and will likely continue to remain that way for a goodmany months.  The beginning of a new year is always promising, but it’simportant to remember the U.S. has been in the current recession for nearlythree years.  We all look forward to the light at the end of the tunnelthat might finally signal the end of current economic times, especially thoseof us who are looking to build or rebuild our careers that will ensure ourfinancial well-being.

Bottom line, there is simply no room for assumptions or “almost”perfects.  You simply must rise above the mediocrity, highlight yourstrengths via your resume and interview process and work on those weaknessesthat might provide trouble after you’ve landed your dream job in your chosencareer.  These are all goals we should seek to meet regardless of currentemployment climates.