Wednesday, July 7, 2010


Where the Jobs Are
Compiled by Marilyn Albert

Just when I think it is safe go in the job search market, I hear a statistic like this: In June, nearly half of the 14.6 million unemployed workers had been out of work for more than six months, with the average span of unemployment rising to a record 35.2 weeks in June from 34.4 weeks in May. This is a huge loss of income and waste of our ability to increase resources in our American workforce and economy. Who said laying-off people from their jobs would help the economy? The conundrum staring us in the face is fewer workers mean fewer taxes and a greater strain on government funded programs.

Then I read a media release like this and I can, once again, breathe hope into job search process.
Last week Governor Doyle announced that nearly 2.3 million in federal funding to help over 300 displaced Wisconsin workers find new jobs and improve their skills. The On-the-Job Training National Emergency Grants (OJTNEG) – awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor – are being made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“This grant will help working families hit hard by the national recession to find new jobs and improve their skills,” Governor Doyle said. “I want to thank Senator Kohl, Senator Feingold and Congressman Dave Obey, as well as Secretary Solis and the Obama Administration, for their work to help ensure that Wisconsin workers are job-ready as the economy recovers.”

The OJTNEG grants will provide workers with an opportunity to develop critical job skills while also earning a paycheck. Employers participating in the projects will receive partial reimbursement to offset the cost of training these workers. The projects will help workers become proficient in necessary skills more quickly and encourage employers to hire workers sooner, improving employers’ bottom lines and spurring economic recovery.

Governor Doyle encourages all affected workers to contact their local Job Center to inquire about services by visiting www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/directory or toll free at 1-888-258-9966.
The NEG program provides funding to states when significant events create a sudden need for assistance. National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary of Labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, please visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG.

For more information:
Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
John Dipko, Department of Workforce Development, 608-266-6753

Where are the jobs?

Top Employment Sectors and Salaries*:


Accounting Services $50,402
Engineering Services $56,367
Financial Services $49,703
Retail/Wholesale Trade $41,678
Educational Services $33,682

*Source: Summer 2010 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers. Data are for bachelor’s degree candidates and is based on number of offers reported.

Top 10 Jobs for 2010**
Staffing firm Robert Half recently put together a list of what it believes to be 10 Promising Jobs for 2010. The company has identified opportunities in accounting and finance, information technology and administrative fields.

In accounting and finance, salaries are actually expected to increase by an average of .5 percent in 2010. Good news for the experienced workers—companies want financial pros who can crunch numbers, communicate clearly with various departments and help manage costs.

Job titles to look for include:

1. Tax accountant
Help companies save money by managing their tax bills.
Average Salary: $42,135 to $55,564

2. Compliance director
New Securities and Exchange rules mean lots of regulations to follow.
Average Salary: $66,955 to $104,232

3. Credit manager/supervisor
Keep cash flowing by evaluating credit risk and getting delinquent accounts to pay up.
Average Salary: $39,317 to $64,892

4. Senior financial analyst
Evaluate financial plans, budgets and figure out way to increase profits.
Average Salary: $44,212 to $60,938

While starting IT salaries will drop by about 1.3 percent in 2010, the job prospects are promising because computers are will always be the future. The growth is in positions that help companies reduce costs by implementing new technologies. Here are some keywords to get you started:

5. Network administrator
The most in demand position of any IT job. If you can speak cloud computing, Voice over IP and software, this job is for you.
Average Salary: $41,620 to $60,459

6. Information systems security manager
Companies don't want their top-secret data leaked out all over the web; you'll help keep it that way.
Average Salary: $59,395 to $87,024

7. Systems engineer
Someone has to make sense of all of new and emerging technologies. You'll set the foundation for a smooth transition to the future.
Average Salary: $59,395 to $87,024

Offices also need excellent administrators to keep things running smoothly. Demand is strong for workers who can multitask, have excellent computer skills, are willing to learn and aren't afraid to adapt to change. Best prospects include:

8. Medical record clerk
Hospitals are going digital, they need workers who can help them scan and process patient data.
Average Hourly Salary: $9.58 to $12.83

9. Customer service representative
Customer service has never been more critical to success, so play up your ability to provide service with a smile.
Average Hourly Salary: $10.60 to $14.19

10. Executive assistant
Expect to support multiple manages and take on a wide range of duties.

The report also noted that even in this glut of candidates climate, businesses are still having a tough time finding highly skilled candidates, so put your best resume forward and consider getting your foot in the door with an internship or temporary assignment.

**From Career Builder
Filed under: Hot Jobs Print Article Posted Nov 18th 2009 6:05AM
by Ed Orum for AOL Find a Job


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