Targeting

Your job search will be a lot easier in the fastest-growing industries and locations where demand exceeds supply. You'll also find more job opportunities with more salary negotiating leverage.

Why this is SO important

Employment growth varies widely by industry and location, and it changes every month. For example, as of April 2008, Manufacturing was growing in Washington and declining in Michigan. Information was growing in New York and declining in Virginia. Finance was growing in Texas and declining in Florida.

The point is, you might need to switch industries or relocate to improve your job-finding odds. Then again, you might be just fine where you are.

Recessions

There are bright spots in every industry and location, even in a recession ... you just need to know where they are. Interestingly, some areas and industries appear to be recession-proof, having grown nicely in the recessions of 1990 and 2001 ... and in 2007.

Please understand that “recession-proof” is a colloquial term. Technically, this should be “recession-resistant.”

Increase the power of your job search

Read through JobBait and request our Executive Job Market Report. This will help you determine your best strategy for finding a job, whether you're switching industries, relocating or staying where you are.