1. Odessa, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
   • Average Annual Salary: $34,380
2. Grand Junction, CO
   • Unemployment Rate: 7.2%
   • Average Annual Salary: $36,550
3. Longview, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
   • Average Annual Salary: $32,060
4. Houma-Bayou Cane –Thibodaux, LA
   • Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
   • Average Annual Salary: $34,480
5. Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
   • Average Annual Salary: $32,100
6. Austin-Round Rock, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
   • Average Annual Salary: $41,330
7. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 9.6%
   • Average Annual Salary: $27,750
8. Laredo, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 7.4%
   • Average Annual Salary: $29,680
9. Houston-Sugarland-Baytown, TX
   • Unemployment Rate: 6.4%
   • Average Annual Salary: $41,020
10. Tulsa, OK
    • Unemployment Rate: 6.2%
    • Average Annual Salary: $35,720
11. Athens-Clarke County, GA
    • Unemployment Rate: 7.3%
    • Average Annual Salary: $35,170
12. Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, WA
    • Unemployment Rate: 8.5%
    • Average Annual Salary: $43,480
13. Morgantown, WV
    • Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
    • Average Annual Salary: $34,010
14. Lafayette, LA
    • Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
    • Average Annual Salary: $34,490
15. Fargo, ND-MN
    • Unemployment Rate: 4.9%
    • Average Annual Salary: $34,940
16. College Station-Bryan, TX
    • Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
    • Average Annual Salary: $39,390
17. Coeur d’Alene, ID
    • Unemployment Rate: 9.4%
    • Average Annual Salary: $34,610
18. Bismarck, ND
    • Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
    • Average Annual Salary: $34,370
19. Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
    • Unemployment Rate: 8.0%
    • Average Annual Salary: $46,540
20. San Antonio, TX
    • Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
    • Average Annual Salary: $34,610

References

2009 New Geography Best Cities for Job Growth. http://www.newgeography.com/content/00741-all-cities-rankings-2009-new-geography-best-cities-job-growth

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.us.htm

How To Use Social Media to Find a Job

If you’re one of the millions of people who are out of work today, then you know that finding a job in this economy seems next to impossible. Searching job sites like CareerBuilder and Monster for a job takes up a lot of time, plus for every job you apply to, there are hundreds of other applicants who applied as well. Fortunately there is a better way to conduct a job search on the internet. Using social media sites is a better way to connect with job recruiters and land the job of your dreams.

You’re probably wondering which social media sites are the best to use for this purpose. The truth is that all of them provide some valuable connections that can help you in your job search. These include Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Twitter
Twitter allows you to connect with people who have shared interests without having to know them personally. This provides a distinct advantage over other sites because you can start following people in your target industry without requesting their permission. You can then start a conversation with the people you follow and build up a rapport. Then use the site to tell people you are looking for a job. Many of your contacts on Twitter can help you get in touch with the right person.

Twitter also provides a unique opportunity to search for jobs. In Twitter Search, type in a few key words (i.e. engineering jobs) and all conversations with these words will show up. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed for this search and check it a few times a day.

Facebook
Facebook is one of the most popular social networks today. Millions of people are on this site, which is an advantage for you, the job seeker. Search for people you know in your industry to add as friends, and make sure to show your skills on your profile. You can participate in discussions and let people know you are an expert in your field, which will get the attention of the hiring manager browsing the site looking for potential job applicants.

LinkedIn
LinkedIn has the unique designation of being a social network for working professionals. This can help you immensely in your job search. You can connect with former co-workers and colleagues around the world, and let them know you are searching for a new job. You can also get recommendations from people in your network, which will stand out to a hiring manager looking at your profile. You can also utilize LinkedIn’s search engine to look for a job, as well as browse company profiles to see what they value in their employees.

Regardless of which social network you choose, there are a few tips you should follow to maximize your chances of finding a job using social media.

Make Connections
More so now than ever, it’s more about WHO you know than what you know. Making connections with people in your industry can prove to be invaluable in tough times. A lot of jobs get filled before anyone knows about them, because recruiters recommend people they know in the industry. To build a network of contacts, you need to get in touch with colleagues, former classmates, former co-workers and supervisors, and alumni. It also helps to find contacts in other industries to broaden your reach.

Ask for Help
Once you have made connections with a few people, let them know you are looking for a job and ask for their help. They can help you find a job that is a good match for your skills, and provide valuable advice on how to get your foot in the door. You can also leverage your contacts by reaching out to their contacts to broaden your network.

Promotion is Key
To get yourself out there for recruiters to see, you need to promote your skills. Tailor your profile to showcase your skills and experience, and leave out any questionable details or facts that could turn off a potential employer. Some job seekers find it helpful to create a website that includes a portfolio and resume, and then link to it from your social network profile. Most recruiters will look at a website if it is listed in your profile, which could prove to be invaluable and provide more relevant information about your skills than your profile is able to.

Join the Discussion
Start participating in discussions and showcase your expertise. This can help you make connections and help you leverage your skills. It is important to be seen as a trustworthy and knowledgeable source that others can turn to for answers and advice. Once you establish your credibility, others will be willing to help you in your job search.

References
Guy Kawasaki. “Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job.” http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2009/02/10-ways-to-use.html

Louise Fletcher. “Using Twitter for Job Search.” http://blueskyresumes.com/blog/using-twitter-for-job-search

John Boyd. “Using Social Media to Find a Job in a Down Economy.” http://blogs.zdnet.com/feeds/?p=374

What is guerilla marketing? According to Jay Conrad Levinson, the self-proclaimed “father of guerilla marketing,” it is a system of promotions that relies on unexpected and unconventional tactics. So in other words, it’s marketing using creativity and imagination to create a memorable buzz in a nontraditional way. So, how can you use this tactic to stand out to employers?

First of all, it’s important that your resume sells you as a candidate for the position. Don’t just describe what makes you a good employee, give specific details and facts that prove you are a good employee. For example, instead of saying “helped sign new clients” say “signed 20% more clients than any other salesperson in the company and exceeded sales goals by 15%.” Providing tangible evidence that proves you are results-oriented will get the employer’s attention.

Second, it’s important to use technology to your advantage. Create a profile on social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook that showcases your talents and make contacts with people in the industry. Start a blog that chronicles your job-seeking endeavors and lists your professional qualifications and send the link to potential employers. Find the contact information for the head of the department and send them your resume directly. Call their office and speak with them about job prospects. The most important thing to remember is that persistence is key, and employers will remember you over the other thousand candidates when you are calling their office every day.

You could also hit the streets with your resume to hand out to potential employers. It’s quirky and different, but it worked for Joshua Pesky. Pesky, an unemployed investment banker, put a sandwich board on over his suit that read “Experienced MIT grad for hire” and handed out his resume on the busy New York City streets. This tactic got him national media exposure and, ultimately, a job.  So why did he do it? “I decided I had to do something different,” Pesky said. “You have to think outside the box to make others aware of what you need.”

Posting a video resume on YouTube or other video sharing sites can help increase your exposure to potential employers and land you an interview. However, you have to be creative with the execution of your video. I recommend creating a song that highlights your talents and singing it on camera. That way, your video is unique and stands out from the rest.

Whatever you decide to do, remember that it is important to brand yourself as someone that your potential employer can’t live without. Market your skills by providing examples of your professional successes, and get out there and show the world what you can do.

References

“How To Market Yourself to Employers in a Recession” http://www.resumebear.com/blog/index.php/2008/12/22/market-yourself-to-employers-in-a-recession/

“6 Job-Hunting Tips from the Sandwich Board Guy” http://www.cnbc.com/id/28522597

Wikipedia: “Guerilla Marketing” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerilla_marketing

This year hasn’t exactly started off on the best foot. According to CNN, over 2 million people lost their jobs in 2008, and already 200,000 jobs have been cut during the first month of 2009. If your one of the people who was laid off, it probably seems like there is no hope. Fortunately, companies are still hiring, you just have to know what jobs are in-demand.

Laurence Shatkin, a career information expert, published a book called “150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs” that lists the most in-demand careers during hard economic times. The top 10 careers on his list include:

1. Computer Systems Analysts
2. Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
3. Network and Computer Systems Administrators
4. Registered Nurses
5. Teachers
6. Physical Therapists
7. Physicians and Surgeons
8. Dental Hygienists
9. Pharmacists
10. Medical and Health Services Managers

While most of these careers require experience in science and math as well as a degree, sometimes work experience can be just as or more valuable.

The top three careers all require experience working with computer technologies in lieu of a degree. Anyone who possesses technical skills and has relevant experience can find a job in these fields, regardless of the level of education they have received. Sometimes a few courses in computer science or related subjects can help in combination with work experience.

Nurses, physical therapists, dental hygienists and medical services managers generally need at least an associate’s degree. However, experience working in a medical office can get your foot in the door, and sometimes employers will reimburse you for pursuing formal training. Most associate’s degree programs take about 2 years to complete, and in that time you could be receiving formal on-the-job training that will make you more marketable in the future.

Teachers usually need a bachelor’s degree at the least, but anyone who has a degree or expertise in a specific field, such as art, history, or even business can find a job as a teacher. Teachers are always in demand, especially with the increasing number of older teachers retiring. To make yourself more marketable to employers, you need to get relevant experience working in a classroom. Volunteer to be a tutor or apply for a teacher’s aide position and prove that you can be a successful teacher.

In order to get a job as a pharmacist or a physician, you must have a Doctorate. However, there are ways to get your foot in the door. Most pharmacies employ pharmacy technicians to help the pharmacist fill prescriptions. Some pharmacies don’t require any formal degree or training for this position, instead they provide on-the-job training. In fact, there are no state or federal requirements for training or certification of pharmacy techs. Once training is complete, you can take the voluntary certification exam to become certified. Some pharmacy programs also allow pharmacy techs to enter their programs in lieu of a college degree.

So don’t be discouraged. Even if you don’t have a college degree you can still get a high paying job that will provide stability in this unstable economy.

References

Bls.gov: computer systems analyst, teacher, registered nurse, pharmacy tech, pharmacist

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/the-inside-job/2008/10/21/top-10-recessionproof-jobs.html

http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/27/news/economy/state_unemployment/index.htm