Job Market on the Upswing? Now's Your Chance

by Lori Johnston

All eyes these days are on reports about employment and how it relates to the economy improving, and it's important to recognize that keeping on track of the news could give the heads up when it comes to a career move, too. Some of the reports could provide insight into the type of education skills you may want to seek to land a great job.

Here's the good news: More employers are expecting to increase workers this year and fewer employers are expecting staff cuts, according to a recent CareerBuilder and USA Today nationwide survey of more than 2,700 human resource professionals and hiring managers across industries.

The job openings are for both full-time permanent staff and contract workers. The survey found that 23 percent of employers planned in second quarter 2010 to hire full-time, permanent workers. And 25 percent planned to hire contract workers or freelancers, with 13 percent saying those workers could eventually be hired on a permanent basis.

The opportunity in taking a position as a contract worker is that you can complete courses you've already started or pursue a certificate or degree program while putting some money in the bank.

If you've thought internships have dried up during the recession, things are looking up with interning, too. The survey found that 24 percent of employers said they are hiring interns.

So where are the jobs? Web 2.0, for starters. Look for more employers to see to hire people who know how to use social media in their jobs to promote companies or products. Nearly 1 in 10 employers, or 9 percent, planned to hire a new employee to focus on social media, the survey found.

You'll find more schools using social networking to communicate with applicants or to make it easier for non-traditional students to learn. But take the time to seek out programs of study that teach about the use of social networking in the industry and train you how to incorporate technology tools in your job. That knowledge and education could help you stand out as an applicant.

Being bilingual also is a benefit. More diversification in the workforce means more employers (33 percent) are seeking out bilingual candidates. Get this: Fifty percent of employers said that in the case of two equally qualified candidates, they would be more inclined to hire the bilingual candidate.

If you're considering what type of education you need to add to your arsenal to make you a stand-out job candidate, another language is something to consider as globalization continues in the business world. If you're pursuing job descriptions, see what types of languages, from Spanish to Chinese to German, are in demand and you may want to structure your courses around it.

Take the encouraging news, add in education, and you could find yourself landing the job you've always wanted.