Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs

Interested in pursuing a career field that is fast growing and high paying?  The Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs are occupations that are projected to grow in number and salary by 2020.  Data to create the top 50 list is gathered from Hoosier Occupational Employment Statistics (OES), produced by Indiana's Department of Workforce Development.

Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs are also split into 16 different Career Clusters. Each cluster highlights the specific skills needed for success in a particular industry. Below are the 16 different clusters:

• Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources
• Architecture & Construction
• Arts, A/V Technology, & Communications
• Business, Management, & Administration
• Education & Training
• Finance
• Health Science
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Law, Public Safety, Corrections, & Security
• Manufacturing
• Marketing, Sales, & Service
• Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM)
• Transporation, Distribution, & Logistics

Finally, when checking out the Hoosier Hot 50 list, keep an eye out for the yellow flame.  This symbol indicates that the job in in demand right now. 

Job Searching in a Tight Economy Workshop for IPFW Seniors and Alumni

Job Searching in a Tight Economy Workshop for IPFW Seniors and Alumni

If you are an IPFW Senior or Alumni and have faced, or are facing termination, a layoff, downsizing or just want a career change or advice on your job search, this FREE workshop is for you!

IPFW Neff 101 - Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Presentation 11:30am -1:15pm

Computer Lab 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Computer Lab NF B41
*Career Counselors available during the computer lab to assist with resumes and cover letters.

RSVP: Call IPFW Career Services at (260) 481-0689

Is it Really Just the Economy?

I don't think there is a job seeker around that hasn't felt the sting of the current economic crisis. Even though the economy is improving, employers are still reluctant to hire until they're sure these new increases are here to stay. Every day, I see students, alumni and community members that express frustration at how hard it is to find work right now and I agree. However, sometimes the big issue of the economy can blind job seekers to other problems in their job search.

• Know what kind of work you want to do
  I understand the temptation to just say 'anything' or 'anything full-time' or 'anything better than what I'm doing now'. But, look at it from the hiring employer's perspective. I've never had anyone say that they were willing to hire just anyone. Any employer I've spoken with in my work as a career counselor has always had a very clear idea of what kind of candidate they wanted to fill their open position. They've listed specific kinds of educational qualifications, skills and experience that they've been looking for. You too should have a clear idea of what kind of organization you'd like to work for and what kind of job duties you'd like to have.
  
• Get Your Paperwork Straight In this competitive market a generic Microsoft office template resume and impersonal 'To Whom it May Concern' cover letter may not be enough to help you stand out from everyone else that is applying for a certain position. Make sure you're customizing your resume and cover letter to each position you're applying for and that you highlight your transferrable skills and relevant experience.
  
• Do More Than Just Apply Online
  The internet is a great place to start your job search, but don't stop there. The fact is every other job seeker out there is using the internet as their primary means of job searching, one of the ways you can set yourself apart is to also get face-to-face. Join a networking group, attend a job fair, serve on the board of your favorite nonprofit or conduct some informational interviews. Anything that will help you expand your network and give your future employer the chance to know you as a person instead of just some facts on a resume.

Job Search Strategies in a Tight Economy: IPFW Alumni Event revisited

If you were like me and just couldn't make it to the Job Search Strategies in a Tight Economy event offered through our office, here is the PowerPoint presentation with lots of great information on:

• resumes
• references
• cover letters
• transferable skills
• networking
• job searching
• interviewing
• coping with job loss

If you would like more information about any of these topics and/or would like to speak to a career counselor, please call our office at (260)481-0689 to set up an appointment.

Job Scams: The Recession Turns Ugly

Job Scams: The Recession Turns Ugly
by M.P. McQueen
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
provided by The Wall Street Journal

"As unemployment reaches levels not seen in decades, job and business-opportunity scams are flourishing. Consumer-protection and law-enforcement groups and better-business bureaus are reporting a growing number of phony job-recruitment and work-at-home schemes targeting desperate Americans looking for a way to pay the bills."

For more information on how to protect yourself from employment scams (like phony work-at-home offers), go to http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123405267844760357.html?mod=rss_Money.