(NAPS)—It’s estimated that most workers will hold seven jobs, work for three employers and follow two different career paths in their professional life span. Therefore, it’s inevitable many Americans will soon feel the itch to meet a new career challenge, and some will need direction to ensure they choose a path that’s aligned with their true interests, personality and natural abilities. Where to start? “Current hiring trends suggest that existing skilled labor shortages and low unemployment rates will continue to strengthen demand for workers in the New Year,” said Steve Pogorzelski, Group President, International for Monster Worldwide, parent company of Monster.com. According to the Monster Employment Index, a measure of online job demand for workers, industries expected to show strong growth in the New Year include information technology, health care, and legal and protective services, which offer jobs for police, fire and transit workers. Due to the vast number of baby boomers who pursue work postretirement—either through part-time or consulting positions—employers are increasingly beginning to embrace second-career workers. The Department of Labor predicts that the number of working retirees will increase—by 2012, 65 percent of retired baby boomers will be employed, many in brand-new fields. If waiting until retirement isn’t an option, and a career assessment is in order, make it a top priority now—most companies tend to have more opportunities available in the first few months of the year, and again in the early fall. Use the following tips to help jump-start a career change: Find Yourself—When looking for new employment opportunities, workers often limit themselves to positions within their current industry. Instead, explore your compatibility with new fields by completing self-assessment exercises, speaking with professionals in other fields or engaging in volunteer work. Present Yourself—Once a new career direction has been set, update your resume to showcase the key qualifications most appropriate and relevant for the new endeavor. Don’t hesitate to focus on skills and experiences acquired outside of your current job, as well. Resumes often need to be refocused to convey your potential in another career path. Pace Yourself—Don’t expect an overnight transformation—a complete career change usually takes anywhere from several months to a year. Throughout the process, seek out new projects at your current job in order to broaden your horizons and expand your professional network.
For additional information on changing careers and 2007 hiring trends, visit Monster’s 2007 New Year Featured Report at http:// featuredreports.monster. com/.
