Where the Jobs Are In 2009

I find the holidays are a great time to network and reconnect with past colleagues and friends. So as you toast your eggnog, if you are interested in discussing where the jobs will be in 2009 (and obtaining one) here is some advice.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top 10 growing industries from 2006-2016 include everything from: Management, Scientific and Technical Consulting, Hospitals, Colleges & Universities and Local Government. Despite the recent economic downturn, some of these will stay resilient especially with help from President-elect Obama. His jobs creation plan thus far is focusing on healthcare, education and energy.

But how to do you apply your existing skills to these hot areas?
-Identify your strengths (and beware of blind spots). Make a list of skills that come naturally to you. And write out examples of where you've used those skills on the job successfully. Many strengths translate across industries, some include problem-solving, serving clients/customers and managing others.
-Understand key required skills in the new field. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a free resource with information on hundreds of jobs. In-person research such as networking and job fairs are also great tools to understand the training and skills needed for a job.
-Don't shoe horn yourself. Rather make the connection between your strengths and the new field in your cover letter and be sure to highlight those strengths on your resume as well. Demonstrate a real interest in your new field by subscribing to industry publications and read up! Your passion and enthusiasm will separate you from those just looking for a paycheck.

For more information, continue to tune into my weekly SIRIUS/XM radio show and tune in to my interview on CNN Newsroom with Kyra Phillips Tuesday December 23rd between 2 and 3pm eastern for more advice on making the move into a growing industry in your career in 2009!

From your experience, where do you think the jobs will be in 2009?

Tune into CNN Today at 2:30pm eastern and Learn What To Do When You're Out of a Job

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to share career advice on CNN and get a positive message across that real opportunities do exist for everyone even in trying times.

I'll be back on CNN today (Tues Dec 16th) at 2:30pm eastern on CNN Newsroom with Kyra Phillips. I'll be covering the Do's and Don'ts of Coping with a Layoff and Landing a New Job.

Here are some highlights if you've found yourself out of work whether for a week or several months:

--Make sure your resume communicates your fit for the job. Many companies use technology to sift through resumes so it's important to make sure industry relevant key words are included in your resume such as important software skills. If you haven't been getting "hits" with your resume, perhaps it's time to get a professional service like www.ResumeDeli.com to optimize the language you are using.
--Focus on your strengths and what you have (not what you don't). We all have unique talents which can help us stand out in a competitive job market. Comb over past performance evaluations and ask colleagues, family and friends what they see as your strengths. Don't be afraid to share what makes you the best at what you do on your resume and in interviews.
--Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes. Who would you hire? The person who has confidence in her abilities to land the job or the person who thinks "they'll never hire me." Your attitude matters so be excited about your career opportunities and believe you have what it takes to land that next interview and next job.

Most importantly, if you've been struggling with finding another job, don't expect the same approach to yield different results. We are in a dynamic economy so perhaps what you've done or been looking for doesn't match exactly what's out there. Be flexible and open to change and you might find new opportunities in areas you never thought possible!

What strategies would help you land your next job? Have you had success finding a new job recently? Share your tips and ideas!

Tune in for My Career Q&A on CNN Today, 5-6pm Eastern

Tune in to CNN today, Sunday Dec 14th from 5-6pm eastern for my career Q & A with Alina Cho. Here are some of the important career topics we'll be discussing:

Q: What key steps does it take to rebrand yourself?
A:
Soul Search - focus not only on a paycheck but also on the career opportunities that fit your passions, talents and interests
Research - test out your new career by talking to others already in the job (informational interview) and act "as if" by volunteering or job shadowing in the new role
Job Search - once you've validated your choice with some real experience, update your resume and highlight the skills you have that transfer to your new brand.

Q: What are the do's and don'ts to crafting a great resume?
A:
Don't think it only has to be one page - if you have 10+ years of experience, it's natural that your resume will be longer. But make sure the most important information is on the first page where hiring managers tend to focus.
Do keep your resume in chronological order - Hiring managers and recruiters like to see how your career has progressed and if there are any gaps that need to be understood. Don't hide your career path rather keep to the right timeline and just be prepared to explain why you may have taken time off along the way.
Don't let your resume speak for itself - use your network to get your resume into the right hands. Contact friends, family, past colleagues and your alumni network to get an internal referral of your resume to the HR department. This way your resume is the back up to all the great things a real person is saying about you.

Q: Are there ways to protect your current job if you're not ready to make the leap to a new career just yet?
A:
Yes, I often recommend keeping a job while creating a new path. I kept a full-time job while I was building my coaching practice and rebranding myself as a coach.
To keep your current job secure:
--never talk badly of others to protect yourself
--highlight what you've accomplished and document it
--regardless of what you do, be a top performer by always giving your best effort.

Tune in to CNN this afternoon for my live interview from 5 to 6pm eastern on important and relevant career advice to support you in rebranding yourself and your resume while also keeping your current job secure in the transition!

Holiday Gifts for Your Career

I had the honor of being featured in Nancy Colasurdo's FoxBusiness.com column on meaningful holiday gift giving. My contribution...a great gift to test drive your dream job! Read more.

If you or someone you know could use support in creating the career of their dreams, give the gift of career coaching this season. Contact me at coaching@maggiemistal.com to find out more about coaching gift certificates!

Also stay tuned for more in 2009. My New Year’s goal is to reach more people and offer career advice in new ways that might manifest into an ebook, webinars/seminars and more cabaret shows!

What's the best holiday gift someone could give you for your career this year? What's the most meaningful gift you've ever given or received?

Tune in and hear Martha Stewart on Making a Living this Sunday

For those of you who weren't able to tune in, you can hear Martha Stewart on my radio show, Making a Living with Maggie, this Sunday at 6am. She called in to share glowing feedback for her assistant Julia Eisemann. Julia has been working with Martha for 11 years and shared what a day in the life is like working with Martha.

It was amazing to hear the tremendous respect they have for one another and how they've built a solid working relationship. If you've been struggling with your manager and want to learn a better way of working, tune in this Sunday at 6am EST on SIRIUS 112 and XM 157. Click here for a free trial of SIRIUS!

What would you want your boss to say about you on national radio? Have you ever received glowing feedback? Share your proud moments!

Negotiation Strategies on Making a Living with Maggie Wed at 4pm EST! (Replay Sunday at 6am EST)

Are you a confident negotiator? Do you know what to say and what to do to get the most out of your next job offer or even a severance package?

Tune in to Making a Living with Maggie and learn how to negotiate effectively. Carol Frohlinger, co-founder of Negotiating Women, Inc will be live in studio taking your calls and sharing strategies to help you advance your career. And I’ll interview Julia Eisemann Martha’s Executive Assistant on what a day in the life is like in her interesting career! (Post show update - listen to the replay this Sunday and hear Martha herself calling into the show!)

That’s Making a Living with Maggie today at 4pm, EST,1pm Pacific, on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Sirius 112 and XM 157! Sign up for a free trial of SIRIUS and call into the show with your questions at 1-866-675-6675.

What would you negotiate for in your job if you could - better hours, better pay, new responsibilities? Call in and write in for support to get the most from your hard work.