It’s the most wonderful time of the year. That is, if you’re in the market for a new job.
Traditionally, fall is the time when hiring managers are back in the office and ready to tackle those end-of-year deadlines with some new hires. Employers’ hiring seasons correlate to business cycles. During the first quarter, hiring increases to support new business initiatives and targets for the year. Then things slow down until the fall, when there’s one last big rush to meet projections.
In an interview with Business News Daily, author and New York-based career coach Kathleen Brady explains it this way, “Mid-August through October is very busy. Employers refocus after the summer. Department heads push for an increase to take advantage of remaining budget for the year. Many realize they must hire before January or they risk losing allocated funds for new employees. They also want to get new recruits in before the holiday season mindset takes hold in November.”
In addition, there’s a fresh crop of new college graduates eager to work. It makes for a very busy and crowded time. So it helps to know which industries to focus on to increase your chances of getting hired.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), companies are optimistic about the job market for Class of 2014 graduates, saying they expect to hire 7.8 percent more grads in 2014 for their U.S. operations than they hired in 2013. (When opportunities at international operations for new grads are factored in, the hiring outlook is even better, with an overall increase in hiring of 12 percent.)
Overall, grads with bachelor’s degrees in business, engineering, computer/ information science, sciences and communications stand to fare the best. According to the NACE’s April 2014 Salary Survey, here are some of the top hiring industries for new college graduates.
Health Care
Average Starting Salary: $42,623
According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, health care and social assistance accounts for the largest portion of entry-level postings in 2014. The aging population and longer life expectancies are spurring a wide range of health care-related jobs at public and private hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, health-related nonprofits and individual and family services. High demand jobs include registered nurses, laboratory technologists, physical therapists and physician assistants.
Education
Average Starting Salary: $40,894
Teachers, administrators and program coordinators are needed to provide instruction and training in a wide variety of subjects. Jobs can be found at public and private institutions ranging from preschools and high schools, to universities and training centers.
Professional and Scientific Services
Average Starting Salary: $53,117
This sector comprises establishments that specialize in performing professional, scientific, and technical activities for others. These activities require a high degree of expertise and training. Examples include accounting, bookkeeping, payroll services, architectural, engineering, and computer services.
Federal, State and Local Government
Average Starting Salary: $47,657
“Designing the International Space Station, uncovering security threats, conserving the Florida Everglades, creating an ad campaign to combat disease—these are examples of just a few of the tasks done by workers in the Federal Government” says Olivia Crosby at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
With more than 1.7 million jobs and over 400 occupational specialties (excluding postal service and military workers), the Federal Government offers more choices than any other single employer in the United States. Whatever your interest and background, you can probably find a Government career to match.
Finance and Insurance
Average Starting Salary: $55,003
This sector includes professions primarily engaged in financial transactions and/or in facilitating financial transactions including accountants, auditors, insurance brokers, bookkeepers, clerks and financial managers.
Other industries that are hiring this fall include hospitality (restaurant managers, front desk clerks, concierges), media (graphic designers, writers, communications specialists) and manufacturing (maintenance technicians, production supervisors, product managers).
Don’t have specialized skills? No sweat. According to the Job Outlook 2014 Spring Update survey by NACE, employers recruiting from the college Class of 2014 are looking for candidates who are decisive, can solve problems, are good communicators, and are analytical
“Employers want to see in candidates the skills that are necessary to excel in the workplace and help the organization,” says Marilyn Mackes, NACE’s executive director.
Employers responding to the survey rated “ability to make decisions and solve problems,” “ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization,” and “ability to obtain and process information” as a candidate’s most important skills and qualities.
