The economy’s been in rough shape over the last few months – even the last few years. Last February, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed, and it’s time to look at the overall impact.

Overall, things are still pretty grim – while the rate of job loss has slowed, unemployment is still on the rise, at 9.7% in August. Some industries, however, are doing better than others – namely manufacturing, construction and retail trade. The energy sector is also on the rise – particularly with the emphasis on ‘going green’.

While things are still grim, some recruiters tend to be slightly optimistic about the future, expecting job openings to start picking up again at the beginning of 2010.

Some unemployed are using the time to try to update or freshen skills through career training. Others are attempting to take advantage of as much temporary work as possible. And almost everybody is applying everywhere they can – making this a very rough and competitive job market.

Do you feel like things are really getting better??

There’s plenty of “bad” economic news to go around, but one thing you don’t actually hear much about is President Obama’s plan that is now in action to add thousands of jobs to state and civic offices. They’re up and open for inspection.

But understand one thing: you will be in competition with LOTS of people for these jobs, so be honest with yourself about your abilities and professional experience. Save your energy for the jobs you stand a chance of landing. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for the lowest of the low on the ladder. Be ambitious, but apply for what you know.

Where are they?
The most abundant industries the Obama administration has listed as priorities are:

• Renewable or Green Energy Careers
  
• Natural Resources Careers
• Infrastructure Careers
  
• Health Care Careers
  
• Education Careers
  

Lily Whiteman, an industry analyst, says jobs are particularly plentiful for contracts managers, financial managers and auditors, network specialists and people who are bi-lingual.

Extra tips for those who are finishing up their education

• A good route to a permanent government job is a federal internship. The site www.makingthedifference.org lists 200 federal internship programs.
• The 100 largest government contractors send job openings out weekly, which are listed at www.usaspending.gov.
• Federal job postings are at www.usajobs.gov There are literally thousands of jobs to fill right now, including the positions that Obama’s stimulus package and domestic policies have created. Many of those positions will be filled through accelerated hiring procedures, so get moving!