Tired of sending off your resume into a black hole? If you're having trouble getting hired in your current field, don't just rewrite that cover letter for the 15th time. Instead, consider a more drastic measure--like going back to school, getting a degree, and taking charge of your job search. With a little career training you could have employers beating down your door.
Help Wanted - Desperately
While jobs are drying up in some industries, in other fields the shortage of qualified workers is forcing employers to go to great lengths to attract personnel. These perks may take the form of signing bonuses, employer-reimbursed job training, or very competitive salaries. As a job-seeker in these professions you could have your pick of employers, and what could be better than being able to choose from (and even negotiate among) several job offers?
Review the list of hot careers below. If one interests you, do your homework to find out how you to get qualified for the position. Education and training programs are available no matter where you live, and a degree in one of these top fields could make all the difference in your professional life.
10 Hot Career Fields
- Computer Software Engineer - Get your bachelor's degree in programming and computer software engineering and get ready to work! The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts this occupation to be one of the fastest-growing through 2014.
- Paralegal - With employers trying to cut costs by replacing lawyers with these well-trained professionals, paralegals are expected to be in high demand. An associate's degree in paralegal studies or a specialized certificate to add to your bachelor's degree could get you in on the action in this field.
- Accountant - Get in the numbers business and you could find yourself adding up job offers. According to CNNMoney.com, job-hunters in accounting can probably negotiate a great salary due to the high demand for accountants.
- Occupational Therapist - While you'll need at least a master's in occupational therapy to qualify for a job, once you've earned that diploma, hang on! The need for occupational therapy is growing and qualified workers may find themselves overwhelmed by job possibilities.
- Post-Secondary Teachers - Number two on CNN.com's list of the top 50 jobs in America, this one's a great bet if you're willing to put in some time earning a teaching degree. Teachers in the fields of health, business, and computer science are especially in demand, so get your master's degree in education and prepare to be snatched up by a college or university.
- Actuary - Essential in risk assessment for the insurance industry, actuaries are highly skilled in mathematics and should have strong computer skills. With a bachelor's degree in finance or mathematics you could get into this field, which should be one of the fastest-growing through 2014.
- Medical Assistant - It IS possible to have a career in medicine without devoting the next decade of your life to school. Training programs at medical assisting schools last 1 to 2 years, and demand is high for these invaluable professionals. Get some education and get hired!
- Lawyer - With growth coming from the areas of health care, energy, and environmental law, lawyers will be needed in the years to come. While you'll have to invest some time to obtain a law degree, focus on sought-after areas such as tax or patent law and the job search should be a breeze.
- Home Health Aide - Home health aides are desperately needed as our population ages and needs extra medical care. Home health aide training courses for can usually be completed quickly, giving you more time to ponder your many job prospects.
- Computer Systems Analyst - With more and more organizations relying on information technology, computer systems analysts are needed. Join their ranks by getting your bachelor's degree in computer science and draft up a few rejection letters for all the jobs you'll be turning down.
Win the Career Popularity Contest
Feeling desirable is great, and not as hard as you might think. Online degree programs can train you for all of the careers described above. Choose to take one or more classes at a time at your convenience and from the comfort of home.
As you prepare yourself professionally, don't stop dropping that resume. Requirements for some careers are flexible enough that you may get hired before you complete your coursework. In other fields you'll need a diploma in hand to take on the responsibilities involved. Regardless of your choice, keep your goal in mind as you earn your degree. By choosing one of these top careers and completing your career training you may soon find yourself with more than a few exciting offers. Good luck!