Job Market Improving: What Employers Want in 2015

Sou rce: Bureau of Labor Statistics It's a Job-Seeker's Market What You Need to Know to Take Advantage and Land the Perfect Job THE JOB MARKET IS IMPROVING 450 JOB GAINS ARE ON THE RISE 400 The past three months showed the greatest job gains in 17 years. 350 300 250 • November '14: 423,000 Jobs 200 December '14: 329,000 Jobs 150 January '15: 257,000 Jobs 100 1,009,000 Total Jobs 50 Jan '13 Apr '13 Jul 13 Oct '13 Jan '14 Apr '14 Jul '14 Oct '14 Jan '15 THE UNEMPLOY MENT RATE IS LOW These levels were last seen in July 2008. Unemployment rate, Bachelor's-degree holde rs 2.8% The outlook is even better Unemployment rate, entire population for those who hold a 5.7% Bachelor's degree or higher. What does that mean? A college degree-specifically a Bachelor's degree-is something employers look for, and employer competition for candidates with a Bachelor's degree is about to heat up. EARNINGS ARE RISING Average hourly earnings, Average hourly earnings, month-over-month year-over-year +0.3% +1.9% There are better jobs to be had and better salaries to be earned. We have turned the corner toward a job-seeker's market. There is still considerable competition for those jobs, so it's critical to set yourself apart and much of that is in your control. WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR? Rasmussen College surveyed more then 260 83% 88% employers on the most 66% 85% Dress professionally effective and Unprofess ional dress the most Present well-written resume Poor hygiene 46% offensive Deliver confident No resume things a job-seeker introductory elevator speech 49% Lack of confident, 43% Have experience in the field compelling elevator s peech can do at a network ing event. 38% Know about business No wledge about my 42% 18% business Contact me after the event 26% No experience in the field The National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE) surveyed hiring managers on what skills they would prioritize when recru iting in 2015. RESULTS: 1. (tie) Ability to work in a team structure 2. (tie) Ability to make decisions and solve problems TOP 5 ARE SOFT SKILLS: 3. Ability to commun icate verbally with people inside and outside an organ ization skills and attributes that enable a person to interact with others 4. Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work 5. Ability to obtain and process information effectively THE GREAT NEWS: THE MO0ST IMPORTANT STEPS JOB-SEEKERS CAN TAKE ARE COMPLETELY WITHIN THEIR CONTROL. Now is the time to find a professional to help. Bu ild your resume and Linked In profile Practice your Dress in profession al workplace attire Develop and practice an elevator speech interviewing skills To contact a Rasmussen College Career Services expert, visit www.Rasmussen.edu or stop by one of the Rasmussen College Community Career Fairs. For a complete list of career fair events, visit www.Rasmussen.edu/careerfair. RASMUSSEN COLLEGE