Job search takes prep, persistence and connections

Renewable energy, especially biofuels, is a growing industry in Iowa/ Gazette file photo.

By Sue Davis Smith
and  Nancy Owen
Iowa.com

We’re in a tight economy right now and there are a lot of people out looking for work. If you’ve just lost your job, here’s a resource for laid-off workers.

Finding the right job will take persistence and patience. Where are all the jobs? Well, agriculture and food processing continue to be strong contributors to the state economy. The three largest non-farm industries include: trade, transport and utilities (310,500 workers); government (230,800); and manufacturing (229,300). Emerging industries include renewable energy, especially biofuels and wind power.

For those with at least a bachelor’s degree, the fastest growing jobs in the state include: computer software engineers, network and data analysts, and veterinarians. Master’s degree candidates can expect to see the greatest growth rate for jobs as counselors, including marriage and family counseling, mental health counselors, and substance abuse social workers.

So what should your job-hunting strategy be?

Get that resume in order! Make sure your resume highlights your skills and accomplishments. Spell-check it and have a friend read it over. It should be error free.  Also, consider creating a LinkedIn profile, which will allow you to network with others in your field and to gather recommendations.

Start combing the job sites. Many of them allow you to sign up for email notification of  jobs that match your skills or interests. Here’s a few to start:

• Corridor Careers (Cedar Rapids-Iowa City area)
• Iowa Workforce Development
• IowaJobs.net
• Consider Iowa
• Smart Career Move
• CareerBuilder (Des Moines area)
• Teach Iowa
• IA REAP (teaching jobs)
• Monster (national site)
• JobsOnline (national site)
• IT / Tech jobs – Dice.com

Hunt down area job fairs. They offer a great offortunity to get face-to-face with area employers. It’s opportunity ripe for plucking. Here are some places to start:

• Corridor Careers
• Iowa Workforce Development
• Consider Iowa

Before you go to a job fair, consider this advice.

Last, but not least, network, network, network. Our Iowa.com networking page has advice AND professional networking groups you can join.

Good luck!