Finding a job in today's fast-changing hi-tech world

By Dick Pelletier

      

    A recent World Future Society report states that technology is definitely a job killer. The whole idea of automation is to do things easier, faster, or better than humans can. Automated systems, by their very nature, are designed to replace human labor.

    In addition to automated systems stealing jobs; many financially-stressed companies have moved their facilities offshore; an increasing number of businesses outsource American jobs to India and China; and poorly-regulated immigration laws allow illegal workers to grab U.S. jobs.

    Today's recession, expected to be the most damaging since the Great Depression, has resulted in more than 5 million layoffs since January, 2008. In a recent OfficePolitics.com blog, employment consultant, John Challenger said the problem will get worse before it gets better. "U.S. unemployment could exceed 11% by mid-2010," he said.

    However it's not all doom and gloom. Consultant Edward Gordon, author of Winning the Global Talent Showdown believes that we are about to enter a technology age loaded with new jobs created by an ultra-high-tech economy. The Congressional Budget Office projects this new high-tech age could spur the American economy to a GDP of $20 trillion per year by 2019, compared with $14 trillion now.

    New technologies are creating jobs that require new skills, and well-trained flexible workers will be at a premium during the next decade. A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report predicts the largest employment demands between now and 2020 will include: Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts, Personal and Home Care Aides, Teachers and Teaching Assistants, Home Health Aides, Healthcare Administrators, and Software Engineers.

    Challenger offers the following advice for job seekers: remember, the interview should focus on you. If you present the right attributes and are well liked by the interviewer, some companies – even though they might not be hiring – are looking forward to a post-recession time when good employees will be scarce, and they may create a position today, just for you.

    Other suggestions by experts include: develop a strong online presence; participate in blogs and read newsfeeds; browse Twitter, Facebook, and Craigslist to scope out prospects. Finally, if you have the time; follow your daydreams: write that screenplay; start exercising.

    And most important, whether you're in your 20s or 80s, get back in school. The BLS believes that a lifelong education program is a must. As new fields surface, new skills are required. If you're unfamiliar with technologies, enroll in a course and get qualified for that new job.

    Unemployment may be high, but opportunities do exist. According to the international headhunter firm Heidrick & Struggles, many companies are searching for bi-lingual foreign talent. These include: Nokia, Finland; Ubisoft, Canada; BMW, Germany; Lego, Denmark; Emirates Group, United Arab Emirates; Samsung, South Korea; and Nestle, Switzerland. Although a job is certainly not guaranteed, if you think you may qualify for an overseas position, you can submit a resume at this link: http://www.heidrick.com/cc/resumecv.html.

    No one can predict how difficult finding a job will be amidst the competing elements of this hi-tech 21st century with all the mind-boggling changes coming, but one thing's for sure; new careers will be plentiful for tomorrow's retrained workers. Go "magical future."

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.