Staying up to date and being aware of economic trends is essential in a job search. A position you may be interested in could be fading from job boards while a very similar role is popping up at companies everywhere. So what are these growing jobs and what kind of work is required? Pulling data from national employment resources, CareerBuilder’s Supply & Demand Portal compiled a sample of occupations for which job listings have increased more than 30 percent since this time last year.
“The world’s dependency on technology, the pervasiveness of social media, and the need to drive sales and expand into new markets are all driving double-digit growth across a variety of fields,” says Matt Ferguson, CEO OF CareerBuilder. Interested in learning more about these trending positions?
Among occupations with more than 30 percent growth in job listings since last year are:
1. Software engineer* – job listings are up 74 percent year-over-year
Software engineers and developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. With the proliferation of smart devices and the Internet and the race to get innovations to market first, tech-savvy workers are in high demand.
2. Customer service representative – up 50 percent
Customer service representatives interact with customers on behalf of an organization. They provide information about products and services and respond to customer complaints. Some also take orders and process returns. Companies continue to invest in strengthening customer loyalty and extending sales opportunities across industries.
3. Social media manager – up 48 percent
A position that didn’t exist in many companies five years ago, social media managers are being added to employee rosters as companies tap into the power of Facebook, Twitter and other venues to increase visibility, market their products and manage brand perceptions.
4. Truck driver – up 45 percent
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor-trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds per gross vehicle weight. They deliver goods over intercity routes, sometimes spanning several states. An uptick in manufacturing activity and the demand for goods and services are keeping the roads busy.
5. Pharmacy technician – up 43 percent
Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication. An aging population and a sharp increase in the number of Americans with access to medical care is driving demand across health-related professions.
6. Training & development manager – up 41 percent
Training and development managers plan, direct and coordinate programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of an organization’s employees. They also oversee a staff of training and development specialists. Despite a tough job market, one-third of employers currently have positions for which they can’t find qualified candidates and half of all employers reported they have plans to hire workers who have no experience in their industries and train them. They need training managers to help fill the gaps for high skill positions and get employees up to speed.
7. Financial analyst – up 39 percent
Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds and other types of investments. Still recovering from one of the deepest recessions felt across the globe, companies need individuals who can provide guidance on market trends and investment decisions.
8. Video editor – up 36 percent
Film and video editors and camera operators record images that entertain or inform an audience. Editors construct the final productions from many different images camera operators capture. 48 hours of video are uploaded on YouTube every minute. Companies continue to invest in ways to take their messages and initiatives viral. Video has become an integral way organizations share news about their organizations externally and internally.
9. Sales representative – up 35 percent
Sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies and other organizations. They contact customers, explain product features, answer any questions that their customers may have and negotiate prices. Companies need individuals who can deepen market penetration and drive top-line growth for their organizations.
10. Chef/Cook – up 34 percent
Chefs and cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants or other places where food is served. They direct kitchen staff and handle any food-related concerns. Restaurant and food service jobs are increasing as the economy improves and households have more flexibility in spending.
*All job descriptions are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Chefs and cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants or other places where food is served. They direct kitchen staff and handle any food-related concerns. Restaurant and food-service jobs are increasing as the economy improves and households have more flexibility in spending.Increase in year-over-year job listings: 34 percent.
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transportation products from a location to some other. The vast majority of tractor-trailer racers are long-haul drivers and run by way of a ability of no less than 26,001 pounds per gross car weight. They deliver goods around intercity routes, at times spanning several states. The uptick in manufacturing activity plus the demand for goods and professional services are keeping the streets busy.
