Workers search for job security
CHARLOTTE – Job security is becoming a bigger concern for many workers as the economy continues to sour.
The Employment Security Commission reports North Carolina's unemployment rate is now 7 percent – the highest it's been since 2002.
To avoid becoming a part of that statistic, many employees are working to keep their jobs.
Michael Hurst worked as a sales executive for years, but his job was eliminated about a year ago.
"I'm sorry that I'm going through this," Hurst said. "I'm sorry I have to put my family through this."
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Now, he's working with a career management company to fine-tune his skills and get a new job.
"We are getting at least double, if not two and a half, three times the number of people coming in than ever before," Robyn Crigger, of Compass Career Management, said.
Crigger said that's because jobs are becoming increasingly harder to find. But it's not only those searching for jobs asking for help.
"I've had many folks ask me, 'How can I not be downsized?' " Crigger said.
Crigger said regardless of the profession, there are a few things workers can do to make themselves an invaluable asset.
Networking with others in the industry will give workers an outlet to learn and share new ideas. Crigger said it's also a good idea to stay informed on the latest news in the industry. Considering getting an executive coach will also help employees stay at the top of their game.
Three months ago, James Ferguson hired Crigger to help him find a job in sales – the number number-one recession-proof industry, according to Washington, D.C., based recruitment company Jobfox.
Others listed on the list include:
• software design and development
• nursing
• accounting and finance executives and staff
"I was looking for a pretty progressive company with good core values, and I landed that job last week," Ferguson said.
U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics also show teaching is a recession-proof job. And the fields of energy and health care are continuing to see major growth in employment numbers.