January 2019 Jobs Report

January 2019 Jobs ReportJanuary 2019 Jobs ReportJob growth surged in January as employers added 304,000 positions. That number is well above what most economists had expected. It also marks the 100th straight month of payroll expansion.The following industries led job growth in January, according to the BLSLeisure and hospitality - 74,000 jobs addedEducation and health services - 55,000 jobs addedConstruction - 52,000 jobs addedProfessional and business services - 30,000 jobs addedTransportation and warehousing - 26,600 jobs addedRevised numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that overall job growth in 2018 was more than 2.6 million.Unemployment at 4.0 percentThe national unemployment satz rose to 4.0 percent in January, up from 3.9 percent in December. The recent federal government shutdown contributed to the increase, according to the BLS. Nevertheless, the unemployment rate remains near historic lows.The unemployment rate for college-degreed workers who are 25 or older - the professionals who are in the highest demand by employers - also rose last month. It was 2.4 percent in January, up from 2.1 percent in December.What employers need to knowIf your business is falling short of its recruitment goals, the tight employment market may only be partly to blame. Another possibility is that your hiring requirements are too stringent.You should apply high standards when hiring talent for your firm, of course. But you must be careful not to set the bar so high that you overlook promising applicants who could do the job but may not meet all your must-have requirements. You also risk deterring skilled candidates from even applying.When creating your job posting and evaluating applicants, carefully select the skills and attributes that a professional absolutely needs to perform the job well. Remain flexible on everything else. This can help shorten how long it takes to hire.Its also worth enlisting the help of a recruiter, who can dig deep into a candidates qualifications and assess other important hiring factors, like organizational culture fit.Recruiters may also know of professionals who would be ideal for your team but whom you might have overlooked. These candidates may need only a little training and extra ramp-up time to succeed.START HIRINGWhat job seekers need to knowNo doubt youre aware that the employment market is in your favor. But what if youve applied to several positions and heard nothing back?Here are a few things that could be undermining your job search successYou dont include keywords in your job application materials. Many employers use tools to scan resumes and cover letters, looking for the same words that theyve used in their job postings. If youre not working in relevant keywords, your application may be getting dismissed right from the start.Youre not highlighting your soft skills. Interpersonal skills are essential for success in todays collaborative work environment. So, while an employer will wa nt to know that you can handle the technical duties of a job, theyll be just as interested in your communication skills, customer service mindset and ability to empathize with others.Youre not explaining how youve created value in previous roles. Your resume should not be a laundry list of all the responsibilities youve managed in the past. Yes, you should describe the key duties of the roles youve held. But, when possible, tie those responsibilities to clear outcomes.Also, it doesnt hurt to have help. Building a strong relationship with a recruiter can help ensure youre marketing your skills and experience most effectively. A recruiter can also identify job opportunities you might not have considered. And, most important, a recruiter can help an employer see your potential - even if you dont meet all the criteria on paper.