Section+1.4

Learning Objective: Research and describe employment-related trends (eg. labor market analysis, occupational outlook data etc) Learning Objective: Identify and predict future changes / trends in education, work and society and their impact on the individual.

=Section 1.4 Trends in Job Seeking and Employment=

Trends in Job Seeking
We know that change is continuous, specifically as it relates to technology. As companies (and governments) seek ways in which to save money and be more profitable they will constantly shift responsibilities from high labour costs to lower cost technology solutions when they can.

In the past Fortune 500 Companies relied heavily on Head Hunting Firms, to locate talent and assist them with hiring the best and the brightest. Mid Size corporations often relied heavily on an HR department to recruit from local Colleges and Universities. Primary mechanisms for recruitment from small to large companies were Advertisements in regional and local newspapers and word of mouth within social networks. However, with the arrival of Web 2.0 and the impact that sites like Monster.com and the like have had on job searches, many are predicting a revolution in the way in which all companies engage in finding the best talents.

Some have placed great expectations in the abilities of things like [|Ryze], [|Linked-In], [|Spoke] and [|Friendster] to assist individuals in finding work through on-line Social networking. Others believe that the responsibility of finding work will rest entirely on an individual, who will be expected to create an on-line portfolio that other will access. With the advance of RSS technology; Job seekers have the ability to keep informed of all changes in job opportunities at specific companies, in particular geographic and industry areas.

Read the following article, (take time to find the date that it was written on), [|Job Seeking in the 21st Century].

Reflect on the following questions in the discussion section: A) Is this article out of touch with current trends? B) What tools does the author state will be essential in the future? C) Why does the author state that online Resumes need to be written differently than paper copies?

Trends in Employment
Many Government agencies provide ongoing analysis regarding employment trends and changes in the economy as they occur. In addition they try to provide predictive information regarding future employment trends. In North Eastern BC the NE post a monthly update on employment trends. Read the most recent trend information in the [|Northeastern Review.] (Find the link at the bottom of the page to reach the North Eastern Review).

While you are reading this report on trends in work in North Eastern BC, I want you to consider the following question: In which ways is North Eastern, BC different than the rest of the province? Record as many significant differences as you find. //Go into the discussion section and post some of your observations regarding these trends. What do they mean for you future?// Take time to respond to at least one other students reflections.

You can find many detailed reports on employment trends in BC or any other region for that matter on the internet.

Some of the best resources for these reports are:


 * 1) Local Chamber of Commerce
 * 2) Regional District Offices
 * 3) Provinicial Ministries
 * 4) [|Stats Canada]
 * 5) [|Human Resources and Social Development Canada]
 * 6) [|YES - Youth employment Services]
 * 7) [|Job Futures]
 * 8) [|Jobs Etc.]

Review the seven major trends that are impacting the future of work. [|Trends.] Chose one of those trends and explain how you feel it may impact you in the future. Post your reflections on the discussion board.

Return to Unit Overview or go on to 1.5