Unemployment is up, and it seems like every outlet is saying jobs are hard to find. But if you know where to look, plenty of fields are in need of new, skilled employees.
If you've left the military and don't know what to do, consider the following list of hard jobs to fill in the U.S. from NBC News. These jobs are actually experiencing shortages of workers. However, this is due to a lack of qualified candidates. You'll need to put in some time training and educating yourself, but you'll be rewarded with a fruitful job search.
1. Skilled Trades
Skilled trades cover industries such as manufacturing and construction and skilled jobs, including electrician and plumber. These positions typically require specific training, but not usually a four-year degree. Many community colleges have programs for these types of jobs, and there are usually educational organizations for each that provide certifications and communities to assist in your job search.
2. Restaurant and Hotel Staff
If you have the patience for customer service and don't mind running around, these jobs need qualified people to fill them. Service industries aren't usually thought of as requiring skill, but excellent service is not an easy thing to provide. If you've got the endurance, energy and personality for it, these positions are ripe for the taking.
3. Sales Reps
When's the last time you sold someone something? Maybe it wasn't a product, but a fake story or an idea you wanted someone to accept. Sales positions don't require an abundance of technical knowledge, but they do require charisma and strong interpersonal skills. And based on how many sales positions are open, it seems like those skills are hard to find.
4. Teachers
Teachers don't have easy jobs, but they can be very rewarding. If you value helping the next generation of Americans learn and grow, this is definitely a position you should consider. However, be warned that while there may be teaching jobs available, they require a four-year degree and teaching credentials.
5. Drivers
Professional driving isn't usually what you see in action movies. These jobs are just about getting citizens from Point A to Point B via taxi, bus or shuttle, but that isn't as easy as it sounds. Professional driving requires thorough knowledge of traffic laws, excellent spatial awareness and familiarity with the area you're driving in. If you can navigate the roads safely and quickly, jobs are out there, waiting for you.
6. Accounting and Finance
Accounting and finance professionals are usually the first ones to tell you that their job isn't exciting. However, they are as lucrative as they are valuable. If you're gunning for job security, accounting and financing should be at the top of your list.
7. Laborers
Laborer positions are similar to skilled trades, only they don't require certification or much training. These jobs fit under a wide umbrella, so if you're good with your hands and are in decent shape, these are a good option to consider.
8. IT Staff
Information technology (IT) professionals are a commodity. The internet is a fundamental part of just about every company in the U.S., and it requires a vast swath of professionals to keep it up and running at the office. If you have any technical aptitude, seriously consider obtaining the right degree and certifications to fill these jobs.
9. Engineers
Engineers typically enjoy large paychecks, but getting the right education can be difficult. First, you need to pick a specialization, then it takes at least four years in college to get the right degree. Although the training takes a long time, engineers enjoy job security, especially since these positions are in demand.
10. Nurses
Nursing can be a very lucrative job, but it requires the right education and certification. Even if you didn't serve in a medical military occupational specialty (MOS), you can go into a bachelor's or similar program and set yourself on the path to nursing.
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