- Over the past year, tens of millions of workers have quit their jobs.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that American employment will grow by 11.9 million, from 153.5 million in 2020 to 165.4 million in 2030.
- In the next decade, computer and mathematical occupations are expected to see fast employment growth as strong demand is expected for IT security and software development.
The labor crisis of 2021 resulted in a record number of workers leaving their job – tens of millions actually.
It would seem that there is a surplus of jobs now, and a possibility that many workers will be on the lookout for a new job in 2022.
The rise in remote/hybrid working, as well as the increasing need for tech workers, is changing the job market landscape for the foreseeable future.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that American employment will grow by 11.9 million, from 153.5 million in 2020 to 165.4 million in 2030. Industries such as tech, analytics, and IT are the most likely to see a massive boom.
Technological advancements are expected to support strong employment growth in professional, business, and scientific services industries, including computer systems design and related services (2.1% projected annual employment growth from 2020–30) as well as management, scientific, and technical consulting services (2%), according to the BLS.
In the next decade, computer and mathematical occupations are expected to see fast employment growth as strong demand is expected for IT security and software development, in part due to increased prevalence of remote and hybrid work spurred on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are some hot jobs for 2022?
1. Software developers
Software developers are one of the top occupations on the market right now. U.S. News and World Report ranked it as their top job overall in their list of the 100 best jobs for 2020 as well as number one in both STEM and technology fields.
Between 2020 and 2030, there are 409,500 new jobs projected for software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers.
Employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 22% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
2. General and operations managers
Between 2020 and 2030, there are 226,300 new jobs projected for positions as general and operations managers.
These managers plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.
Employment of general and operations managers is projected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029, as organizations will continue to rely on these workers to help them operate successfully.
3. Accountants and Auditors
Globalization, a growing economy, and a complex tax and regulatory environment are expected to continue to lead to strong demand for accountants and auditors.
The need for people skilled in this profession continues to grow, and will increase by 7% in the next decade and add 96,000 more jobs to the workforce.
4. Mental Health Professionals
This is not a profession that can be automated; that’s why there’s an expected growth rate of 23% (75,100 new projected jobs) in the field of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors between 2020 and 2030.
5. Market research analysts and marketing specialists
Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service, and because most industries use market research, these analysts are employed throughout the economy.
Employment of market research analysts is projected to grow 22% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This will result in 163,600 added jobs in the next decade.
6. Financial Managers
The financial health of a business falls upon the shoulders of a financial manager.
Businesses are booming post-COVID, so the need for someone to keep these businesses operating as financially safe as possible will continue to rise.
The projected job growth for this profession from 2020-2030 is 107,000 (19%). Not to mention the average salary is a whopping $125,080!
7. Computer and information systems managers
Demand for computer and information systems managers will grow as firms increasingly expand their operations to digital platforms, and employment growth will result from the need to bolster cybersecurity in computer and information systems used by businesses.
The projected job growth for this profession is 11% – adding 52,700 jobs to the economy by 2030.
8. Alternative Energy Installers and Technicians
With the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasting that electricity generation from non-hydropower renewable energy sources will increase by 2% from 2021 to 2022, both wind and solar power are going to take a bigger share of national electricity output — and employment.
In late 2020, the BLS projected that wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic installers will be two of the top three fastest-growing occupations in the United States over the next decade.
Wind turbine service technician jobs are expected to grow 60.7% from 2019 to 2029, with solar photovoltaic installers not far behind at 50.5%.
9. Management Analysts (aka Consultant)
Demand for consulting services is expected to increase as organizations seek ways to improve efficiency and control costs. As markets become more competitive, firms will need to use resources more efficiently.
The projected job growth for this profession is 14% – adding 124,400 jobs by 2030.
10. Data Analysts
If there’s one field that has exploded in the last decade, it’s the field of data analytics.
The amount of data that businesses are generating, storing, selling, and sharing is greater than ever, and companies need data to make informed decisions.
According to the BLS, employment of operations and research analysts (including data analysts) is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Here are some actionable tips for landing that post-Great Resignation career-of-a-lifetime
In order to land your ideal career, focus on crafting a unique-to-the-job resume and cover letter that showcases your skills and passion for the position.
The one-click era of applying for jobs on LinkedIn or Ziprecruiter can be overwhelming for employers, and many hiring managers still use cover letters as a way to filter through and figure out which candidates genuinely want to work for their company.
The search for candidates filling higher-level positions often tends to be largely network-based, so try to get in touch with current employees at the company that you want to work for and connect with them!
Lastly, do not forget to follow up with whoever interviewed you for the job. Within an hour of leaving the interview, email a thank-you note. Then, follow up within three days, and then a week, and so on—until you get a clear yes or no. This keeps you in your interviewer’s mind.
