Employment in Metro Atlanta on the Rise

By Mary Booth Thomas

If you're relocating to Atlanta and looking for job opportunities, your prospects are good. Despite the softening of the economy in the past year, Atlanta's job market is still robust.

If you're relocating to Atlanta and looking for job opportunities, your prospects are good. Despite the softening of the economy in the past year, Atlanta's job market is still robust.

"People who are looking for a job in Atlanta will probably find one even though the market is a little softer," says Vince Jennings, vice president of Kelly Services, Inc. "We receive job orders every day from companies located around the metro Atlanta area, looking for people in fields that range from light industrial and manufacturing to professional and technical jobs."

Consider this: The metropolitan Atlanta area ranked second in the nation in creation of new jobs in 2005 and 2006, according to the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

The metro Atlanta area created over 54,600 new jobs in 2007 and 60,000 jobs in 2006. In addition, the city is fifth among cities with the most Fortune 500 headquarters, according to Chamber statistics.

Robust sectors include professional and business services, education, health services and government jobs, reports Ed Lawrence, assistant director of workforce information and analysis for the Georgia Department of Labor.

There's been no slowdown in the job market for people in accounting, engineering or the medical field, especially for nurses, Jennings says.

The job market is also strong in the information technology, legal, financial and scientific fields, he adds.

Other sectors are slowing somewhat and it may take a job hunter a little longer than it would have a year or so ago, depending on what kind of skill set they bring to the market, he says.

If you are in a professional type job and are following your spouse, ask your company about the possibility of transfer opportunities.

If that's not possible, ask business acquaintances and friends for the names of people they know in Atlanta. Even if they aren't in your field, they may know someone who is and can point you toward job opportunities.

"Networking and generating referrals from people you know are always the best way to find a job," Jennings says.

Research the Atlanta area to find companies that provide similar services and make them your first target, suggests Jennings.

"Even if someone's company doesn't have a location in Atlanta, there is a good likelihood that there are a similar group of companies in Atlanta that can use a particular type of skill. A good plan would be to look at those companies and see what opportunities they offer," he advises

Check the company's Web site for career postings. Internet career sites such as CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com and the job boards of your professional organization can help you identify other jobs in your field, he adds.

Before you start a serious job search, narrow down the area in which you want to work based on where you will be living, Jennings advises.

"The first thing we ask people is what part of town they live in. Atlanta's rush-hour traffic can be a nightmare so it's wise for people to keep their commute time in mind when they look at jobs. It can make a huge difference, particularly if they are going to be driving during peak traffic times," he adds.

Then, before you take a job, drive from your future home to the job site in rush hour traffic a few times to make sure the commute is tolerable.

Job placement services such as Kelly can be invaluable in helping you find a job, particularly in a new city.

When you call a placement firm, you'll be asked to fill out an application and come for an initial interview with a recruiter. As job openings occur that may fit your needs, the recruiter will notify you, give you a time slot for an interview, give you directions to the job site, and follow up with you and the employer after the interview.

Before you come to the interview with a recruiter, narrow down your choices to a particular industry or field and know, and be able to explain what skills you bring to the table, Jennings advises.

Update your resume or at least compile detailed information on your job history so the recruiter can help you develop an effective resume.

To comply with Homeland Security regulations, you'll need to provide personal identification records such as a driver's license, passport a social security card or birth certificate.

Come to the initial interview with an employment firm with the idea of making the same kind of first impression you want to make on any employer, Jennings advises.

Dress professionally, answer questions clearly and precisely, and give the impression that you will bring value to a company that employs you, he says.

"Dress codes vary from company to company but if you don't know the dress code, it's always better to be overdressed rather than underdressed. When I visit a client and I don't know, I wear a suit," he says.

Many companies have a business casual dress code, which means slacks and a button-down shirt for men and a blouse and skirt or slacks for women. Jeans and T-shirts are never appropriate, he adds.

If you have been out of the job market for a while or just don't know what kind of job you want, consider taking short-term assignments to see how you like a certain field.

"This allows people to build up their confidence in the workplace and build up their resume so they will be more qualified for a full-time job," he says.

Temporary, closed-end assignments are also available for people with a variety of skill levels, who don't want to take a full-time, permanent job, Jennings says.

The employers may be looking for people to help with particular projects or seasonal temporary help, such as hiring additional CPAs to work during tax season.

"We get calls for temporary lawyers, nurses, phlebotomists and for people in the information technology or scientific fields. If someone wants to take some assignments without a real commitment, this gives them a great opportunity," Jennings says

Another option to consider is a temp-to-hire job which allows you to try out a job for a period of time with the option of a permanent job if your skills and the employer's needs are a good fit.

"I call it a working interview. The applicants get to try out the job and see if they like the work environment. The employer can decide if they want to extend a full-time offer. It's a win-win situation for both," he says.