THE BEST STATE TO FIND A JOB THIS MONTH

 

SEE WHICH STATES COULD PROVIDE THE BEST CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND WHICH ONES YOU MIGHT BE BEST OFF AVOIDING, WITH OUR COMPLETE RUNDOWN OF THE COUNTRY’S JOB SCENE.

Finding a job isn’t always as easy as looking for a new company to work for — sometimes it means you need to look for a whole new place to live, with some states offering far more opportunities than others.

We look at where in the US is the best place for your career, highlighting which state has the most jobs available and where you might be better off avoiding. Book the movers — your new home (and new job) are waiting. We’ve scanned the country and put pins in a map for the best places to work. It’s time to start asking around for some sturdy cardboard boxes, ’cause you’ve got some packing to do.

THE TOP 10 STATES FOR FINDING WORK THIS MONTH:

1. South Dakota offers more August jobs than anywhere else

If you’re spending summer looking for work, heading to South Dakota could see sunshine on your horizon. The state is bursting with new opportunities, seeing 653 new jobs go live in the last month alone for the 13,469 people registered as unemployed.

In total, there are 4.89 jobs for every 100 unemployed people in South Dakota, with the most popular role being that of Retail Merchandiser.

Could you see yourself going south? Check out all our South Dakota jobs.

2. New Hampshire had 939 jobs go live last month

Despite being known as the Granite State, the New Hampshire job market isn’t too hard to break into. In fact last month they saw 939 new jobs hit the market, giving hope to the 21,555 people currently unemployed in the area.

With 4.36 jobs on offer for every 100 looking for work, opportunities are out there if you’re willing to make the move. Explore all our New Hampshire jobs.

3. North Dakota offers 4.02 jobs for every 100 unemployed

It isn’t only South Dakota where opportunities are presenting themself - its northern sister also has plenty on offer, posting 651 new jobs throughout the past month. Despite being the third least populous state in the country, its retail market is thriving, with 6.67% of all new jobs listed being for Retail Merchandiser.

Can you see yourself in the Great Plains? Check out all our North Dakota careers

4. Nebraska has over 1,000 new jobs up for grabs

Home to the world’s largest ever mammoth fossil, Nebraska has more than just a fascinating past to draw you in. The state posted 1,012 new jobs last month, with a thriving retail sector and buzzing university town in Lincoln offering plenty of places to find work.

The state’s rock formations and natural wonders have been attracting people for centuries. Could its job market see you make the move? With 3.91 jobs per 100 unemployed, you’ve got a fair shot at landing something you love. Check out all our Nebraska jobs.

5. Choose from over 4,000 new jobs in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to some of the most successful Fortune 500 companies in the world. Target, General Mills and Polaris all base their HQs in the state, making it a thriving place to get your foot in the door for a great range of careers. The summer months have brought even more jobs out of hibernation, adding a further 4,145 to their already bursting collection.

Fancy calling The Twin Cities home? See all our open Minnesota jobs

6. Iowa saw nearly 2,000 new jobs posted in the last month

Iowa? I hardly know her! Not only does Iowa have the most pigs of any state (it’s true, google it), it also has a fair few jobs on the market. In the last month, 1,893 job postings based in Iowa went live. That’s 2.85 jobs available for every 100 unemployed people.

Ever wanted to live in the Hawkeye State? Have a look through our Iowa job listings.

7. Georgia’s job market is booming

With more jobs posted in the last month than any other state on this list (5,929, to be exact), Georgia has plenty of opportunities to offer jobseekers. The state is full of iconic attractions, such as Stone Mountain, Savannah (supposedly America’s most haunted city), and of course, a ridiculously large amount of peaches.

With so much to offer both culturally and professionally, and 2.85 jobs available per 100 unemployed people, this just might be your new home.

Hop on that midnight train and browse all our Georgia job listings now.

8. There were over 1,500 Kansas job postings last month

Known across the world as the setting of one of the most iconic musicals ever made, the so-called Sunflower State offers plenty of jobs for those searching for somewhere to call ‘home’. We posted 1,578 jobs based in Kansas last month, and the state recorded only 55,959 unemployed people, out of a population of nearly three million.

Whether you like the look of Kansas City, Wichita, or Topeka, there are plenty of Kansas job listings on our website.

9. Utah, the Beehive State, has ample opportunities for workers

Home of the best skiing in the country, and some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, Utah offers so much alongside the 1,244 jobs posted last month. The state currently has 2.81 job openings per 100 unemployed people, so if you’ve ever wanted a change of scene, and for that scene to specifically involve Salt Lakes of any kind, you’re in luck.

As long as you’re not planning on catching fish using a crossbow, or causing a catastrophe (both are illegal in the state of Utah), see what Utah based jobs are available on our website.

10. Alabama is the 10th best state to find a job

Just making its way into the top 10, Alabama has proven to be a great state to find a job in over the past month. Known for the amazing food on offer, being the cultural soul of the Deep South, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros’ claim of loving their ‘Ma and Pa’, Alabama is a great place to look if you fancy a change.

With 8.13% of its 2,053 jobs being in Retail Merchandising, this is the perfect place to have your eyes on if this is your area of choice.

Has the Heart of Dixie captured your heart? Browse all available Alabama jobs today.

The top 10 states for August job hunting:

Rank	State	Unemployed (last month)	Jobs posted	Jobs per 100 unemployed
1	South Dakota	13,469	653	4.85
2	New Hampshire	21,555	939	4.36
3	North Dakota	16,213	651	4.02
4	Nebraska	25,887	1,012	3.91
5	Minnesota	121,637	4,145	3.41
6	Iowa	66,358	1,893	2.85
7	Georgia	208,033	5,929	2.85
8	Kansas	55,959	1,578	2.82
9	Utah	44,206	1,244	2.81
10	Alabama	73,744	2,053	2.78

The worst five states to find a job in August 2021:

Not every state offers ample opportunities if you’re looking for work. Whether that’s due to a high population or just a scarcity of employers, some make the job hunt much harder, and could leave you looking elsewhere for opportunities.

1. Nevada is the worst state for August job seekers
The gold rush is certainly on hold in Nevada, as jobs dry up over the summer season. While 954 were listed last month, when shared out between the 122,104 people looking for work in the state, that’s barely enough to go around. In fact, for every 100 job hunters there are only 0.78 jobs available.

Fancy your chances? Take a look at our Nevada jobs.

2. New York offers 0.85 jobs for every 100 people looking
They might have named it twice, but The Big Apple certainly isn’t big on job opportunities right now. The state currently has 726,438 registered as unemployed, providing huge competition for the 6,192 jobs posted last month.

Explore all our New York jobs.

3. California has almost 1.5 million job hunters
Despite being home to Silicon Valley and some of the most successful tech companies in the world, California also struggles with a huge unemployment problem. In fact at the last time of counting, 1.45 million people were out of work in the state, all fighting over last month’s relatively small addition of 13,426 new jobs.

If you’re up to the challenge, explore all our California jobs.

4. The job market in Texas is fairly slow this summer
They say everything’s bigger in Texas, but this is not the case with their employment numbers. One of the largest US states, the unemployment rate is very high, recording 908,527 people without jobs last month. Additionally, with only 10,049 jobs posted in Texas in the same time period, there are currently only 1.11 job openings per 100 unemployed people.

The BBQ may be great in Texas, but the odds of finding a job certainly aren’t. Think you can beat the odds? Browse all our Texas jobs and see what happens.

5. There were under 3,000 job postings in Arizona last month
A desert both in terms of its geography and its job market, Arizona is currently the 5th worst state to find a job in. With 244,719 unemployed people competing for 2,792 jobs, the job market is ironically an environment perfect for the famous Saguaro cactus: dry.

If you ask us, it’s best to keep your visit to Arizona purely touristic for now. Is living in the Grand Canyon State worth the work? Have a look at our Arizona job listings.

Rank	State	Unemployed (last month)	Jobs posted	Jobs per 100 unemployed
1	Nevada	122,104	954	0.78
2	New York	726,438	6,192	0.85
3	California	1,456,856	13,426	0.92
4	Texas	908,527	10,049	1.11
5	Arizona	244,719	2,792	1.14

Are you ready to make the move?

No matter which state you have your eyes on or which field you want to work in, we can help. You’ll find thousands of brand new job listings on our website each day. Whether you have been persuaded by one of the top 10 states in this article, or want to go somewhere completely different, we’ll help you find a job you love. Search for your next job and start packing your bags.

10 FINANCIALLY REWARDING JOBS THAT PAY $100K A YEAR

 

ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR A FINANCIALLY REWARDING CAREER? THEN CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF 10 JOBS THAT PAY $100K A YEAR OR MORE AND REQUIRE A BACHELOR'S DEGREE OR LESS.

It's not always necessary to attend an expensive college or university for eight years in order to land a job that pays $100,000 a year. Many financially rewarding careers require four years or less of post-secondary training. This is great news, as you can get a high-paying job without accruing thousands of dollars in student loan debt.

Here are 10 jobs in various trades that are currently paying $100k a year or more.

INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYST

An information security analyst develops security measures that keep computer systems and networks protected from breaches. They also:

• Develop strategic plans for protecting computer systems
• Investigate security breaches when they occur
• Create recovery plans that will restore computer and data systems

Most information security analysts have a bachelor's degree in a computer science or technology field. Some potential employers also like applicants to have related work experience. The average salary of an information security analyst is $102,600 per year.

CHEMICAL ENGINEER

Another job that pays $100k a year or more is a chemical engineer. These individuals use mathematical and scientific principles to produce and manufacture fuels, pharmaceuticals, food, and other related products. They also develop health and safety procedures for those who work with these substances.

This position requires a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. The current average yearly salary is $105,500.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Air traffic controllers have an extremely important job, as they supervise air traffic movement, directing planes as they arrive and depart from airports. The main focus of their job is to keep airplanes at a safe distance from each other.

This specialized position requires either a two- or four-year degree in aviation and makes an average of $129,750 per year.

SALES ENGINEER

Sales engineers are also one of the many jobs that pay $100k a year or more. These sales representatives typically market scientific and technological products to a variety of businesses and organizations. To perform well at their jobs, sales engineers need a wide range of skills, such as:

• Great sales skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Customer service skills

A sales engineer may require a bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent training and experience, along with amazing sales skills. The average annual salary of a sales engineer is $103,710.

FINANCIAL MANAGER

A financial manager is responsible for the economic well-being of an organization or company. They perform a variety of tasks that include:

• Creating financial reports
• Directing investment activities
• Developing plans for long-term financial goals
• Advising in various financial situations
• Overseeing and maintaining budgets

A financial manager requires a bachelor's degree in any financial area. Many employers also like their financial managers to have experience in a related occupation, such as accounting, auditing, or financial analysis. This position pays, on average, $131,710 per year.

PLUMBER

Many highly skilled trades, like plumbers, don't usually require a secondary education degree. An individual can become a plumber by attending a vocational school or apprenticeship program. Plumbers perform several tasks, such as:

• Installing plumbing in new homes and commercial buildings
• Repairing leaky pipes, broken appliances, and damaged plumbing systems
• Working with pipelines and pipe systems that carry water, steam, liquids, or gases

A plumber can begin making $100,000 per year upon completion of their apprenticeship or after they earn a vocational school certificate.

ACTUARY

An actuary is an individual who works for insurance companies or other related companies. They use statistical data to estimate the financial costs of life-altering events such as car accidents and other catastrophic incidents. By creating strategies based on their findings, an actuary reduces the financial risk of life-altering events and improves profitability for these companies. An actuary position requires a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or a similar field. The average annual salary is $105,900.

COMPUTER NETWORK ARCHITECT

A computer network architect develops communication networks that meet both the current and future needs of commercial businesses and organizations. Also called network engineers, these individuals design and build:

• Data communication networks
• Local area networks (LANs)
• Wide area networks (WANs)
• Intranets

This position requires a computer-related bachelor's degree and some employers also prefer information technology experience. The average salary for a computer network architect is $120,520.

ART DIRECTOR

An art director is a creative professional that oversees the visual style of various media outlets, including printed publications, product packaging, movies, and television. They work alongside many other creative talents, such as artists, writers, and photographers. This position often requires a bachelor's degree in an art-related field and can make, on average, $100,890 per year.

MEDICAL OR HEALTH SERVICES MANAGER

Another role that often pays $100k a year or more is a medical or health services manager. This important job supervises any type of medical office, such as hospital departments, private medical practices, or long-term care facilities. A medical manager conducts a wide range of tasks, such as:

• Coordinating staff schedules
• Maintaining budgets
• Creating efficient record-keeping methods
• Providing efficient services that result in timely and compassionate patient care

A medical or health services manager should have a bachelor's degree in health care management. Their typical annual salary is $101,340.

As you can see, it is possible to earn $100,000 or more per year with a four-year degree or less. If you're currently looking for a well-paying job, take advantage of our job search tools by creating a profile on CareerBuilder today.

Job Termination and Your Resume

 No matter how you left, you need to present the best accomplishments you made at the job to prospective employers.

Your employer just let you go. You need to find another job, but how should you address the termination on your resume? It depends on whether you were laid off versus fired, but a few rules apply across the board.

First, consider that the days when you signed on with an employer and stuck around until retirement are gone. The latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest the average worker’s tenure with one employer is 4.2 years. Employers are more understanding when they see job changes than in past, but concern persists on how to explain it on the resume. Here’s how to handle it.

Don't Mention It

A resume should present your qualifications in a positive light. Including details of a job loss—particularly if you were fired—is not going to do you any favors.

No matter how sour your termination and interest in telling your side of the story, the resume is not the place for gory details. Let the resume do its job of opening doors, and you can explain the situation at job interviews.

Don’t Fudge the End Date

If your job is officially over, resist the urge to keep the position listed as “to present” on your resume, giving the impression that you’re still employed. The job termination will eventually come to light and hiring managers might think you tried to mislead them.

Explain a Layoff in Your Cover Letter

If your termination was due to a layoff rather than a performance-related issue, consider mentioning it in your cover letter. You can write something like this:

As you may have read, (company name) announced a round of layoffs, and my position was eliminated. My performance has consistently been rated as outstanding, and I am looking forward to repeating my record of success for my next employer... 

Focus on Your Accomplishments

Your resume should impress potential employers by highlighting your accomplishments and value proposition on your resume. Even if hiring managers are wondering why you left your job, your resume should be strong enough for you to receive interview invitations.

When updating your resume, it can be difficult to put your emotions aside and write a compelling description for the employer that let you go. But this is exactly what you need to do.

If you're stuck, seek the opinions of former colleagues who respect your work and ask about your performance. They might remind you about accomplishments that you took for granted or forgot about.

Here are questions to consider regarding your performance:

• Did you take on responsibilities outside your original position scope? Did you juggle multiple projects while maintaining the highest emphasis on quality?
• What were your strongest contributions to your employer? In what ways did you excel at your job, and how did your employer benefit from having you on board? Specific, measurable outcomes have the biggest impact.
• Did you go above and beyond the call of duty? How did you contribute to bottom-line results?
• What types of challenges did you face? What did you do to overcome these challenges? How did your performance benefit your employer?
• Did you implement processes or procedures that improved efficiency? Were you known for fast or accurate work output?
• Were you part of a team that was recognized with awards or accolades? Did you receive positive commendations by your supervisors (or clients, customers, vendors, co-workers, etc.)?

Boost Your Resume Confidence (for Free)

Whether you were laid off versus fired, it's completely understandable if you don't feel 100% confident about your resume, given the circumstances. Once you're ready to get out there, let Monster take over. Want to double-check your resume is up to the challenge? You can get a free resume evaluation from Monster. We can show you some extra measures you can take to correct any errors and improve any weak spots. Don't be discouraged; take action and start on the path to a great new job.