Job search trends to watch for in 2017

With every new year comes a completely different job market from the one before. Different industries pick up hiring speeds, new jobs are created and even new methods for job hunting are revealed.

If you're wondering what's in store after January, look no further—we've got you covered with the job search trends of 2017.

1. Appeal to the machine and humans

The proliferation of applicant sorting software that identifies keywords in resumes has become a nightmare for job seekers who lament the good old days when a recruiter read your skills and achievements and decided if you were a good fit. However, according to Glassdoor, this practice isn't totally dead in its tracks yet.

In fact, many HR professionals understand the drawbacks of these types of recruiting software and they only use it as a preliminary tool. This means that if you're loading up your resume with a ton of keywords, perhaps trying to fit all the variants of "accounting" in there, it'll come across as rote.

Glassdoor recommended trying to tell a story with the help of keywords. You're the main character and you should relay the trials and tribulations you persevered over in your quest for success while with your previous employer.

2. Tech, tech, tech

Not only is the technology industry booming, but every other market needs technologists as well. Ivy Exec reported that 1 in every 20 new jobs created in the U.S. right now has something to do with software development or engineering.

Often, the highest-paying positions in many industries are in the technology department, as many companies try and ride the wave of the big data revolution, or get on board the enterprise resource planning trend. If you're having trouble finding a technology-related job in the tech sector, consider branching out your search to other markets.

3. Step in graduates, the water is warm

In 2013 just 1.1 percent of employers rated the job market as "excellent" for new graduates, and 16.5 percent gave it a "very good" rating. Fast forward to today and the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that moving into 2017, 7.6 percent of employers rate the hiring atmosphere as "excellent" and 29.2 percent gave it a "very good" score.

"In my industry and market I am seeing an increase in professional networking for job seekers, especially new law school graduates," says Kate Warth, Division Director of Beacon Hill's Legal Division in Houston. "Also, seeking nontraditional legal career paths has been an upward trend."

What does this mean? The market is now inching back toward being in the control of the job seeker, rather than the employer. Highly skilled candidates are in severe need everywhere as talent shortages are plaguing many industries. Use this leverage during the salary negotiation process to try and command a pay raise over what a competitor might offer, or simply wait it out for your dream job—if you have the skills, it's likely they'll give you a job offer.

4. Data is your friend

Those looking to find a job in the professional business services industry should know that these companies are looking for operations analysts more often than not. The BLS reported this position is set to grow by 27,600 new jobs in the coming years, while statisticians are expected to add just over 10,000. These jobs don't pay badly either, with the median salaries at roughly $78,000 and $84,000.

With the world trending toward technology, some may forget that the math skills they learned are still in high demand. A premium has been placed on data and those who can mold it like clay will reap the rewards.

This content is brought to you by the Marketing Team at Beacon Hill Staffing Group