If you are reading this, you are probably looking for a job.

The most recent data from the Labor Department shows that there are 2.4 million job openings available across the country. Sounds great, right?

Here’s the challenge: The 2.4 millions jobs pales in comparison to the over 15 million people who are unemployed. In other words, there are over six people available for each job. On top of this, 85,000 more jobs were lost in December 2009.

While this may sound overwhelming, here is one strategy for finding a new position in ANY job environment: Go where the growth is.

I know you are thinking, “you just said that 85,000 jobs were lost last month”. Indeed, but this across the economy as a whole. Looking closely at the numbers from the Labor Department, some secrets about the job market are revealed:

• Professional and Technical Services gained almost 9,000 jobs. The two key subcategories here were architectural / engineering services and computer systems design.
• Health Care and Social Assistance added nearly 25,000 jobs. Specific areas of growth: offices of physicians, home health care services, and hospitals.
• Federal Government created over 3,000 jobs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics published a survey in 2008 showing that Americans hold an average of 10.8 jobs over the course of their careers. Don’t be afraid to learn a new skill, and go where the growth is.