This blog has moved to JIST's new site!

I’m thrilled to announce that JIST Publishing has launched its new website. In addition to improved search functionality, user-friendly organization, and a great new look, the site is able to host its own blog. As a result, this particular blog will no longer be updated after today.

To view JIST’s new blog, click here.

Students and graduates should network for better career success

College students and recent graduates face a challenging job market, but expert networking can help them secure employment, Louise M. Kursmark says in her new book, Best Resumes for College Students and New Grads.

“With the ease of online search strategies, a lot of job seekers reach no further than their computers when starting to look for jobs,” Kursmark says. “Don’t make this mistake! Instead, spend most of your time talking to people you know who can give you advice, suggestions, leads and referrals that will bring you to the notice of people who can hire you.”

Kursmark offers simple tips to make networking easy and rewarding:

• Don’t ask for a job; most people won’t be able to give you one.



• Don’t assume people won’t be able to help; people have diverse connections you can’t anticipate.



• Prepare and practice your introduction.



• Try to set up an in-person meeting whenever possible.



• Don’t expect your contacts to run your job search for you.



• Be clear about your job target and how your contacts can help you.



• Use powerful social media to extend your contact network.



• Make a great impression.



• Follow the No. 1 rule of networking: “Give to get.”



• Follow up on all leads and let your contacts know how helpful they’ve been.

“Your network can open doors for you, provide valuable inside information, connect you to your dream job or dream company, and transform your job search from online drudgery and frustration to a series of positive and helpful interactions,” Kursmark says.

Additional information can be found in Best Resumes for College Students and New Grads. The book was published in January of 2012 and is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.

What JIST has in development for 2012

We’d like to wish all of our customers, authors, distributors, catalogers, and vendors a Happy New Year. Our success stems from your support and we value our relationship with each of you.
JIST has many exciting projects in development for 2012. This month we’ll launch a new and improved jist.com, which will be more user-friendly and better organized to help you find the right materials for your needs.

We’re releasing new editions of some of our most popular products, including the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2013, O*NET Career Interests Inventory, Transition-to-Work Inventory, Job Savvy, and College Majors Handbook with Real Career Paths and Payoffs.

We’re also publishing brand new titles including the Planning Your School-to-Work Transition workbook, the Military-to-Career Transition Inventory, and the Quick Military Transition Guide.

Many of these projects were pushed into development, based on the feedback of our customers. If you have your own ideas to share with us, we’d love to hear them! Many of the products we publish and the marketing materials we distribute are driven by the needs of our customers. It’s our job to help others succeed in the world of work, and we’re determined to help even more people do that in 2012.

JIST’s New 2012 Catalogs

We’re wrapping up the development of our new 2012 catalogs, which will hit mailboxes in the middle of January. These catalogs are packed with information on our new and upcoming products, popular backlist titles, as well as packages and teaching modules.

If you would like to receive our 2012 Workforce Development and Postsecondary Catalog or our 2012 School Catalog, please email sdehne@jist.com. Be sure to specify your name, title, the organization you represent, and your mailing address.

Another great way to stay on top of JIST’s newest releases, special offers, and upcoming events is to subscribe to our e-mails. If you’re interested in subscribing, email sdehne@jist.com or click here.

Fast-growing jobs hold great potential for job seekers

By Lori Michelle Ryan, JIST Publishing

The turn of the century brought many changes to the working world. Social media and the Internet are more important in our lives than ever before, and the recession slashed countless jobs and occupations. Moving forward, how do job seekers and career changers know which jobs to focus on under such tumultuous circumstances?

Job seekers should consider careers that are growing rapidly, despite the recent challenges. Author Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., breaks down the top 100 fastest-growing jobs in his new book, Best Jobs for the 21st Century. Here are the top 10:

1. Biomedical Engineers
74 percent growth

2. Home Health Aides
50 percent growth

3. Personal Care Aides
46 percent growth

4. Financial Examiners
41.2 percent growth

5. Medical Scientists (except Epidemiologists)
40.4 percent growth

6. Physician Assistants
39 percent growth

7. Skincare Specialists
37.8 percent growth

8. Biochemists and Biophysicists
37.4 percent growth

9. Athletic Trainers
36.9 percent growth

10. Physical Therapist Aides
36.3 percent growth

Additional information can be found in Best Jobs for the 21st Century. The book was published in December of 2011 and is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.