The job search is hard (trust me, I’m a senior in college starting to look for jobs, so I’m beginning to get it).
It’s tough to know where to start, and it certainly doesn’t help if the state you live in ranks 45th on a list of best states for jobs.Â
WalletHub compared the 50 states in 34 different job-market-related categories and found that Indiana ranked in the middle or bottom of all of them. The personal-finance website study released the report after finding “the unemployment rate at 3.9% and labor force participation at the highest level since the onset of the pandemic.â€
The Hoosier state came in 36th for job opportunities, 39th for employment growth, and 38th for unemployment rate. However, Indiana workers benefit from the state being 18th for monthly average starting salary.Â
“The past few years have been volatile for job seekers, going from massive unemployment to worker shortages,†Cassandra Happe, a WalletHub analyst, said in a press release. “[But] living in one of the best states for jobs can help you not just secure a career but also improve your chances of getting competitive wages, good benefits, and high job security.â€Â
According to the report, Washington is the best state for jobs because workers aren’t charged income tax and they’re also offered high pay and loads of employment protections. Less than 4.2% of employed Washingtonians live below the poverty line, which is the fifth-lowest percentage in the country.Â
The average wage in Indiana is $20.05 per hour, according to Workstream, which is $4.34 lower than the national average but translates into $41,600 per year.Â
Now, Indiana wasn’t the only Midwest state near the bottom of the list—Kentucky rounded out the bottom at No. 49. Ohio and Illinois also ranked below average, coming in 31st and 40th respectively.Â
While the search may continue, keep in mind these are just numbers and there are things you can do to help you land the best job for you. Here are some things you can do:Â
Consider applying for online jobs
After the pandemic, lots of employers have started offering hybrid or work-from-home positions—because of this, you could potentially work in a different state without having to uproot your life.
Network with anyone and everyone
Sometimes it’s not what you know but who you know. If you have a strong work ethic and are friendly, it can go a long way.
Use the worker shortage to your advantage
Push for a better salary or better benefits when negotiating during the hiring stage.
Don’t limit your options to a specific field or even location
By showing that you are adaptable and versatile, with soft skills like strong communication, creativity or tech skills, you can land a job you never would have thought.Â
Tack on showing yourself care and patience. These are tips I’ll be using as I continue to pursue my post-graduate plans.
It’s going to take a little bit of work because finding a job takes time and just that—work.
