Where do you get this information? Much of it can be gleaned from the want ads. But don't just look at positions you're interested in; also read other ads to get a feel for the job market as a whole. If you have a specific company in mind, monitor it by studying the content and frequency of its classified ads for a few weeks. You should also read the business section of your local newspaper and a local business paper every day, and the Wall Street Journal several times a week. It won't happen overnight, but after several weeks of gathering information you'll have a basic understanding of the Job Marketplace in the area where you want to work.
If you prefer a more documented and scientific approach, you can start with the Occupation Outlook Handbook, which is available in the reference section of your local library. This book will give you an industry and occupational overview, plus projections for growth. For local labor-market information, contact the State Employment Development Department and ask for a copy of its Annual Planning Information report. This provides data on labor force, industry trends, occupational outlooks, and social and economic statistics for all regions in your state. Also in the reference section are Standard and Poor's Industry Surveys and the U.S. Industrial Outlook, both of which describe the past, present and future performance of specific industries and the firms that make up those industries. Other useful reference books are Encyclopedia of Second Careers, Manual of Professional Career Fields, American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries, and the Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance.
To focus closer to home, ask the reference librarian for files on local business and area economic trends. Ask him or her for the Encyclopedia of Associations and the National Trade and Professional Associations of the U.S. Look up several industries you're exploring and write their trade associations a brief letter requesting industry information. The data are available free or for a nominal fee. Trade associations are excellent and often overlooked resources for creative job-seekers. If you're lucky, the information you receive may include a membership directory with local names, addresses and phone numbers-an invaluable resource for networking and informational interviewing.
Also ask the librarian for a listing of trade magazines. Read through several in the industry(ies) of your choice. If you want to know about salaries, look in America's Paychecks: Who Makes What and the Area Wage Survey for your community.
If you want to target the top firms, ask to see 100 Best Companies to Work for in America.
Mid-level managers often have a difficult time reentering the Job Marketplace because many businesses are downsizing. Often there are lots of entry-level positions available, but the competition for mid-management jobs is fierce. If you're a victim of downsizing and your last position was in middle management, you may have a tough time waltzing into something similar to or better than what you left. But there are some ways out of this predicament.
One option would be to go into business for yourself. If your experience and skills are in demand in the marketplace - but not for a hefty salary - consider peddling your services to several different organizations. It can be an attractive solution for an employer: He doesn't have to pay benefits and he can use (therefore pay) you only when he needs you. You win, too, because you get to work and get your foot in the door at the same time. If a full-time opening occurs later, you may get first crack at it. Or you may discover consulting fits you and you no longer want to work full time for someone else.
