Best States that are Hiring: Despite its recovery since the financial crisis of 2008, the US economy still has an unemployment rate around 2 percent higher than before the economic troubles began. Finding a job can thus still prove hard, especially in certain regions of the US struggling to regain their foothold. On the other hand, there are a handful of states that are doing very well and offer great employment opportunities to those seeking a job.
Since hiring rates and unemployment vary amongst different states so dramatically, we procured a list of the best states that are hiring in 2014. We have already seen what the top 10 hiring companies of the moment were in a previous list, so now we wanted to broaden the horizon and see which states offer the best opportunities. After all, having a great resume, a good appearance, and faring well in an interview, means nothing if you currently reside in a state where jobs are scarce.
In order to present you with the list of the 5 best states that are hiring in 2014, we analyzed information provided by the ManpowerGroup in their Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. This survey takes into account the opinions of 18,000 hiring managers regarding their future plans for hiring, allowing us to identify the states with the strongest chances of seeing improved employment rates. Overall, the survey revealed that around 72% of employers across the US intend to maintain their existing workforce levels. Yet our interest lies with the 19% that have plans to hire new employees, from which we can draw some conclusions regarding the states that are hiring the most going into 2015.
So, if you are having a tough time finding a job and are thinking about taking your chances in another state, you might just find a winner amongst the following states.
5) Wisconsin
During the last quarter of 2014, employers in Wisconsin will be hiring at an accelerated pace, making 2014 a great year for job-seekers. Despite not being one of the economic power-houses of the US, the end of 2014 will be a great year for construction, manufacturing, and transportation in Wisconsin. Overall, the fourth quarter of 2014 has a projected net employment outlook growth rate of 19%, representing a 10% bump compared to last year’s numbers.
4) Mississippi
With a job growth rate of around 2 percent, Mississippi is the fourth best state that is hiring during the last quarter of 2014. According to the Manpower survey, around 23% of employers will be hiring in the last months of the year, making this a job market worth looking into. In fact, job prospects are abundant and experiencing an upwards trend, as the 13% boost compared to the third quarter outlook demonstrates.
The three best states that are hiring can be found on the next pages.
3) Texas
As one of the most vibrant states in the US, Texas has seen jobs grow by around 2.6% in 2014. The large growth rates experienced by the high-tech industry in Austin, the state’s business-friendly attitude, and a booming oil and natural gas sector, are all contributing to making Texas a great place to find employment. Out of the companies interviewed, 25% indicated that they plan on hiring new employees in the fourth quarter of 2014.
2) Arizona
Despite still having an unemployment rate of 6.9 percent, the Grand Canyon State’s job growth rate for 2014 was around 2.6 percent, with 26% of companies interviewed planning on taking on new workers. The main reason behind the increase in job opportunities stems from the solar energy sector, which is not only growing at an accelerated pace, but also creating incentives for other high-tech industries to settle in Arizona. Hence, although this state took a hit when the housing market collapsed and unemployment rose due to defense industry cut-backs, new technologies are generating lots of jobs.
1) North Dakota
Most of you will be surprised to find North Dakota at the very top of our list, yet 29% of the firms surveyed in the Peace Garden State intend on expanding their staff in the fourth quarter of 2014. The booming gas and oil industry is largely responsible for a job growth rate exceeding 3.3 percent in 2014. With abundant job opportunities and no end in sight to growth, North Dakota is already expecting a huge increase in the arrival of job-seekers. With an unemployment rate below 3% and less than 750,000 inhabitants, it is quite clear why North Dakota is the best state to land a job at the moment.
