As layoffs continue across industries and job seekers face increased competition, many Texans are wondering: Where are the opportunities now, and how do I stand out? In a recent FOX 26 segment, Heather Sullivan chatted with Juliet Stipeche, Director of Workforce Solutions, to explore job hunting.
Though the job market experiences a surge in hiring post-COVID, which economist Parker Harvey calls a “sugar rush,” the landscape is different now. Success depends on strategic preparation, adaptability, and knowing where to search for a job.
“It’s more of an employer setting now,” said Stipeche. Job seekers need to “make themselves more competitive in this particular environment”, but the good news is, there are still many industries hiring.
Where the Jobs Are
While overall hiring may have slowed, several key industries in the Houston area are experiencing strong growth:
- Healthcare: With one of the largest medical complexes in the world, Houston continues to see growth in hospitals, clinics, and life sciences.
- Advanced Manufacturing: A growing sector offering high-tech, high-wage opportunities.
- Transportation and Utilities: Driven by major infrastructure projects and federal investment.
- Hospitality and Leisure: Still expanding as the city’s population and tourism grow.
- Construction and Skilled Trades: Supported by federal dollars and local development projects.
Free Help That Makes a Difference
“When you’re in high school or in Community College or college, you have a career counselor. What do you do when you’re not in school anymore, and you’re living life and raising a family and earning money?” questioned Stipeche.
Many job seekers don’t realize the breadth of free services available through Workforce Solutions, which operates 27 offices across the Houston area.
Workforce Solutions offers:
- One-on-one career coaching
- Resume and interview prep
- Scholarships for approved training programs
- Fast-track certifications and registered apprenticeships
- Guidance on avoiding job scams by connecting to legitimate opportunities
- Access to computers, internet, and job listings via WorkInTexas.com
Fast-Track Training and Apprenticeships
Workforce Solutions is helping job seekers skill up quickly, even while working, through flexible training models and new apprenticeship opportunities.
Some of the apprenticeship Workforce Solutions offers are:
- Registered apprenticeships in construction and teaching.
- The AARP MC3 Pre-Apprenticeship Program, a 3-week course offering entry into construction careers and access to advanced training.
- Short-term certification programs in fields like healthcare, utilities, and IT are eligible for scholarships.
Stipeche emphasized the importance of working with Workforce Solutions to ensure training programs are industry-recognized and aligned with real job opportunities.
Resumes in the Age of AI
With many employers using AI-powered hiring systems, job seekers must rethink how they present themselves.
“You can’t have one simple resume,” stated Stipeche. “You want to make sure you customize your resume and your application for the job that you are seeking.” Highlighting the importance of enhancing your resume.
Key tips:
- Tailor each resume for the role
- Use AI tools to help optimize it
- Keep resumes clean and simple: no photos, fancy formatting, or long paragraphs
- Limit to 1–2 pages
What Really Makes Candidates Stand Out?
It’s not just about having the technical skills. Today’s top candidates demonstrate a blend of hard and human skills. And what companies are looking for is:
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Creativity
- Initiative
To excel in interviews, Stipeche recommends using the STAR Method: explain the Situation, Task, Action, and Result to showcase your contributions.
Building Connections That Matter
Networking can be intimidating, but it’s often the key to getting hired.
“Most people find their jobs through friends and family,” shared Stipeche. “It’s really about building relationships,” Encouraging job seekers to start with their inner circle, by letting friends and family know you are looking for a job.
Start by:
- Talking to your personal network: family, friends, church groups, PTA contacts
- Joining professional associations and attending industry mixers
- Exploring internship opportunities or volunteering in your field
- Building a professional presence on LinkedIn
For New Grads: Start Early
Workforce Solutions encourages students and recent graduates to:
- Join professional organizations before graduating
- Apply for paid internships through Workforce’s Hire Gulf Coast Youth program
- Take entry-level roles in their field of interest, gain exposure and build connections
For Career Changers: Transferable Skills Are Powerful
Many mid-career professionals are exploring new directions. Workforce Solutions offers assessments to identify transferable skills and match them to high-growth careers.
As a professional, “you have certain passions, and you have certain abilities. Those allow us to work and assess those skills and match you to different types of opportunities that really can utilize those skills to your advantage,” said Stipeche
With the right guidance, job seekers can find opportunities they hadn’t considered, and start building new futures faster than they thought possible.
To make its services even more accessible, Workforce Solutions recently launched a mobile app: WorkforceSolutionsNews.com Where you can keep updated with job fairs, training updates, industry insights. As well as a new website launching in November: wrksolutions.com.
Explore in-demand careers and connect with top employers at upcoming Workforce Solutions hiring events. Register today to secure your spot and access career-building resources.
