A new report from Michigan State University indicates that one of the highest jobs to soon be in demand will be in the accounting sector. A more stable job market overall is foreshadowed, and in addition to accounting, some in-demand careers are expected to include those in the fields of computer science, engineering, communications, human resources, and finance in general.

Companies with up to 100 employees are expected to hire an average of seven employees each, which translates to a 35% increase from the previous year. Other job fields that are expected to rise within the next year include those in the health, natural resources, agriculture, and communications areas.

People might be able to expect these rises across the country, save for the Northwestern area. Larger companies may reduce their hiring overall, however.

In order to take advantage of this job growth, accountants may wish to take a few actions, such as:

• Compiling new references. Having updated contact information and a couple of glowing recommendations on hand can provide you with an edge that new accounting graduates may not have yet.
• Some jobs advisors are suggesting that older applicants leave their school graduation years off resumes so their applications are not overlooked due to potential age discrimination; if you agree with this tactic, you may not want to date your recommendations either.
• Get a bit of accounting experience somewhere if you don’t have any yet. You could do this by shadowing an accountant you know or even volunteering to help with a nonprofit organization’s numbers. Even though you may not make any money off of the experience, it will provide you with the background and perhaps the recommendation that you might need for a new job.
• Spruce up your resume if you haven’t yet. In addition to possibly editing dates out, be sure to include some type of recent work. With so many employees laid off for lengthy periods of time lately, many employers are overlooking candidates with employment gaps. If you weren’t employed, try including another activity that you did during that time—whether it was volunteer work or even a part-time job. I know one person who included babysitting for an employment gap, which was true and filled in nicely as another employment listing.
• Scout out companies that might be hiring. Sign up for accounting job alerts if you haven’t already, and be sure to spread the word that you are looking. You may even want to design your own business card to hand out on occasion.