One thing is certain. Things ain't what they used to be in the jobs market.

A year ago you could step off a plane in Dublin, shake hands, and before you'd finished saying your name you were hired. Eaten in a restaurant before? Great, then you'll have no problem managing one…

Since August, things have slowed down. Some industries have stopped altogether. Here's where you'll find work in the New World Order.

What's Hot
Sales: Companies are panting for Sales people to get money in, fast. If you're aggressive and hungry, this is a good place to start. If you're not, it will make you miserable.

Food, Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare: People still get sick and eat fish-fingers and put on plasters, even in a slow-down. They're all hiring.

Call Centres: Call centres and Multi-lingual jobs are still very much on the go. Good starting point if you're not sure where you're headed.

Finance and Administration: An office is still an office. There's less movement here, but if you have good PA skills you will get work.
Outside Dublin: Things aren't as boom oriented, and there is less competition for jobs.

What's Not
IT: Not the cash cow it once was. Very few people moving, so very few new jobs.

Hospitality: Slow, Slow, Slow. Won't be hiring until after Paddy's Day at least. In general, your best bet is to walk in and hope you're in the right place at the right time.

Tourism: Badly affected by September 11th.

Dublin: Lots and lots of people. Less opportunity. You're not going to starve, but it may be a while before you find what you're looking for.

A bit lost? Don't know what to do with your life? Your first move should be a bit of homework. Eliminate the things you're NOT interested in. Write down five companies you admire. Write down roles that appeal to you within the company. Use that to get an idea of the kind of job you're looking for. Once you know, you'll get a job much faster.

Then bite the bullet. If you know exactly what you're looking for, a company will be impressed if you approach them directly. If you don't, start browsing. The web allows you to apply for many jobs from the comfort of your own home / office / web café. The papers require a bit more elbow grease. A recruitment agency will do the work for you, but you lose some of the control.

Whatever method you choose, it's no longer a sellers market. To make sure you get the job you want your approach has got to change. You've got to be a little bit more aggressive and a little bit glossier. Here's the shortcut:

Be like Santa: It sounds basic, but make sure your CV doesn't have spelling mistakes. Then check it twice.

Be Relevant: Have a couple of CV's, each one customised towards work in a particular industry.

Be Seen: Name your CV "YourName.Doc" not "CV.doc".

Be a "Company Man": Do some research on the company. Visit their website. Find out what they're up to, and compliment them on it. They will be flattered as hell and think you're dead smart.

Be Safe: Finally, and this might hurt, HR people in this type of economy are hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Don't make them take a risk on you. If you really want a job hide your tattoo, get a haircut, and put a suit on.

Further Information
Nixers.com is the friskiest jobs website in Ireland. We specialize in jobs for young people. We keep them fresh and tasty, and we probably have something that would blow your hair back. Please visit us at www.nixers.com