CareerCast recently posted their report of the Most Overrated Jobs based on jobs reports and economic and social trends. The occupations in this list have a perceived fantasy-like attractiveness to them when in reality they are actually stressful positions. In some cases these jobs are also experiencing low hiring demand and increasing talent pools that are intensifying competition among potential candidates for open positions. This makes it more difficult for professionals to stay in their position or for others to break into the field.
Most Overrated Jobs According to CareerCast
- Advertising Agency Executive
- Senior Corporate Executive
- Commercial Airline Pilot
- Stockbroker
- Surgeon
- Attorney
- Public Relations Manager
- Flight Attendant
- Photojournalist
- Architect
To further investigate the real outlook for these positions, we looked at hiring trends for the first 5 job titles listed.
Shows like Mad Men have made positions like Advertising Agency Executive seem appealing. In reality, the competitive nature of the industry makes this a stressful position. There were over 377 job ads posted online for this specific job title in September 2012, a 14% decrease compared to the same time last year. Recruiting for this occupation throughout the US is most likely to be challenging. New York has the best recruiting conditions which are moderately difficult.
Some people dream of climbing the corporate ladder and becoming the top dog. Yet, even the position of Senior Corporate Executive or Chief Executive has its woes. There's tremendous pressure to make the correct decisions for the company. More than 5,550 job ads were posted online for Chief Executives in September 2012. This was a 13% year-over year increase in job ad volume. Nationwide, recruiting conditions for this job title are favorable. Boston, MA has the best hiring environment.
There's a certain allure about traveling around the country and seeing different places, which makes the job of Commercial Airline Pilot seem attractive. However, long hours and limited job availability make this position less appealing. In September 2012, there were just over 360 job ads online, a 6% increase since the same time last year. Dallas (TX), New York (NY), and Seattle (WA) have the best recruiting conditions for this high flying talent. Hiring demand for Pilots may see an upswing as Boeing forecasted that 465,000 pilots will be needed worldwide over the next 20 years.
The job of a Stockbroker may seem like one that can yield financial success, but the reality is that the volatility of the stock market makes this occupation stressful. In September 2012, there were more than 2,600 job ads posted online, which was a 3% year-over-year increase. Nationally, recruiting is most likely to be difficult. New York has the most favorable recruiting environment with 27% of the candidate supply working in this metropolitan area.
Achieving this medical specialization of Surgeon is an accomplishment many would aspire to, but Surgeons face high stress with the pressure of operating on humans while standing for long periods. As of September 2012, there were over 7,700 job ads available online, which was 2% less than a year ago. Nationwide, recruiting for Surgeons is on the less difficult side. Chicago, IL presents the most favorable recruiting conditions with one of the largest talent pools.
An article by Forbes argues that even though these jobs are considered "overrated" by CareerCast, professionals in these careers may be really passionate about what they do. When recruiting, do you look for candidates that are passionate about their profession?
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