7 trends job seekers and workers should know about :

Where’s that crystal ball when you need one? While consumer confidence and new home sales are up, job seekers and employers alike are aching to get any good news on the job market these days. A new survey released this week may offer some hope.

Career Builder and Robert Half International released its annual EDGE Report, which looks at current employment situation and the future hiring landscape. Here are some of the trends the study found and what they mean for you:

Trend No. 1: In the next 12 months, more than half of employers polled plan to hire full-time employees, 4 in 10 will hire contract, temporary or project workers, and 4 in 10 will hire part-time employees.
Key takeaway: Don’t get discouraged. While hiring won’t be at the levels they were before the recession, there will be jobs available.

Trend No. 2: Technology, customer service and sales are the top three areas in which employers expect to add jobs first once the economy rebounds.
Key takeaway: Look to your transferrable skills and how they relate to these sectors.

Trend No. 3: The average time to fill open positions, depending on the job level, is 4.5 to 14.4 weeks, the same time range as last year.
Key takeaway: Have patience. A job search takes time in any economy. Remember to follow up with hiring managers you’ve sent your resume to and with whom you’ve interviewed.

Trend No. 4: Despite an abundant labor pool, 6 in 10 employers are willing to negotiate with qualified candidates for higher compensation.
Key takeaway: Skilled workers are in demand. Make sure you are highlighting your specific abilities or get training to learn new expertise.

Trend No. 5: 4 in 10 employers expect the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to create jobs in their organizations over the next two years.
Key takeaway: Ask your employer about the areas where your company will be hiring first. If you know anyone who’s looking for a job (and who doesn’t these days) give him or her a head’s up.

Trend No. 6: More than half of employees polled plan to make a career change or go back to school when the economy recovers.
Key takeaway: If you are one of those workers in a holding pattern, don’t wait for a full job market revival. Start polishing off that resume and researching training and education options now.

Trend No. 7: 40 percent of hiring managers said that when the economy improves, giving pay raises will be their primary method for retaining top performers.
Key takeaway: If you think you merit a raise, start building your case now to show your boss your accomplishments and how you helped contribute to your employer’s bottom line.