Stay competitive: Sharpen your own job skills!

If last year was a series of highs and lows, then this year will be another mixed picture.

According to the Department of Commerce, GDP Data shows that the U.S. economy will grow 2%-2.3% in 2012, faster than the 1.7% expansion in 2011 but short of the pace needed to significantly lower the unemployment rate. In the public sector, the Department of Labor's employment data tells us that the U.S. economy created an average of 245,000 jobs a month from December through February, the best three months since 2006!

Saying that, uncertainty keeps federal and private sector employers focused on the bottom line and wanting maximum productivity from you. Employees and candidates alike should do their research before leaving a job or accepting a new role.

If you get disgruntled because your employer is expecting more for less, ask friends and contacts in your sector what is going on in their organization before you hand in your resignation. In terms of working for the government, you might find that some agencies are cost cutting and limiting expenses employee development and training or you could find out that certain agencies are managing for growth and investing in their employees. That is where you want to be.

When looking at the websites of potential employers, check their claims around training, promoting from within, paid parental leave, commitment to diversity and even wellness programs. Spending on any people programs is good news. Even if you don't find an employer willing to spend on you, invest in yourself.

According to Bloomberg News, the number of positions waiting to be filled in 2012 has climbed to levels last seen in 2008, when the jobless rate was around 6 percent. The housing bust and ensuing financial crisis put people out of work whose skills may not correspond with those needed by the health care providers and engineering firms where jobs go wanting.

"What's going on here is a mismatch of the skills of the unemployed and at least some of the positions that are becoming available," said Maki, chief U.S. economist at Barclays Capital in New York. "This seems to be slowing the pace of filling those job openings."

Manpower's 2011 Talent Shortage Survey, issued in May, showed 52 percent of companies polled said they found it more difficult to find qualified help. That was up from 14 percent in 2010 and the highest percentage in the survey's six-year history.

You need to show on your resume that you have progressed so consider even a short course, an online certification or getting involved with an industry or professional association. Every angle counts. Use vacations or even the upcoming spring break to review what you've been up to over the past year, identify areas where you need to skill up and set some goals. In the meantime, have a wonderful spring break and a great summer.