Current Conditions

Your work prospects are rated FAIR because:

	Employement grew at a below-average rate.
	Hourly wages ($21.05) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is above average.
	The unemployment rate (4%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).

Work Prospects

How the ratings are determined.

Outlook To 2009

Your work prospects will continue to be FAIR because:

	The employment growth rate will likely be above average; however, job opportunities should depend primarily on the prosperity of rubber, plastics, and chemical products industries which is, in turn, strongly affected by the ups-and-downs of foreign markets.
	Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
	The number of job seekers will likely exceed the number of job openings.

Preparing for the Competition

	You'll be competing with recent graduates.
	You're more likely to succeed if you build your "people" and teamwork skills.