2010 jobs forecast is upbeat, especially for D.C. area

A "résumé tsunami" is forecast for the year ahead -- and you may want to swim into it.

Look for 2010 to bring more jobs and more job hunters, including many who already have paychecks -- and even some hiring bonuses and good raises around the Beltway.

That's the outlook from Deloitte Consulting's quarterly survey of U.S. employers and other employment experts, who are upbeat about hiring prospects, especially at federal agencies, and training budgets for this year.

"Washington's unemployment rate is traditionally three percentage points below the national average. Now we're four percentage points below," said Cynthia Ward, president of the Human Resource Association of the National Capital Area, a professional group. This month, "budgets will be inked, organizations will know what they can do," she said. "There should be a spike in [hiring] activity."

With that in mind, take note of these seven surprising trends that will hit with gale force this year:

1. Opportunities will reappear.

Some sectors will be hot, though others won't even reach tepid. Watch for ample openings in health care and education. Many of the 50 colleges and universities in the area are booming, said Ward, as people seek new credentials or career paths.

Expect another "huge time of hiring in the federal government" as retirement, compliance requirements and continued stimulus spending create jobs, said Maria Grant, Deloitte Consulting's federal human capital practice leader. She also expects including "massive, massive shortages" in staffing of federal contracting and purchasing.

2. It could become safe to jump ship.

Workers who stayed put during the downturn are raring to move on. In one survey of more than 900 North American workers by Right Management, 60 percent said they intend to leave their current job this year; an additional 21 percent are considering a change.