Here is the most recent employment news and what it means for you and me. First the news...

• Last month's employment report provided the long-awaited breakthrough in job growth, the largest increase in four years. Employment during March increased by 308,000 jobs.

• The Conference Board reported that confidence among business executives during the first quarter ballooned to the highest level in 20 years. This confidence included positive sentiment regarding hiring plans.

• A continued reduction in initial jobless claims indicates that more jobs should continue to be produced. With 315,000 initial jobless claims at the end of April, this level is well below the benchmark 400,000, indicating jobs can be created.

This means more jobs are coming. That's right, you've already seen it on the job boards, now even the government and big media get it. With these new jobs comes new opportunity for you to improve your quality of life, advance in your career, or possibly both.

What should you do?
Assess your current employment situation. Is your job allowing you to do the type of work you enjoy? Are you being paid a competitive wage? Have you kept up with technology and training? Do you have a reasonable commute?

We'll cover some of these topics in future articles, but start thinking now about whether you should look at new opportunities. If job opportunities aren't popping up now, you should have some later this year. Ask yourself this question: "Will my current employment situation provide me with the lifestyle and career opportunities I desire over the long-term?"

If yes, write to me and let me know where you work, I love to hear about great companies. But for most, the answer is no. If you need to consider other opportunities then...

Get your certifications up to date and add your training and new skills to your resume. Many companies did little investment in new technologies during this recession; even more spent little on training. If you are current in your skills, this will make you more valuable to your current (or next) employer. Document your training.