Best career options for 2013? Tax & accounting still make the list

With the economy showing steady signs of improvement, thousands of people across the country are focusing on one important New Year's resolution: land a new job. So what are the hot careers for 2013?

Randstad, the world's second largest staffing firm, reveals on Workforce360 its picks of 13 in-demand jobs for the upcoming year in a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, finance and accounting, administrative and clerical, engineering and manufacturing.

Healthcare

#1: Urgent care physicians
Why it's hot : With the implementation of healthcare reform on the horizon, hospitals, healthcare systems and physicians are scrambling to prepare for imminent changes, including an influx of patients who have never requested medical care. Must-have skills: Besides having clinical skills, physicians are now required to excel in "soft skills" more than ever before. For instance, physicians must be proficient in coding and billing as the medical field switches from a decades-old system of codes called ICD-9 to the new ICD-10 in 2013. Customer service will also be extremely important and tied to a high patient experience survey. Not receiving high scores will result in severe reimbursement penalties (if the average is lower than the 75th percentile ranking).

#2: Physicians specializing in anti-aging medicine
Why it's hot: With 78 million baby boomers in the United States, the anti-aging industry is expected to gross more than $291 billion worldwide by 2015, according to a report published by Global Industry Analysts. Must-have skills: Strong internal medicine clinical skills to adeptly diagnose and treat any chronic medical conditions. These professionals must also have expertise in the area of dermatology, including anti-aging methods utilizing cosmetic laser treatments, etc. Familiarity with diet, nutrition, weight loss and alternative approaches to wellness is a plus.

#3: Registered Nurses
Why it's hot: The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing career sectors and registered nursing jobs are no exception. Facilities need experienced staff to hit the ground running with minimal guidance. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 26 percent from 2010 to 2020—faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Working as a contract worker or traveling nurse is a very attractive option for candidates, as it offers flexibility and work/life balance. Must-have skills: Clinical competency and critical thinking skills are a must (in addition to passing the board exam and holding a license in each state they work in), as well as interpersonal and customer service skills. Flexibility and resilience are also needed to survive as a frontline caregiver.

Technology

#4: IT professionals specializing in third platform
Why it's hot: A huge emergence in the technology industry is the third platform, which includes cloud computing (both SAAS and PAAS), social technologies, big data analytics and mobility. According to research firm IDC, IT spending will exceed $2 trillion in 2013, and mobile devices represent 57 percent of that growth. Must-have skills: Cutting-edge technology experience, as many employers are seeking candidates to fill niche positions (many of the skill areas have not yet fully emerged); a strong ability to communicate with both business and technical teams.

#5: Software developers
Why it's hot: Software developers are a sought after commodity in the technology world, especially candidates proficient in the main programming languages, such as Java and .Net. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of software developers is projected to grow 30 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. The main reason for the rapid growth is a large increase in the demand for computer software, the BLS reports. Must-have skills: Strong computer programming, written and verbal skills. Being able to communicate with both business and technical teams is a big plus.