Various economists have speculated that 2011 will be a good year for hiring, and with Congress claiming that a main focus on the agenda this year will be jobs, some Americans may be optimistic about job prospects, while others will remain skeptical. 

However, Ford is already ahead of the curve when it comes to creating new jobs.  An article in USA Today says that Ford has plans to hire 7,000 in by 2012.  Not only does this announcement speak to the recovery that the American auto industry has made, but it also provides a glimmer of hope for employment in American manufacturing in general. 

For the past five years, Ford has been cutting back in both production and jobs...big time.  This hiring spree represents a potentially strong future for the company and a good omen for the American economy in general.

And Ford's latest "Help Wanted" ad? Electric car engineers.  Looks like there is a lot to look forward to for the American auto industry.