Default Expertise in Demand Despite Tough Job Market: Former underwriters or processors may want to stress 'any experience whatsoever' with servicing or foreclosures when interviewing for a job.

Burbank, CA -- The difficult mortgage market seen recently has been toughest on "front line" positions in the business, according to Roger Iris, senior vice president of industry staffing firm Workway here.

The "least desirable" positions in the market recently have been "processing and underwriting, anything having to do with producing a loan and actually closing a loan," he said.

"These are not easy times for individuals who have that experience."

However, he noted that "a loan officer with a good book of business" still is "worth gold to a lot of different companies."

In contrast, the difficult mortgage market has proven "most favorable" as far as work opportunities for those in "servicing, default, collections and loan counseling," Mr. Iris said.

As a result of these trends, Mr. Iris recommends that former underwriters or processors who previously worked on the "front end" of the business and now may be out of work may want to stress "any experience whatsoever" with servicing or foreclosure when interviewing.

He also noted that even those who lack servicing or foreclosure experience may be able to find positions in these areas as the staffing needs have started to exceed the available supply of those with the specific backgrounds needed. He said most companies prefer individuals with mortgage knowledge to those with none at all because they are easier to train.