New Year New Job? What you need to know to get hired in 2022
For many jobseekers, the new year is a time to make changes and embark on the search for a new role. Likewise, for employers, the new year can often align with fiscal goals that include an increased hiring budget. Indeed, LinkedIn data shows that job-seeking activity typically peaks in the first quarter.
Despite pandemic-related changes in the past two years, January 2022 continues to show momentum in terms of job-seeking and hiring activities, and this is likely to continue. It’s no denying that global unemployment has soared as a consequence of Covid-19. Yet, at the same time, the global economy is expected to expand by 4.5% this year. This is a positive indication that opportunities are out there, even if they look a bit different than before.
The rationale is based upon the fact that the employment rate is almost back to where it was before the outbreak, and there are now over ten million jobs currently available. Businesses can’t find enough workers to satiate demand. It’s so difficult that they are offering sign-on bonuses, higher pay, free tuition and other benefits to attract, recruit and retain workers.
At PitchMe, we’ve pulled together our insights to offer some helpful do’s and don’ts for what you need to know to get a job you love in 2022.
Demonstrate that you’re digitally savvy
In a time where we’ve learned to rely on Zoom for everything from catching up over coffee with friends to joining workouts to running business meetings, the hiring process in 2022 will continue to be no different. Employers and HR teams have been leveraging videoconferencing technology to run the entire length of the hiring process, from introductory chats all the way through to final stage interviews.
As a candidate looking to make a good first impression and stand out against the crowd, displaying digital know-how sends the message that you’re digitally savvy and comfortable using all manner of digital tools to present yourself and navigate the hiring process.
That means you’ll want to demonstrate that you’re comfortable participating in the hiring process using online platforms like Google Meets, Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Being able to use collaboration software like Slack and digital scheduling tools like Calendly right from your first conversation with an employer also shows that you’re ready to work productively in a remote setting.
Remote Work Revolution continues
After some upheaval in the workplace, the dust has settled a bit with many companies settling into long-term home working roles. Companies such as Twitter and Square have made commitments to indefinite, fully remote working roles moving forward.
As Findstack reports, 16% of companies in the world are 100% remote. Although it is still a low number, the fact that nowadays there are companies that have no office or headquarters whatsoever and that operate 100% remotely shows just how much remote work has grown and evolved. 74% of workers say that having the option to work remotely would make them less likely to leave a company. 99% of people would choose to work remotely for the rest of their life, even if it was just part-time!
The industries with the highest number of remote workers are healthcare (15%), technology (10%), and financial services (9%). Remote work is typically associated with technology and digital marketing roles, such as web development, web design, and content creation. However, healthcare is actually the industry with the most remote employees. It just comes to show that, no matter which area you work in, it’s worth always looking for remote opportunities.
Make sure you’re prepared by understanding what a fully remote role entails and being ready to consider a role that will be heavily centred around fully remote working models.
Skills Based Hiring Is on the Rise
Being able to demonstrate one’s competency in these new skills has become the currency for talent mobility, as degrees have shown to be a bad proxy for possessing in-demand skills. In fact, Glassdoor reports that 15 companies ranging from Google to Hilton Hotels and Apple, are offering well-paying jobs to those possessing in-demand skills, but lacking a degree.
As Forbes reports, more companies are piloting skills-based hiring, or the practice of setting specific skills and competency requirements for a job rather than only looking at a candidate’s credentials. Skills-based hiring expands the prospective talent pool but also allows internal employees opportunities greater visibility into their career mobility by providing them with educational pathways for specific industries and job functions.
If your digital skills aren’t up to scratch and you find yourself struggling to understand new platforms and ways of working in a fully-digital environment, you may consider choosing to upskill. Fortunately, there are many online courses available to help you gain valuable digital skills that will help not only through the interview process but also boost your overall skill set. At PitchMe, we provide employee skill assessments to identify any skills gaps and match you with over 80 courses designed to boost your skill level.
The Great Resignation is real
2022 is the time of employee’s and candidate’s leverage. Retraction of benefits and flexibility is one of the many reasons fuelling a movement that has now been dubbed ‘The Great Resignation’ or ‘The Big Quit’. Other factors such as Brexit and people relocating during the pandemic have also contributed to workers considering their options. This has got some employers panicking about staff levels. So for those who don’t want to leave their job, The Great Resignation is offering something they may not have had before: leverage.
The Great Resignation is real, but conditions vary significantly between industries, regions and occupations. Career coaches advise job hunters to research the hiring climate they will personally be entering.
When you’re clear on what you need, you can focus on what to ask for during the negotiation phase. Want more time at home with family? Focus on flexibility and work autonomy during your job hunt. Looking for more professional growth? Get curious about companies with internal development programs and continued learning stipends. Do your research and based on that, don’t be afraid to ask for more!
Levelling up with SmartMe
Taking all of the above advice on board, you can create a full spectrum profile for yourself with PitchMe’s SmartMe™ profile. It takes only minutes to sign up and it creates a 360 view of you as a candidate, incorporating your hard skills, soft skills and transferable skills.
Your SmartMe™ profile can then be shared externally on your LinkedIn page or personal website, as well as with more than 350 employers who use PitchMe to find candidates.
With a smart, technology-led approach to showcasing what makes you qualified for the job, 2022 may just be the best year to find what you’re looking for.
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