/Do you know where your career is going?
Do you know where your career is going? Are you making changes in your work/life balance? Is 2021 still going to be the year that will bring you the perfect job? How will Brexit affect you? These questions usually creep into the back of your mind with a new year looming incredibly closely. Here are some key tips for your career in 2021.
According to LinkedIn, hiring priority trends will focus on talent and how they will culturally fit into an organisation with a colossal 83% seeking a C-suite professional who will keep their team at the heart of their endeavours. As the economy remains as unstable as the exchange rate it is important to be mindful of how this will affect job searches in the coming year. For the “first time in 5 years, there is a year on year slow in growth”, this cautious behaviour reflects the uncertainty of the UK exiting the European Union. This will be a time for great reflection if you are hesitant to take a professional leap into the unknown. Using the slow down to your advantage will be the best way to prepare yourself for the turbulent times to come.
/What can you do so you will be the best prospect in the recruiting process?
Plan what route you want your career to take. Whether it is a bi-annual or an annual plan, write down where you see your position developing and where you may not develop. If you anticipate your shortcomings this will give you greater scope and you will not be caught off guard. Writing down your route will remind you of everything you have achieved and can offer to future employers.
Be industry aware, keep up with trend reports from companies where you would like to work in the future. Knowing their predictions can help you plan your career. Insights can show you areas that you can specialise in further and highlight the benefits your talent can offer to a new role.
/How will employers find you?
As budgets shrink employers will be looking for people who are willing to grow with their company. They will want a quality hire, someone who will be invested in the company culture and its future. They will be listening to their current employees. Per LinkedIn, referrals are the top channel through which employers find candidates and subsequently employees, ‘48%’ of employers opt to trust their employees to make the necessary introductions. While ‘34%’ choose the ‘3rd Party recruitment firm’ to source and introduce candidates to their organisations.
‘30%’ of employers will still use job boards, Ads and ‘22%’ will use a recruitment agency to source their talent. Make yourself as visible as possible by having all your up to date information available and easy to find. Make sure to pick your recruitment agency carefully, ask your recruiter how they will handle your process. If they answer your questions and calm your nerves they are the recruiter for you. If they give little detail, don’t follow up with you and don’t answer your questions then they are not looking out for your best interests and will not be as invested in your career as you need them to be and will not do you any justice.
/Where will be the most popular place to get a job in the future?
A growing job trend is working within a SMEs, otherwise known as small to medium enterprises. The top thing candidates look for in companies are “culture and values, perks and benefits” followed by “mission and vision”. SMEs can offer experiences beyond the job role specification. Dabbling in each department and gaining a deeper understanding of the entire company and all the elements that are required for it to function in a cohesive manner will be skills that aren’t just transferable but highly sought after. Understanding the channels of communication and their functionality means that you can adapt yourself to roles within the company to help it become cross-functional. This will not happen overnight but by being immersed in every department, every day there are advantageous skills to be acquired. In an SME, you will be able to map out a clear career trajectory and have more realistic time frames and transparency with promotions.
/Where do I go to find my next job?
There are many job boards and agencies that you can contact. Alternatively, you can use LinkedIn and apply from your phone. In the future, there is going to be a big increase in the availability of jobs and job boards letting you upload and apply. This accessibility means there is no reason you can’t connect at any time from any place. If you can try to access a cloud so that you can store your information safely and use that at the drop of a hat or when that perfect job pops up on your screen. Being prepared, aware and accessible will mean that your next move is within your grasp.