2021 is here, folks!
After a somewhat rocky 2020, many of us are looking forward to making this year a great one. And if you're reading this article, chances are that you're dreaming about a new, fancy job.
To help you in your job hunt, we've compiled a forecast on the biggest trends that will shape job searching this year.
From video interviews to designing your role, here's what you need to know about finding a job in 2021.
# 1 - Soft skills are in high demand
There's a huge skills gap in the job market - especially when it comes to soft skills. It is estimated that two-thirds of all jobs will mostly rely on soft skills in the near future.
As opposed to hard skills like knowledge in Microsoft Excel or growth hacking, soft skills are personal skills that can be used across industries and roles (think entrepreneurial mindset, problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence and team working skills).
The competition for great workers is fierce and companies are looking for people with a broad set of soft skills. Anyone can learn a hard skill, but soft skills require more dedication and showcase a level of maturity.
Make sure to highlight your soft skills from the very beginning of your job search. Showcase your best attributes in your application and resume. Most importantly, let them shine when you're interviewing for a position.
Just a word of warning: soft skills are harder to measure and should rely on evidence rather than your own opinion. So back up your claims and tell stories whenever possible without sounding too clichéish.
Example: Don't say "I'm a team player".
Say: "I feel comfortable when I'm working in a team. In fact, I've noticed that I get much more done when I'm surrounded by a great team as opposed to when I'm working alone. I guess it just energises me. As a cherry on top, my colleagues just voted me the most likeable team member in our bi-annual team review."
# 2 - Virtual recruiting is here to stay - at least for now
As we all know, Covid-19 has forced us to move away from each other and to work in isolation. Simultaneously, in-person job interviews have been replaced with remote interviews.
Recruiting is about finding that human connection and remote recruiting is making it difficult. Fearing video interviews is not uncommon and if we could have it our way, we'd wave our magic wand and get things back to normal, pronto.
But as it seems now, virtual recruiting isn't going anywhere. This means that as an applicant, you might as well get used to video interviews and remote assessments.
Check that everything is working
First of all: always, always, ALWAYS make sure that the technical details are in order. Different companies use different interview tools and you should check that everything is in order already prior to the interview. This is easy as you will usually get the meeting link in advance.
For instance, you may have to separately activate your camera or microphone. You don't want to learn how to do this while the recruiter is waiting in the other end.
If you have trouble joining the meeting when it starts, make sure to call or message the interviewer asap.
Get comfy in front of the camera
The more you practice, the more comfortable you get explaining your strengths and weaknesses over Zoom.
We recommend filming yourself for a few minutes and then reviewing your performance to tweak it. Organising a mock interview will also dramatically enhance your chances of landing the job (we'd love to help!).
For the interview itself, reserve a quiet space where you will not be disturbed. Use proper lighting and place your computer on the same level as your face, if possible.
Before you start, shake your body or dance to the tunes of your favourite power song. This will help your body and mind relax and tune into the right mindset.
The self-evident stuff: show up early. Dress properly. Smile a lot. Ask a lot of great questions.
# 3 - Personal branding becomes crucial as the competition for jobs becomes tougher
We don't want to blame Covid-19 for everything, but the economic turbulence has lead to increased competition in the job market. Layoffs have occurred, leading to fewer jobs and more people on the lookout for a new job.
However, you can turn this to your advantage, so don't get discouraged!
This shift in the job market only means that those who differentiate themselves will prevail. The time for generic job search is over - you have to establish yourself as a credible and alluring job seeker if you want to get hired.
This doesn't require an extensive LinkedIn presence or magic tricks. You just have to figure out what makes you special and find a way to communicate this to hiring companies in an interesting way.
Take the time to audit your strengths, skills and interests. Then craft a profile of yourself that you can utilise in your job search. Lastly, we suggest creating a concrete plan on how you will get yourself in front of potential employers - also when they're not actively recruiting.
Also, don't forget to make sure that your LinkedIn profile is fresh and to-the-point.
Reading tip:
Check out our article on how to find a job throug the hidden job market
# 4 - Companies are expanding their recruitment efforts on social media
Long gone are the days when recruitment meant posting an ad on a job board. Nowadays, companies are utilising a more holistic approach to finding the right people.
Employers are continuously looking for promising candidates, and social media is one of the most important channels. For the job seeker, this means that it's easier than ever to get into contact with potential employers.
The more active you are, the better. Follow companies on LinkedIn, take part in discussions and share their posts, if they resonate with you. But don't stop there. Follow your favourite companies on Instagram and Facebook and continuously engage with their content.
You can even contact them directly to express your interest and your admiration for their work. After all, making a few friends from the inside is never a bad idea!
# 5 - Roles become more fluid and agile
As a consequence of the major shifts in the job market, rigid role descriptions are vanishing. Companies focus on utilising the talent pool they already possess as well as the re-skilling of their current workforce.
Companies are also less likely to hire for long-term, favouring short-term employment and contract workers.
For job seekers, this is not as bad as it sounds. First of all, possessing a rare set of skills or an unusual combination of knowledge will help you get hired. Most often, this is a matter of personal branding rather than acquiring a set of new skills.
In addition, job seekers have a bigger chance to shape their roles. The job descriptions are not as important as finding the right talent to solve the problems that the company has. The more agile you are, the better. Why not suggest a hybrid-role combining a few different focus areas?
Finally, if you are ready to try contract work as a solopreneur, don't be afraid to mention this to the hiring company. They may even prefer to use an external consultant rather than hiring in-house.
By the way - working as a contractor could even grow your bank account much more than a fixed job ever could!
So there you have them - the five biggest job hunting trends that you should know about in 2021.
Now over to you - are you looking for a new job this year? If so, which trend do you find most interesting?