The 10 Job Market Trends For 2021 You Can’t Afford To Ignore
No matter what plans we had for 2020, things didn’t work out the way we thought they would.
Despite the rollercoaster of a ride that 2020 was, there are some things we know for certain this year.
Remote work is now a thing
Finally employers have learned what freelancers have known for years – that it IS possible to be productive from home. Who knew?
Whether you wish to work onsite or not, the acceptance of remote work opens a range of possibilities.
Layoffs will continue
According to Forbes, companies will continue to control costs through redundancies.
McKinsey reported that jobs lost in 2020 in aviation, hotel, airlines, cruises, oil & gas, restaurants, leisure, and entertainment are unlikely to return in 2021 – so if you’re waiting for that ‘right opportunity’ – DON’T – Better to keep moving.
Longer job searches
Reports suggest that on average in 2021, a person will take about 6-12 months to land a job.
That’s a lot of lost salary.
And at the end of the search they aren’t guaranteed to get a position they actually like.
Career transitions on the rise
The continued layoffs are encouraging – if not forcing – people to rethink the path they’re on. For many, this has been the push they need to finally go for the thing they were always afraid to do.Skills upgrade will be a norm
There’s never been a better time to upgrade your skills.
Add new skills, increase your branding, learn a new trade. You will definitely need it especially if you’re planning to transition into a new career or job.
Just make sure you’re applying those skills with real world experience. Don’t get stuck in the study trap.
LinkedIn growing as a hiring a tool
With so many people hiring and so many more changing jobs, it’s obvious you should spruce up your LinkedIn profile and résumé – now more than ever – think of how you can improve your online presence! Whether it’s LinkedIn or any other social media site – people are watching their screens more than ever before!
Hiring is on the rise
Despite all those layoffs occurring,, stats show the number of job openings is actually going to increase.
But with that also keep in mind that 85% of jobs are filled either internally or through a referral from a trusted source before they’re ever posted.
So you need to build a personal brand to help you reach a position within the hidden job market – be the one that gets approached before that job gets posted!
Changes to interview processes, résumés, cover letters, and more
The online world has brought about changes that we never fathomed.
Get yourself ready to be interviewed online – this might sound easier than it is – a lot of people find it harder to express themselves online – get yourself equipped to excel and stand out.
Because of how competitive the market is, you might want to get your CV,cover letter and digital presence checked by a professional to ensure it has an edge.
Salary negotiations
Jobs are available – so despite what everyone’s saying you can afford to be picky!
Not only can you afford to be picky, but you should also negotiate the salary that you want – if you’re seen as the go-to specialist you’ll have no problem getting getting paid what you’re worth.
Fresh Grads
The rising unemployment will see a lot of new graduates from last year still unemployed.
Competing for the best jobs is not going to be easy unless you have the right branding and access to the hidden job market!
If you are on purpose, have the right branding and are networking in the right way, you are sure to be on track to land your dream job without having to wait 6-12 months!