5 job search trends that will define 2019
Credit to Author: Murali Murthy| Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 17:47:45 +0000
AI, virtual reality, the gig economy, social and your story
The emergence of AI and virtual reality amid the rise of a new generation means every industry is undergoing massive change. And that includes human resources as well.
In 2019, it will no longer be a linear start-to-finish hiring process. Both candidates as well as hiring managers will go through a continuous cycle of engagement with each other. Today, employers and jobseekers alike are adapting to this model to navigate the new world of job search and recruiting.
Here are the top five job search trends on the horizon this year. By staying aware and flexible, you can better prepare yourself for the challenges that 2019 will bring to your doorstep.
AI, eh?
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing about rapid changes in the human resources landscape, where manual processes are being replaced by automation and built on AI. This helps them get to more applicants faster and at lower cost.
Hiring managers are using AI including applicant tracking systems (ATS) to parse through resumés and do initial phone/video screening.
TIP: As a savvy jobseeker, you will need to embrace AI platforms more to drive efficiency in your job search, resumé development and video interviewing. Read more about AI and learn how you can adapt to AI platforms including video screening for a high-impact job search.
Wow recruiters with your personality
In 2019, your personality will play an even greater role in your success.
With thousands of people unemployed on any given day, it means huge competition for the jobseeker. Hiring managers are not just looking for candidates with the core skills needed for any specific job. They want people who would also fit well into their office culture.
Hiring managers want to sense a candidate’s personality. While skills, results and experience are important, finding the right cultural and emotional fit leads to satisfaction for both employers and employees.
TIP: Show and share your personality through stories. Use video, embedded media and your LinkedIn summary to let them get a sense of the real you.
Virtual reality simulations and video
Virtual reality has truly entered the field of hiring and recruiting. Today, HR personnel are increasingly using virtual reality simulations to help assess candidate skills.
Instead of answering a typical situational interview question, you may be judged through video and your answers assessed by an expert panel through video. Those who can showcase their abilities on video will shine further.
For many human facing positions, more companies will require a video submission with applications to quickly gauge the soft skills of a candidate, as one of the initial filters for hiring.
TIP: Enhance your YouTube presence. Practise and master the art of video submissions, often the first-line candidate filter.
Goodbye 9 to 5, hello gig economy
Job roles are increasingly becoming transient. More and more of the traditional workforce now comprise of temp, contract or freelance workers — and this trend will continue to rise. The traditional 9 to 5 structure is giving way to the gig economy with businesses preferring to save money and employ skilled talent on an as-needed project basis.
Rather than being tied to a specific group of employees, HR departments are nurturing an ever-growing network of high-quality talent. This also offers companies an opportunity to move toward relationship-oriented strategies to employ talent that jives with their culture and values.
TIP: Use digital tools to stay close to recruiters in your field. Indicate that you are open to freelance/temp/contract positions in addition to your full-time preference.
The internet, your holistic self-marketing platform
In 2019, look beyond the paper resumé. The internet will be your most important resource during the job-hunting process. You don’t just use it to search for a job. It’s also a medium to present yourself as an ideal candidate.
Get creative on social media. It’s no surprise that LinkedIn is the most-used channel for job search, followed closely by Facebook. Coming in at a close third is Instagram, more popular with millennials.
Social media will play an even bigger role in your career progress. There’s a reason most LinkedIn and Facebook profiles are filled with important demographic information like age, past job titles, employer information, educational background and even interests. This will be key for employers to reach candidates with the proper credentials.
TIP: In addition to the paper resumé, utilize your personal website, social media profiles, online portfolio and even LinkedIn connections to stand out. This will be crucial as recruiters will also be assessing you in the same way.