2021 Job Search Trends

As we entered a national lockdown in March 2020, companies were forced to abandon offices and employees required to work from home immediately where possible. Organisations had to quickly adapt to the global pandemic, employees were furloughed, businesses closed and sadly for many, roles became redundant.

For job seekers in 2021, there are positives on the horizon. Here are 4 trends to look out for in the job market and steps you can take to find your Happy New Career.

Remote and Flexible working

Companies are likely to be more open to working from home or elsewhere outside the traditional office, and with greater flexibility regarding the working day.

For job seekers this has many advantages. Commuting times will reduce or be non-existent, so time and money will be saved, allowing flexibility around working hours and salary requirements. Fewer geographic limitations could also lead to a broader choice of companies and roles to apply for. When returning to work following a career break, maternity or paternity leave, it may be easier to have conversations where flexible working as part of your package may need to be negotiated.

• Use your time now to consider the companies you want to work for regardless of location. Follow them on social media platforms and look at career pages on the company website and be first to hear about new opportunities.
• To identify roles with flexibility, Boolean search when using job boards. Add the word ‘remote’ or ‘anywhere’ into the location filter or add in keywords such as ‘virtual’ and ‘flexible’.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence will continue to be a key part of the recruitment process moving into 2021.

With Inclusion and Diversity policies under review, more companies are using AI to ensure equality and remove bias for a fairer recruitment process. As the job market continues to become more competitive, Artificial Intelligence saves recruiters and hiring managers extensive time and significant costs when shortlisting.

• It is essential your CV is formatted to beat applicant tracking systems to rank hire in search results.
• Ensure your CV is in Word, with no graphics or images and includes key words and achievements throughout to rank higher in the shortlisting stage.

Remote interviews are likely to stay within the recruitment process too. Job seekers are likely to experience either a live or pre-recorded video interview interview.

• Ahead of a video or remote interview, preparation is vital. Familiarise yourself with remote platforms such as Zoom, SKYPE and MS Teams.
• Set up a mock interview, record the meeting, time your responses and self-critique. You are less likely to run into technical issues ahead of your next interview too.

Company Culture

Company culture will be a focus for companies as they emerge from the pandemic.

Companies will need to revaluate their culture to ensure employees engage with business goals, new working practices and the values that characterise the organisation moving forward.

For new hires, job seekers are likely to encounter value or strengths-based application forms and interviews during the recruitment process to ensure there is an alignment between the job seeker, the role and company. A strength-based interview focusses on what you enjoy doing, rather than what you can do such as in a competency-based interview.

• Look out for company values within the job specification, company website and across social media platforms.
• During the interview expect to discuss strengths, soft skills and values. Personality traits, career aspirations and working styles may be further questioned too.

Strength-based interviewing is centred around positive psychology. If a hiring manager understands your strengths, they can match you to a role that will maximise your strengths leading to higher engagement and performance levels.

Digital Skills

In a digital job market, it is not a surprise that companies will also be looking for technical skills as well as experience. If you find yourself looking at roles where you don’t have qualifications or technical abilities, you may need to invest in your professional development.

There are many companies offering free or reductions on training and qualifications including:

• LinkedIn, Google Digital Garage https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/
• Future Learn https://www.futurelearn.com/career-advice/grow-your-digital-skills

Getting certified or acquiring new skills, show employers you are taking ownership of your career. You can also add the qualifications or professional training to your CV and to your LinkedIn profile.

Renovo is the UK’s leading specialist provider of outplacement and career transition support. We work with both organisations and individuals to support all their career transition requirements. If you would like to understand how Renovo can help you please call 0800 612 2011 or email info@renovo.co.uk