Since the pandemic hit, millions of jobs have been lost globally as industries like retail, manufacturing, and air travel have announced layoffs in the thousands. This has left many feeling challenged when it comes to how to rejoin the workforce or how to progress their careers in the current climate.
For many of us, virtual interviews are the new norm and hiring processes that were expected to take years to take hold, were instead adopted overnight. Recruitment processes have been turned on their head in many ways, so here are 5 key lessons you can learn from recruiters to stay ahead of your competition, in a post-COVID world.
Lesson #1- Commit to a Lifetime of Learning
The pandemic has been responsible for so much disruption and uncertainty, but it has also taught us a lot when it comes to embracing change. The ability to commit to a lifetime of learning, re-skilling, and adapting to change is key.
According to the World Economic Forum, in the next five years, it is predicted that 35 percent of the skills deemed essential today will change. So, what are the most in-demand skills today that will ensure you are well equipped for the future?
Yes, communication, problem-solving, analytical skills, customer service, and leadership will always remain of great importance, but there is only one way to remain relevant in post-coronavirus reality: commit to a lifetime of learning.
Lesson #2 - Creativity & Innovation is Key
In this whirlwind journey we have all been through, creativity and innovation has played a critical role in many facets of our lives. The pandemic has compelled us to expand our thinking and tap into our creativity to create and implement solutions to the many challenges we face
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How you used innovation and creativity to drive you to succeed will be something that sets your resume apart from another and can help you stay ahead of the competition. In a post-coronavirus world, human creativity is going to continue to be key. We will need human ingenuity to invent new products and ways of working to stay ahead in the future so have examples prepared to call out how you made it through the last year.
Lesson #3 - Adaptability, ‘Are you adaptable to change?’
Post-COVID, one of the most valuable skills employers will look for in candidates is the ability to adapt to an ever-changing workplace. This means honing your ability to adapt to new and unpredictable deadlines, as well as continually expanding your skills to meet demands, whatever that demand might be. What skills are you planning to work on?
Lesson #4 - Acquire Digital Skills
Digital skills have always been valuable, but the coronavirus has given them a significant boost. Professional skills in everything from coding and web development to digital marketing, big data, and artificial intelligence are in high demand right now, regardless of your normal area of expertise. Businesses would not have been able to succeed in this difficult time without employees who have a tech-savvy mindset, a desire to learn, and a wide range of digital skills.
Lesson #5 - Interpersonal skills
As the business world becomes more digitally driven, recruiters are seeing a substantial increase in the importance of human connection and understanding for managers. Overall, recruiters anticipate an increase in demand for interpersonal skills over the next five years. These include:
Active listening
Social perceptiveness
Coordination
Persuasion and negotiation
Time management
Employers need managers and leaders who are well-versed in soft skills to help their teams manage stress and uncertainty, particularly in times of crisis.
There are a lot of unknowns about how the world will continue to transform after we get Covid-19 under control. One thing's for certain, things will not go back to exactly the way they were before the pandemic as many transformations are here to stay. Our workplaces have changed and with that, so have the skills companies need.
Not sure what the next step for you looks like? We can help! We will facilitate a discussion about your career path and goals, explore your ideal career fit and leave you with established career goals & career planning. Visit BrunswikSt and we will give you the tools to evolve and accelerate your job search.
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