The job market is constantly evolving. As a job seeker, keeping up with these shifts in hiring trends can be overwhelming, mainly if you’ve been laid off in the past one or two years. Nonetheless, keeping up with these hiring and workplace trends allows you to stay ahead of the competition, identify the emerging skills that are in demand, and adjust your career path to match these skills.
Here are five key hiring and workplace trends job seekers should prepare for.
1. Tech Integration in the Hiring Space
More employers are now switching to tech to recruit and hire employees. Hiring managers are no longer perusing resumes manually but are now using an applicant tracking system (ATS) to handle resumes and job applications. ATS systems speed up the hiring process, especially for positions that may attract multiple candidates.
You may be disqualified from a position if the applicant tracking system determines that your application doesn’t reflect the desired qualifications. Formatting your resume in a difficult way to understand can also disqualify you. The best way to pass this stage is to ensure that your application has the right keywords and job titles and that your experience matches what’s listed in the job description. Simple formatting ensures that your information is processed correctly.
Some companies are already using AI to screen candidates’ visual responses and screen resumes. Artificial intelligence makes it easier for recruiters to hire candidates who fit the company culture and job description.
As a job seeker, you can use AI to build your resume, write a comprehensive cover letter, and practice for an upcoming interview.
2. Rapid Growth of Remote and Hybrid Work Models
The growing popularity of remote and hybrid work models can be attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic. Employers are now more open to remote work and are willing to include this in their benefits to attract top talent from different places.
Some employers are now considering a hybrid work model in which employees can combine remote and in-office work. With a remote or hybrid work model, job seekers enjoy more flexibility and control over their work-life balance and save on transportation costs.
3. Workplace Wellness Programs
Research shows that workplace wellness programs increased by over 46% in 2023, and this trend may continue to grow in 2024. Employers are now realizing that investing in workplace wellness could help promote good mental and physical health and lead to more positive lifestyle choices.
Most employers now have wellness programs and activities that focus on their employees’ psychological and physical well-being. These programs provide access to mental health resources and counseling services and encourage regular breaks at the workplace.
4. Asynchronous Work
Asynchronous work has been referred to as the future of the workplace. This popular trend prioritizes flexibility. Instead of working on a set schedule, employees enjoy the freedom to complete tasks on their schedule as long as they meet the deadlines.
More employers are incorporating asynchronous work to help increase productivity and ensure employees enjoy a better work-life balance. The rise of remote and hybrid work models has popularized this trend, and experts feel that async work will evolve further in 2024.
5. Skill-Based Hiring
Employers no longer rely on a candidate’s education and resume when hiring. They are now more focused on skill-based hiring.
With this hiring model, employers create skill tests based on their hiring role to assess a candidate’s skill set. They analyze the results and compare different candidates before making a hiring decision. Hiring a candidate based on their skills makes it easier for them to align with the company’s vision, as opposed to relying on a candidate’s education.
The job market in 2024 is expected to evolve, especially with technological advancements. Flexibility, prioritizing well-being, and employers opting for skills over academic achievements will be the top trends to watch out for. As a job seeker, being informed about these trends and adjusting accordingly will help you better position yourself in the dynamic job market.
