TRIECAllGet ready for the workplace of the future

Get ready for the workplace of the future

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The workplace is changing. Employers are under pressure to find the time to do all that is necessary to ensure success in the current market. The ever-increasing pace drives the workplace environment and influences business decisions, including recruiting employees and building successful teams.

Over the last year, TRIEC worked with labour market analyst Tom Zizys to deepen our understanding of current and future labour market trends and how they impact employers and skilled immigrants.

Below you will find insights into the workplace of the future based on the research findings. Being aware of these trends could help you, a skilled immigrant professional, strategize your job search and plan for career advancement.

 

Technology dictates the pace

The speed of technological change, and the wide range of jobs it is impacting, is now challenging our capacities to adapt. Individuals have to learn how to transition into other jobs and advance in their careers that may require a completely different skill set. While some employers are able to provide training and professional development opportunities to their staff, many face lower or disappearing budgets for employee development. Professional development often rests in the hands of employees themselves. But there are many courses, in-person and online, that can help you brush up your professional and soft skills. Before you decide which ones to take, make sure you know what skills are valuable and in-demand in your profession.

Temporary, contract employment on an as-needed basis takes over more traditional permanent employment

We once expected full-time employment to last a lifetime; however, this type of employment is becoming rare. Rather than recruit full-time employees and develop in-house talent, companies are now turning toward as-needed hiring. Thus, we’re seeing hiring just-in-time, filling an opening as it arises, and requiring job candidates to be ready for the task.  Having said that, some industries and professions are still in high demand and looking to employ full-time professionals.Once you get your foot in the door, make most of it. Network with your colleagues, apply for internal job postings, take advantage of resources available to company employees – learn, observe, and connect with people.

 

Most employers hiring full-time employees expect their job candidates to be work-ready and take longer to find the best candidate for the position

The pressure to produce results quickly and to avoid unnecessary costs means employers become more cautious about committing to a full-time hire. A hiring decision that turns out poorly has a high cost, and so hiring decisions take longer with more time spent searching and vetting. In the pursuit for the best candidate, credentials and prior experience become more and more important to employers. Candidates are expected to have the skills and experience “to hit the ground running” (i.e., be ready for the task at hand).While looking for a job, be ready for rather a marathon than sprint, but don’t feel discouraged. On average it takes up to six month to land the first job. This time varies depending on the profession and industry. When applying, polish your interview skills and understand what is valuable in the role you’re applying for. Be able to bridge your past experiences to the new job.

 

Any job search starts with getting information and understanding what potential employers might be looking for in candidates and the environment they operate in.  While these trends are evident and have been taking place in the last decade, there are steps you can take to plan your job search to get you where you want to be in your career. You can find support and connect with other professionals by:

Follow this link for some more tips