Thinking of how you want to position yourself in your career? Consider these predictions about the job market that experts are making…
- Computer skills will rule the day. In all but a few industries, the coming years will demand that you become even more tech-savvy in the workplace. Having a digital resume that you can email and a LinkedIn account are important first steps, but these are just the tip of the iceberg. Consider brushing up on the Microsoft Office Suite, social media skills, and any software or mobile apps relevant in your field. Don’t be at all surprised if your online presence is monitored as part of being screened for a job or if you’re asked to interview via Skype.
- Prepare to work remotely or to freelance. In the next ten years, 40% of Americans will be freelancing. What if freelancing isn’t your style? The traditional employment sector will see changes too. For example, the chances of you being given the option of working from home will only increase as companies realize the money that can be saved by having productive employees work remotely.
- Make way for Millenials! If the Boomers ever retire (with 70 being the new 50 they are working much longer than previous generations!), the Millenials—also known as Gen Y or Echo Boomers—will move into the positions of power left by the Boomers. Sure, Gen X will be in the mix and they have more experience than the Millenials, but the Millenials are more of a force to be reckoned with. At 80 million strong, those born between 1978 and 2000 are the largest generation in U.S. history. If you’re not a Millenial, you better learn their style because they’ll probably be managing you and shaping workplace culture for years to come!
- Temporary staffing agencies will be a major hub for jobs both in the U.S. and abroad. As Arne Kalleberg, Professor of Sociology at the University of North Carolina says, “The temporary help industry is growing all over the world.” Note that we’re not speaking of your mother’s temp agency here. Visions of secretaries shouldn’t dance in your head when you think of temp agencies. Modern temp agencies tend to have jobs of almost every kind.