How to build a successful career in an ever-changing job market

October 11th 2017

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Today’s economy has fostered a job market with a unique and exciting dynamic. We are meeting a new reality where previously “reliable” careers no longer offer such a stable outlook as before. The demand for particular skills is rapidly changing, bringing new opportunities and an increasing number of hybrid job positions every day. The changes that have taken place over the last 10 years suggest that we can expect the job market to become unrecognizable over the next few decades.

 

How the job market is changing

In this uncertain climate, HR managers are trying to keep pace with emerging trends and aren’t able to fully manage their employees’ careers. This is especially the case in jobs where knowledge is influenced by outside forces, such as the internet, IT or data-driven elements. Meanwhile, employees in the workforce today can expect careers that will span 50 years or more. To stay relevant, it will be crucial to understand your strengths and weaknesses and how you work best. This will enable you to constantly adapt your skills to the new dynamics of the workplace. Each employee must be able to manage their own career path, create opportunities and be flexible enough to change tracks if needed in order to keep themselves employable in the ever-changing job market.

 

Why we need to adopt an employable mindset

The job market is at a critical junction. No two vacancies are alike, and there is an increasing demand for people who are able to fill hybrid positions. Today’s highly qualified candidates need to able to fill positions that would have previously been filled by two or three people. Companies are moving from a traditional hierarchy-based system towards one in which teamwork, collaboration, and knowledge exchange play a bigger role. Companies are facing the difficult decision of whether to craft new hybrid job positions or eliminate those positions altogether. This means employees can no longer rely on their HR departments to manage their careers. They will have to identify their strengths and advocate for themselves to remain competitive in the job market.

 

What defines a successful career

Thus, the time when a successful career meant a steady job and a good pension is no longer. Thanks to technology and changes in the economy, job positions are merging and disappearing faster than we can keep track. This opens up a myriad of new career opportunities for savvy go-getters who keep up-to-date with sought-after skillsets. In this age of unprecedented opportunity, a successful career is an ongoing process where you must take charge, upskill and keep constantly abreast of new developments in your field. Carve out your professional niche, understand your skill set and be ready to seize opportunity whenever it presents itself. This advice applies to people actively looking for a new job, but also to anybody who wants to stay employable. The key to success is knowing where you belong and how you can contribute to your field.

 

5-step action plan to manage your own career path

  • Analyze your choices and their outcome over a period of 6 months. Looking back after 6 months, did everything go according to plan? Were you happy with the outcome?

  • Research what you need to do to remain a valuable contributor to your field in the next 6-12-months.

  • Identify your strengths and how you perform best. Take steps to gain the skills you are missing to stay relevant in your field.

  • Take note of hybrid positions inside and outside of your company that align with your core strengths.

  • Put together an action plan on how you plan to grow as a professional.

 

Need help?

Tulsie strives to make recruitment more human by being a trusted resource for professionals who seek career satisfaction—not just another job. Companies partner with us as they look to attract and retain the best talent. Our mission is to create meaningful connections between companies and candidates to make the world of work—from the job search to career development—more personal

Written by: Sushila Ramkisoensing


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