Trends That Are Hot and Not
With the job market being influenced by technological advancements, changing economic landscapes, and societal shifts, the overall outlook for the 2024 job market is competitive, yet positive. The second half of 2023 saw a job market slow down with hiring and an uptick in corporate layoffs. We anticipate the first half of the upcoming year to see a slow, but steady hiring rate. The job market continues to evolve for both job seekers and employers alike. Staying informed about the latest job market trends is crucial to finding the right job or employee.
What's Hot:
Transparent Job Descriptions: Job descriptions with salary transparency, defined work settings, and clear descriptions of tasks associated with the position are seeing more applications than those posting wide salary ranges and unclear job duties. Job seekers are favoring positions with accurate salary ranges and hybrid work models. Employers failing to post a salary range could be missing out on quality talent.
Tech and Digital Skills: The demand for professionals with tech and digital skills continues to soar. From software development and data analysis, to digital marketing, employers are seeking candidates who can navigate the digital landscape.
Networking: Despite technological advances, networking is a valuable skill for navigating the 2024 job market. Building meaningful connections within your industry can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and foster professional growth. Whether through industry events, online platforms, or local community programs, the power of networking should not be underestimated. Many companies prioritize resumes with an employee recommendation, often fast-tracking them through the hiring process.
Easy to read resumes: Resumes should be clear, concise, and easy to read. Using bullet points to highlight key achievements instead of writing lengthy paragraphs. Employers spend a few seconds reviewing a resume. Making your information easy to read is important. Whenever possible, use quantifiable data to showcase achievements. Numbers and percentages provide concrete evidence of your impact in previous roles. This helps potential employers understand the tangible results you can deliver.
Gig Work: With student loan payments being reactivated and high inflation affecting the cost of daily living, more people are looking for second jobs. While holding two jobs is not a long-term sustainable solution, short-term jobs can provide much-needed financial relief for those looking for extra money. Seasonal jobs and short-term gig work can provide a financial boost.
What's Not:
Traditional 9-to-5 Roles: The conventional 9-to-5 work structure is losing its appeal. A growing number of individuals now prioritize flexible schedules, and some employers are willing to accommodate this shift. Companies insisting on rigid work hours may find it challenging to attract and retain top talent. While industries differ in their approach to working hours, the overarching sentiment among the workforce is a desire for freedom and flexibility in their workday.
Unnecessary Educational Requirements: The value of a college education has come under scrutiny in the past few years as the benefits of a degree don’t always outweigh the cost. A recent article by the Atlanta Business Chronicle took a deeper look at business removing unnecessary educational barriers in favor of real life work experiences and skills mastered.
Outdated Skills: The dynamic nature of the job market means that skills highly sought after a decade ago may no longer be relevant. Listing generic skills, such as a basic working knowledge of Microsoft, adds little value to a resume. Job seekers should continuously update their skill sets to stay competitive. Updating resumes with new terminology and skills will help a candidate stand out in the applicant pool.
Excessive interview process: While a comprehensive interview process is a valuable part of candidate evaluation, excessive rounds of interviews over an extended period can deter potential employees. Maintaining clear communication with candidates is essential to keep them engaged and interested in the position. Striking a balance between thorough evaluation and a timely hiring process is key to attracting top talent.
Large Online Applications Platforms: The ease of applying with a simple click has led to a surge in the number of applicants within a short span. Large online application platforms, while convenient, may not always be the best avenue for job seekers. With technology pre-screening resumes, the quick apply button may result in applications being lost in the sea of candidates. Instead, exploring industry-specific job boards, such as Basecamp, specializing in the outdoor industry, or using LinkedIn to leverage personal connections can enhance the chances of landing an interview.
Whether you're a job seeker or an employer, adapting to the evolving landscape is key to success. If you’re looking for a new job in 2024, brush up your skills, review your resume and start networking. If you’re looking to hire, consider how applicants will find you and create a clear picture of the job description and pay. By incorporating these insights into your strategy whether a job seeker or employer, you'll be better positioned to navigate the 2024 job market successfully.
With the job market being influenced by technological advancements, changing economic landscapes, and societal shifts, the overall outlook for the 2024 job market is competitive, yet positive. The second half of 2023 saw a job market slow down with hiring and an uptick in corporate layoffs. We anticipate the first half of the upcoming year to see a slow, but steady hiring rate. The job market continues to evolve for both job seekers and employers alike. Staying informed about the latest job market trends is crucial to finding the right job or employee.
What's Hot:
Transparent Job Descriptions: Job descriptions with salary transparency, defined work settings, and clear descriptions of tasks associated with the position are seeing more applications than those posting wide salary ranges and unclear job duties. Job seekers are favoring positions with accurate salary ranges and hybrid work models. Employers failing to post a salary range could be missing out on quality talent.
Tech and Digital Skills: The demand for professionals with tech and digital skills continues to soar. From software development and data analysis, to digital marketing, employers are seeking candidates who can navigate the digital landscape.
Networking: Despite technological advances, networking is a valuable skill for navigating the 2024 job market. Building meaningful connections within your industry can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and foster professional growth. Whether through industry events, online platforms, or local community programs, the power of networking should not be underestimated. Many companies prioritize resumes with an employee recommendation, often fast-tracking them through the hiring process.
Easy to read resumes: Resumes should be clear, concise, and easy to read. Using bullet points to highlight key achievements instead of writing lengthy paragraphs. Employers spend a few seconds reviewing a resume. Making your information easy to read is important. Whenever possible, use quantifiable data to showcase achievements. Numbers and percentages provide concrete evidence of your impact in previous roles. This helps potential employers understand the tangible results you can deliver.
Gig Work: With student loan payments being reactivated and high inflation affecting the cost of daily living, more people are looking for second jobs. While holding two jobs is not a long-term sustainable solution, short-term jobs can provide much-needed financial relief for those looking for extra money. Seasonal jobs and short-term gig work can provide a financial boost.
What's Not:
Traditional 9-to-5 Roles: The conventional 9-to-5 work structure is losing its appeal. A growing number of individuals now prioritize flexible schedules, and some employers are willing to accommodate this shift. Companies insisting on rigid work hours may find it challenging to attract and retain top talent. While industries differ in their approach to working hours, the overarching sentiment among the workforce is a desire for freedom and flexibility in their workday.
Unnecessary Educational Requirements: The value of a college education has come under scrutiny in the past few years as the benefits of a degree don’t always outweigh the cost. A recent article by the Atlanta Business Chronicle took a deeper look at business removing unnecessary educational barriers in favor of real life work experiences and skills mastered.
Outdated Skills: The dynamic nature of the job market means that skills highly sought after a decade ago may no longer be relevant. Listing generic skills, such as a basic working knowledge of Microsoft, adds little value to a resume. Job seekers should continuously update their skill sets to stay competitive. Updating resumes with new terminology and skills will help a candidate stand out in the applicant pool.
Excessive interview process: While a comprehensive interview process is a valuable part of candidate evaluation, excessive rounds of interviews over an extended period can deter potential employees. Maintaining clear communication with candidates is essential to keep them engaged and interested in the position. Striking a balance between thorough evaluation and a timely hiring process is key to attracting top talent.
Large Online Applications Platforms: The ease of applying with a simple click has led to a surge in the number of applicants within a short span. Large online application platforms, while convenient, may not always be the best avenue for job seekers. With technology pre-screening resumes, the quick apply button may result in applications being lost in the sea of candidates. Instead, exploring industry-specific job boards, such as Basecamp, specializing in the outdoor industry, or using LinkedIn to leverage personal connections can enhance the chances of landing an interview.
Whether you're a job seeker or an employer, adapting to the evolving landscape is key to success. If you’re looking for a new job in 2024, brush up your skills, review your resume and start networking. If you’re looking to hire, consider how applicants will find you and create a clear picture of the job description and pay. By incorporating these insights into your strategy whether a job seeker or employer, you'll be better positioned to navigate the 2024 job market successfully.