This is an article “How Job Hunting Will Change in 2022” by Marc Primo
Both new challenges and opportunities have emerged for the working populace since the pandemic began. Some companies resorted to laying off or furloughing their employees. But, while a few others imposed unwanted salary cuts, new jobs continue to be posted in classified ads. Whether you think it’s better to switch careers or look for better compensation, here’s what you need to know about how job hunting will change in 2022.
If you are looking for a new job, there’s no better time to jumpstart your search than right now when everybody is bracing for an economic rebound. The job market has changed overnight in a quick and unexpected flick of a switch, with more professionals looking at promising remote work prospects. More opportunities in cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), stock exchange, and real estate have also emerged, and talks among employee circles have shifted to sudden career changes.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the term ‘great resignation’ has been coming up a lot to describe how a good number of young professionals worldwide have quit their jobs. According to a recent labor report, a record 4.3 million workers resigned in August alone, showing how things aren’t that simple these days, especially since the global economy is still in dire straits.
If you’re on the lookout for a new job, here’s what you need to expect:
Be wary of the hiring speedbump
A few things might change in hiring slowdowns that usually come at a snail’s pace during the latter part of the year. Aside from threats brought about by the health crisis, most HR and upper management people will be looking to use up their vacation leaves by the fourth quarter, and there might be less time to review your resume.
However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t start looking for a new job right now. Companies want to exhaust their hiring budgets by October, so if you want to get a screening and interview schedule for an early opening next year, you’d better start now.
Of course, there’s also a high chance that more people in management will take a raincheck on vacations this year to review potential prospects during the holiday season. Since the pandemic is still very much a threat and many employees have adjusted to remote work, the hiring process might not be as slow as previous years. If you submit your application now, chances are companies can reach out to you by November for a January start.
Look forward to a new kind of job hunt
Right now, several companies still haven’t been able to adjust to the new normal. Most are screening potential hires the same way as if the pandemic never happened. Simply put, only a few companies are aware that the economy is heating up.
With over 70 million Americans having applied for unemployment benefits in the past year, companies will receive more resumes as the economy springs back to life. These days, more candidates will be demanding higher compensation when they get on board since the job market is more active now than in past years. And there’s always the fear of missing out on the best possible hire, so HR personnel will usually wait around for more candidates to submit their resumes.
It’s best to expect that the process of getting a new job will at least be time-consuming. But you can always make things more efficient by narrowing down the things you are looking for in a new job. Be it a better salary, more long-term benefits, or better flexibility, setting your priorities will save you more time, money, and procrastination.
Once you’ve listed down your requirements, update your resume and draft a cover letter based on the company and position you’re applying for and submit it to your top three prospects. Things can also be easier if you consult your friends about job openings you might be interested in instead of just looking online. People who know you can analyze the best suitable positions, and maybe even put in a good word for you in the process.
Take advantage of the disruption
Considering there are still lingering fears about COVID-19, you might want to check on specific silver linings that can work to your advantage when job hunting. Many companies are at a standstill for safety and preventive measures and remote work has shown us promising progress in the past year. It might be a good thing, after all, to expect a hybrid form of work environment if you ever land a job next year.
Be wary of the disruptions that the new normal will embrace in the future and make them work for you in terms of flexibility, savings, and productivity. Some companies might make low-ball offers, so be ready to ask the crucial questions and reaffirm your value. Remember, there’s a new job market right now, and companies are expecting you to make a bargain. Take note if there are flexible options, like hybrid remote work-office arrangements or staggered hours. Make sure the company you’re applying at doesn’t discriminate against work-from-home employees or part-timers.
Think about the long-term
The most important thing is knowing your value as a professional, and despite how the new job market is shaping up to be, don’t be afraid to test the waters. Soon enough, things will go back to the way they were, and all you have to do is ensure that you’re ready and well-compensated when they do.
Like school, this year’s work environment started going back to a sense of normalcy in September, though things may not have gone on as planned. Looking ahead and expecting more job opportunities once the economy stabilizes is a good idea if you’re looking to switch jobs, but doing all your preparations should start now. That way, you’ll have at least three months to review your options for next year.
Right now, most companies are undergoing their reckoning, which can give you the proper leverage to bargain. You can reasonably expect more perks for employees as companies struggle to keep their fold happy or attract worthy candidates for the job.
Thoroughly thinking about what a company can offer will tell you what kind of culture it has and how it cares for its employees. Ask for benefits and self-development programs during your interview rather than solely about monetary gains. More importantly, be fair and honest when you go to your job interview if you expect the same treatment from the company.