Job seekers are one of the most anxious groups of people. 73% of job seekers report that looking for a job is the most stressful thing in their lives. Between sending resumes and writing cover letter after cover letter, finding a job can feel like a full-time job.
There are ways to reduce the stress of finding a job. Continue reading below for some of the job market trends you should be familiar with.
Job Market Trends
On most measures, the job market has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, though overall, the market continues to improve. Here are some of the most striking findings.
High Vacancies
For the first time since June-August 2020, vacancies have decreased. However, because vacancies were at an all-time low before June 2020, this reflects an overall increase in vacancies over time. Even with the newest slight decrease, vacancies are still above pre-pandemic levels.
This is good news for job seekers. With so many vacancies, many employers will hire someone without all the qualifications. This is an excellent time to start a new career.
Remote Work
Remote work became a necessity during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is a job market trend that is here to stay. Employees prefer the flexibility and convenience of remote work.
The good news is, many companies saw an increase in productivity during the work-from-home phase of the pandemic and now offer fully remote or hybrid schedules. This is a good time to look for remote work.
Skills Shortages
Skills shortages are plaguing the job market. Industries like IT, healthcare, and cybersecurity are desperate to find skilled candidates. Anyone with experience in these fields will benefit from a resume that highlights their skills.
If you lack specific skills, still apply! Many employers are even willing to help train candidates and invest in their development. Online crash courses and certificates through Google can make a CV and cover letter stand out.
Online Interviews
Online interviews are the new norm for candidates in the interview stage of hiring. If you get asked to join an online job interview prepare yourself the same as you would for an in-person interview.
You will still want to be appropriately dressed, at least on the top half. A few minutes before the scheduled time, make sure your camera and microphone are working and connected. Check the quality of the video, you want to be well-lit but not washed out.
Most importantly, as hard as it is, make sure to look at your interviewer, not yourself. You can “make eye contact” by looking directly into the camera on your phone or laptop. This lets the interviewer know you’re engaged and listening.
Where to Look for a Job
Does job searching turn you into an anxious mess? You’re not alone. Many people suffer from job search-related stress. Luckily, job market trends show a job-seeker-friendly market with high vacancies and the availability of remote work.
A job recruiter is an excellent place to look for work. For example, Simple Recruitment takes the stress out of a job search. Check them out today!
