2020 Hiring Trends
Question:
I’m thinking about looking for a new job in 2020. What are the latest trends in hiring for the near-term future?
Answer:
That’s a great question. According to Glassdoor.com, here are three big trends to expect:
Growing emphasis on company culture. With the growing prominence of social networking, it’s easier than ever to find out what it’s really like to work in whatever company interests you. Sites like Glassdoor provide reviews of companies from people work there. (Keep in mind, however, that review sites like Glassdoor tend to attract two kinds of people: those who love their companies and want everyone to join them; and those who hate their companies and want to warn everyone away. Each review is one person’s opinion; your experience may vary.) You may be able to connect with employees at your target company, and get the inside scoop from them. Employers recognize this trend, and are actively working to improve their companies’ cultures, to appeal to job seekers like you.
Preparing for recession. The American economy is in one of the longest expansions on record; it has to end sometime. Savvy companies are taking advantage of that now by reducing operating expenses, reducing debt, and using advanced technology and analytics to increase growth and productivity. They are simplifying their organizations and balancing their investment portfolios.
Mobile hiring. Over 80% of Americans own a smartphone these days, and more and more people use them for job search. Companies have not yet made peace with this fact. Online applications (often the only way to apply for a job) are notoriously smartphone-unfriendly. No doubt this will change over the next few years, as the trend to job search on the fly is likely to increase. Easy-Apply features exist on Glassdoor, LinkedIn and other sites; but they depend on your finding a job lead that matches your profile very closely.
The takeaways for you:
Company research is not only more important, but easier than ever. Do your homework, and find out what you’re getting into.
Look for a job sooner rather than later. You want to be in place, with your value already proven, before the recession hits. Or consider staying in your current job, where you’re already established, a bit longer.
Make your online profiles as complete as possible, so as to appeal to a wide range of online hiring managers.
More than ever, this is a time to put your effort into company research and networking. It’s hard to make time for it, especially if you’re still working. But make the time for it, sooner rather than later. When you find yourself in a great new job (especially if others around you are losing theirs), you’ll be really glad you did.