As the New Year rapidly approaches, one can’t help but wonder what it’s got in store for them. A New Year always signifies the possibility of change - a new job, a new trip, a new life altogether.
And if you’re gearing up for a new job in the upcoming year, why not have a quick look at the most sought-after skills recruiters are looking for in 2022? With this holiday break coming up, now may be the perfect time to work on yourself a little, and buff up that resume.
Without further ado, what are recruiters looking for in potential employees?
1. Desire to Learn
Once upon a time, we used to think our learning period ended once we left school. The 21st century, however, is a time for continuous learning, and recruiters seem to agree. One of the most sought-after skills this next year will be a desire to learn continuously. That guarantees you’re willing to grow and help broaden the company’s horizons, so it’s easy to understand why recruiters are so in love with all this learning.
2. Resilience
Another important skill that recruiters keep an eye out for is resilience - the ability to survive. If you think back on your professional life, you’ve probably had your fair share of cuts and bruises.
Well, don’t be afraid to show that, because recruiters want someone who is capable of adapting to new situations, and coming out stronger on the other side.
3. Critical Thinking
Think back on the past couple of years. With the unexpected outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the world of business was thrown into complete chaos. Nobody knew what was going on, and what would happen next. Many businesses suffered critical blows, and those that managed to come out through to the other side had to seriously change and adapt, in order to survive in this strange post-pandemic world.
This is why employers are now focusing on hiring someone capable of critical thinking, of turning a problem on all sides, to figure out the best, most efficient solution for the company.
4. Dedicated
Obviously, recruiters are on the lookout for dedicated employees, and nowadays, that’s more and more about the mindset. Applying yourself to your job with a sense of consciousness and duty might just be what will set you apart at your next job interview.
Recruiters are focusing on people who show them that they have the means, and are prepared to dedicate themselves to their job, because those are the people who are going to show up to work, even when the going gets tough. And the past couple of years have been nothing but tough, right?
5. They’re not easily scared by uncertainty
Let’s be fair, your career probably isn’t an area where you actively want uncertainty and adventure, and yet, as the recent period has shown us all, it’s likely that you’ll encounter it. Now, this depends on the way your brain works - can you hold up well under pressure? Because that’s one thing that recruiters are going to look for in the upcoming year.
So if you’re someone who’s terrified of ambiguity, maybe take this chance to work on that, because the jobs of the future may require you to be more flexible. Speaking of…
6. Flexibility
Flexibility has always been, and always will be a highly sought-after skill for employees in various domains of employment. The ability to adapt to any situation, both in terms of schedule, and mindset, is something very necessary in 2022.
There’s a lot to be said about rigidity, but unfortunately, recruiters in the coming year will be wanting someone with a more flexible outlook on their career.
7. A good employee is… a good coach?
As we’ve already mentioned, the recent chaos has turned everything we knew about employment on its head. The ability to be a good coach, and work with others in difficult situations has always been a valued skill in many domains, but never more so than in 2022.
A good employee is capable of coaching both clients and coworkers under stressful situations, and making sure they rise out stronger, in spite of whatever life throws at them. In other words, if you’re not really a team player, now is the time to become one.
8. You’re good with remote working
We’ve all seen by now that the future is virtual. You may not like it, but unfortunately, that’s going to make your job hunt a lot trickier, because recruiters will be looking for people who can thrive in a digital environment. Not just know how to do it, but actually be able to feel good, and give a good performance while at it.
Because while you may be capable of operating basic virtual functions, if you’re not enjoying yourself, that will translate into your work, and make everyone’s job a lot harder.
9. You’ve gotta have drive
The ideal employee is also someone with the drive to succeed, in spite of all the bad things that are happening right now. In other words, someone with a fairly optimistic view of the world.
While we know how easy it is to cave under the pressure, to just throw your hands up in the air, and announce to the world that you give up, that’s not really what recruiters are looking for this season. Rather, they want people who are driven to make the best of a difficult situation, and do themselves and the company proud.
10. Mind set on growing
Yes, 2022 will be all about that mindset, and the people who are focused on growing will have a much easier time than the people who are content where they are. While it’s a very good idea to like where you are right now, recruiters value those employers who are also looking for the next big opportunity both for themselves, as well as for the company.
So, ultimately, a growth mindset is something you will want to have if you plan on looking for a job in 2022.