Here’s How to Take Advantage of the Job Market in 2022

Research shows there were over 11.3 million job openings by February 2022. This large number of vacancies is attributable to the Great Resignation caused by changing views towards work and employee burnout.

If you need opportunities to grow your career or change employers, you should take advantage of the hot job market 2022. Here are some actionable tips to make yourself more marketable to hiring managers and current employers.

1. Build Your Skill Set

Learning new skills is ideal for increasing your job options and taking advantage of the hot market. Besides, it helps you develop new leadership techniques and stay relevant despite the changing job market and clients’ needs.

Before starting a job search, determine the skills most employers want. You can get this information by reading job ads related to your field and researching online. Some technical skills that will help you take advantage of the hot job market in 2022 are:

• Machine learning
• Analytical skills
• Usability testing
• Cloud computing

While technical knowledge is vital in all jobs, employers want candidates with particular soft skills. For example, they need those with business planning proficiency, especially in the management department.

Further, they are looking for applicants with leadership qualities to steer teams and boost collaboration. Other non-technical skills that are in demand in 2022 are adaptability, time management, and creativity.

Developing your skillset as you target the hot job market has other pros beyond making you more marketable. For example, it builds your confidence and allows you to apply for jobs that were previously beyond your capacity. Besides, you gain more knowledge, keep your mind active and develop a broader perspective. 

2. Update Your Resume

Many people are changing jobs and shifting into new career fields. Therefore, the competition for available openings is also high. If you have more skills or experience, you should update your resume to reflect this information.

While some items like a two-day training course may appear minor, they may make you preferable to other candidates. Further, they will show a willingness to learn and grow your skills, which is desirable in the job market.

Select a simple format to make your resume more attractive and easy to read. Besides, use official fonts and underline or bold headings to make them noticeable. It’s also best to proofread the document to ensure it doesn’t have any typing or grammar errors. More tips on developing your resume are:

• Include keywords recruiters use to narrow their search
• Ensure your experience section is easy to skim
• Show your skills by adding measurable results

Some online job boards allow you to post your CV. Recruiters can then access these documents when searching for suitable candidates. If you uploaded your resume on such sites, update it each time you develop new skills or experience.

If you aren’t sure how to refresh your resume, consider getting professional help. Experts can read the document and provide improvement tips. The resume advisors may also recommend avoiding mistakes that may affect your attractiveness to recruiters.

3. Be Open to Working Remotely

Some companies are embracing hybrid workplaces despite the relaxation of COVID-19 protocols. Other brands are also planning to shift from on-site to remote work entirely.

Staying open to working from home will help you take advantage of the hot job market in 2022. When you apply for new positions in companies with hybrid employees, ensure your potential employer understands you are open to remote work. You can also include this aspect in your resume to attract recruiters explicitly looking for such employers.

If you don’t plan to shift to a different brand, notify your current employer if you would like to work from home. This way, you can have more freedom and flexibility, creating a healthy work-life balance.

4. Voice Your Concerns to Your Employer

The hot job market in 2022 means that many employers are struggling to attract and keep talent. Hence, most brands now take employee concerns seriously and strive to resolve them to avoid high turnover rates.

Take advantage of the lucrative job market by voicing concerns regarding your job. These may pertain to the work environment, recognition, and company policies.

As you raise your concerns, avoid attacking your employer or colleagues. Instead, mention particular aspects like poor communication or coordination within departments. Further, explain how these issues affect employee performance and lower the company’s output or damage its image.

5. Negotiate Better Pay and Job Titles

Another way to benefit from the hot job market is by negotiating better pay and job titles. When your employer considers you an asset, they will be more willing to meet your demands than lose you to competitors.

Determine if your employer offers fair compensation by evaluating the amount other people with similar skills earn. After that, understand your company’s budget cycle and financial capability. You may then ask for a raise while mentioning additional responsibilities assigned to you after accepting the position.

If you suspect your employer might decline a raise request based on the initial agreement or the company’s financial position, consider asking for a different job title. Identify the designations that are more suitable to your proficiency and roles. After that, request the employer to change your title and adjust the compensation accordingly.

6. Get Vaccinated

Many companies now include COVID-19 vaccination as a requirement when looking for new talent. This measure increases compliance with government policies and keeps their teams safe.

Consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine and include this information on your resume. Add the details after your contact info, or write a simple phrase like ‘vaccinated against COVID-19’ after your professional summary.

When your resume indicates such information, you can increase the chances of selection by an applicant tracking system (ATS). Recruiters may also prefer you over other candidates with similar skills.

Take Advantage of the Hot Job Market 2022

Applying the discussed tips can ensure you benefit from the hot job market 2022. Besides, it will build your career and help you understand how to increase your adaptability in different fields.

At Ivy Exec, we provide career support to help executives benefit from lucrative job markets. With our experts’ help, you can tackle obstacles like preparing for interviews and developing leadership skills.

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