Times are changing and so is your average work schedule. Did you know that the first five-day workweek began in the United States in 1908? However, now more companies are allowing for their employees to telecommute and create their own schedules. A recent Millennial Report indicates that 45% of Millennials would pick flexibility over compensation. Take a look at the following factors that may cause this shift:
- “Hot Jobs” Allow for More Flexibility: Some of the hottest jobs on the market right now are tech related with a key focus in IT, Data, or Engineering. These types of positions are shown to have more leeway to telecommute. Also, with Social Media on the rise, multiple positions are being created to manage an organizations online presence. This also requires employees to manage these technologies beyond “normal” 9-5 working hours as consumers peruse Social Media late into the night.
- Advancing Your Education: Many businesses place extra focus into their employee’s career development. In order to achieve this, acquiring new skills and furthering their education is imperative. As a result, Millennials will be spending their time taking additional classes, workshops, seminars, etc. to stay marketable in this changing work environment.
- Big Data Dominates Corporate Structure: As we struggle to keep up with the latest and greatest in technology, companies are prepared now more than ever to set up their employees remotely. Meetings can now be done virtually and phone systems can be connected with our personal smartphones. If we have access to be just as productive as we would be in our office, are the set office hours necessary too?
Don’t get your hopes up yet! This will be a gradual process as you might begin to see employees working from home up to twice a week or an occasional switch in your schedule. If you have any feedback of what type of schedule you prefer, we would love to hear from you!
As job seekers continue to broaden their careers, take a look at the following trends to watch for in 2015:
- Shift from Temporary to Full-Time Employment: Business News Daily reveals, “Employers planning to hire temporary or contract workers in 2015, fifty-six percent plan to transition some of those workers into full-time permanent roles.” Studies have also shown organizations are planning on hiring more employees in 2015.
- Big Data: If you are in the tech industry, then you have probably heard this term. Big Data is one of the hottest topics within the job market right now. Organizations are determining how to use Big Data to help them operate it effectively and efficiently. The need for candidates who know how to, mine for, manage and use this data for businesses will continue to grow.
- Mobile Focus: Did you know that 86% of job seekers who have a smart phone would use it to search for a job, but 50% of career sites aren’t optimized for mobile? Moving forward, more companies are spending additional funds to ensure their technologies are mobile friendly, which will provide more opportunities for candidates with related skill sets who can fulfill these needs.
- Help Desk Roles: In 2015, there will be a higher need for staffing agencies to place candidates in positions catering to technical support and help desk associates. As technology continues to change, the number of devices and variety of hardware and software that organizations support will sky rocket. As a result, it becomes more difficult for organizations to support these platforms and hiring needs will increase.
The real question at the end of the day is, how can you, as a job seeker prepare for these trends? Stay on top of the latest updates within your industry, learn new skills to make yourself marketable, and over-prepare for the interview. If you have any other key technology trends to look out for in 2015, we would love to hear from you!
If you are like the rest of us, then you might’ve let a New Years’ Resolution fall between the cracks a time or two mid-year. But this year, calls for a new you and a change in direction. With that being said, take a look at the following five New Years’ Resolutions that will boost your career in 2015:
- Excel in Your Current Role: Learn how to master the skills in your position and you will stand out to your manager and team members. Continue to go above and beyond by helping out your boss with projects and assignments that might not fall into your job description. Go ahead and brainstorm new ideas to improve or expand your responsibilities too.
- Develop New Skills: Start off the New Year by refining your writing skills or show off your knowledge with the latest technology updates. Try to pick up new skills such as coding or mobile development- candidates who specialize in these areas stand out to hiring managers. Be more knowledgeable about changes in your industry and share what you learn with others.
- Establish Your Career Goals: When you define a New Years’ resolution or goal, it is crucial that you are realistic and set definable objectives. Brainstorm what you want to accomplish in 2015 and then write down how you are going to achieve these things.
- Keep Up with Your Accomplishments: Track multiple achievements that you have accomplished throughout the year. Doing this can be very beneficial- it can be a vital resource during your performance review or it could also serve as a tool to help you update your resume, cover letter, and Social Media accounts like LinkedIn.
- Make More Connections: In your current role, develop new connections along the way. Take the time to get to know your coworkers, clients or former alumni on a personal level. Engage in group discussions on Social Media or meet for a coffee break and wish them a Happy New Year!
Most importantly, as you narrow down your options for choosing a New Years’ Resolution, define your goals in a clear and specific way in order set yourself up for a success. Once you treat your goals as a routine, it will increase your chances of maintaining your New Years’ Resolution. What are some of your resolutions in 2015? We would love to hear from you!