Job Market Ripe for Hiring Skilled Workers

A whopping 82% of companies expect to face hiring challenges over the next year, leaving plenty of opportunities for workers with the right skills.

The biggest issue finding those workers is increased competition in the job market, followed by the available talent pool not matching company’s needs, and trouble assessing candidates’ skills during the hiring process. This is according to a new poll from The Harris Poll which was commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.

At 40% of the companies that have open positions, U.S. hiring decision-makers say this is due to a lack of applicants with hard skills (46%) and soft skills (39%). Additionally, nearly 1 in 3 say they lack applicants with relevant experience (31%).

While this is tough news for businesses, the time has never been better for individuals looking for a new job or possibly a career change.

Find the Industry that Matches Your Skillset

If you are a skilled worker, you may jump to the top of a recruiter’s list. In this hot labor market, if you’ve been eyeing a good company, it’s time to contact them to see if any positions are available.

Additionally, if you have enough transferable skills, a hiring manager may be willing to train you for the skills you lack, saving them valuable time searching for the perfect candidate.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

By definition, hard skills are usually the subjects you learn in school, such as math, reading, and writing. Soft skills are the less tangible ones like communication, time management, and listening.

With the isolation of the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, experts are worried about its negative impact on soft skills. But if you prove you show up on time to a job, manage personal relationships with employees, communicate well, and handle your daily tasks, you are an attractive candidate worth the training investment for employers.

Know Your Worth

Pay rates at even entry-level jobs continue to increase, making salary negotiations more important than ever. If you’ve been waiting to ask for that raise or this is your first time coming to the bargaining table after accepting a position, be confident. If you know you’re the best person for the job, your boss isn’t going to want to lose you.

Are you searching for a better job opportunity this year? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

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