The EVOLVING Employment Model: Managing Your Career in the Rapidly Changing Economy Program Recap

Thank you Paul Cecala from Cecala Career Consultants for an information-packed program that addressed the significant changes in today’s economy and how job-seekers can adjust their plans and goals to meet these new challenges.  From gig jobs, to mental health, to remote work options, especially in the wake of the Covid pandemic, the landscape of the economy offers more flexibility, greater autonomy, but more risk than before.  So let’s see how our own career goals and paths might fit into the new realm of employee needs and employer expectations.

Changes in Needs and Wants

The Covid pandemic has a dramatic effect on the needs and wants of both employees and employers.  In particular, current and prospective employees are valuing:

• Strong leadership and transparency
• Competitive compensation and benefits – these include those beyond the basics, such as financial wellness, mental health, and student-loan repayment
• Work-from-home/hybrid options
• Work-Life integration – not just a balance, but the ability to focus on personal life when needed
• Purpose-driven and meaningful work – either personal or societal

Employers have also shifted their perspective and recognized some new concerns that have influenced their available positions and hiring practices:

• Employee wellbeing
• Shape company culture
• Recruiting and RETAINING talent
• Open and effective communication
• Tracking and increasing productivity
• Managing a multigenerational workforce
• Diversity and inclusion

Be sure to do your research and determine which organizations/jobs/careers match with your own needs and wants.  From there, you can identify those organizations that meet your expectations and you can start working toward fostering those important network connects and skills that can land you the job.

Current Trends

There are some new trends that employers are focusing on that have reshaped how they operate and the types of employees they are looking for.  In some industries/careers, like information technology, employers are focusing their efforts at identifying the skills they need for current projects rather than the best overall fit for a company.  Employees that fail to attain or perform those specific skills are at greater risk of losing their jobs.  This is particularly relevant when dealing with the generational gap where older employees may find it difficult to demonstrate their value and skills when compared to younger individuals.  Be aware of the skills your employer or a potential employer needs, find ways to demonstrate those skills, and be sure to effectively communicate your ability to the higher-ups.

There has also been a shift in hiring trends and patterns, creating a cyclical pattern of hiring that can help you find the right jobs at the right time.  The greatest number of new jobs start at the beginning of the calendar year, which means that those opportunities are posted and interviewed in November and December.  There is another, but smaller hiring bump before the onset of summer as well as right after summer.  You can use this knowledge to help focus your job search strategies and land the right job for you.

Strategies for Success

So how can you succeed in this new economy where skills are highly valued by employers?  Here are some considerations to focus on:

1. Observe the workplace – look at who is succeeding and failing in the workplace and determine why.  Be sure to identify the skills that bring value and demonstrate them.  It’s all about the boss’ perception.
2. Be flexible – Don’t be afraid to try new things or use new skills to improve your work.  Be accepting of change and be an instrument of that change to demonstrate your value.
3. Ask questions, don’t make demands – By asking questions, you are inviting a conversation which has a better chance of turning in your favor.  Use questions to find out how to improve your performance or ways to accommodate your personal life.  When conversing, be empathic and compassionate – you’d be surprised how often it is reciprocated back!
4. Be accessible and available – Be sure to make yourself available when needed.  Try to answer promptly and show eagerness, even when seeking clarification.  Create relationships with individuals at all levels of an organization by fostering regular communications and setting reasonable expectations.
5. Be engaged – Actively create networking opportunities with internal and external contacts.  Be a mentor to those who need it or help find someone to mentor yourself or others.  Always keep a positive attitude and be sure to talk about non-work topics!
6. Be a consulting employee – Be familiar with all levels of an organization, including those with menial tasks or on the front line.   This can help you find problems, offer solutions, and demonstrate a variety of both hard and soft skills.  Try to bring new skills to different situations.  Use these opportunities to demonstrate your interpersonal skills, through active listening, public speaking, and treating everyone as a customer.

More Information

If you would like to discuss your personal career situation or would like more information about anything related to your career, please contact Paul Cecala at pcecala@cecalacareer.com.  You can also visit Cecala Career Consultants at www.cecalacareer.com to learn more about navigating your career and important career resources.  To view a recording of webinar, please visit our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/RT_jLPq2660.