Tackling employability, job trends

SO FAR, there are both worries and reassurances regarding the future of our changing labour market and job securities.

We have been told that the best way to adapt to these changes are to start developing technical skills that future employers are seeking and to consider pursuing or moving into STEM related industries or professions.

But what else can we do to help increase employability in the future?

In an interview with BizHive Weekly, Sanjay Modi, managing director of India, Middle East and Southeast Asia of online recruitment website Monstercom shares that the journey to being the perfect job candidate doesn’t just end at having all the required skills and qualifications for a job.

He explained that while being equipped with the fundamental skills and qualifications for a chosen pathway is standard for job seekers, what makes them stand out to employers is their ability to demonstrate a mix of soft and hard skills.

“Industries are all developing at a rapid pace, with new procedures, trends and disruptions coming up constantly. This means a mix of soft and hard skills would be critical for scaling the career ladder.

“These skills include problem solving abilities, interpersonal skills, communication skills and the ability to adapt to these changes quickly,” he explained.

The ability to adapt to changes quickly is especially revered by employers as demonstrates that and candidate is resilient and able to cope with adversity, Sanjay guided.

When asked how candidates could demonstrate this trait, Sanjay suggested that they shared specific instances with their potential employers of situations where they had triumphed over adversity.

“For me, one situation that stood out the most was a candidate who had just dealt with an organisation restructuring. The situation was definitely unpleasant, but by no means anyone’s fault in particular.

“In face of such adversity, the candidate, despite bearing the brunt of an unfortunate retrenchment, was still willing to be involved in the process of helping the organisation move along, ensuring a smooth handover process on his part.

“These little actions do matter, and it will clearly demonstrate the qualities of an individual in the face of difficult situations,” he recounted.

And for fresh graduates who may not have such stories to share, Sanjay added that employers are eager to listen to any relevant experience that can shine a light on the qualities and traits of the candidates – whether it be a past internship or school commitment.

“And avoid discussing salary upfront; employers are not fond of that. This was also reflected in our latest research where 26 per cent of employers consider this to be one of the biggest mistakes a candidate can make in an interview.”

And advocate for networking, Sanjay encouraged all potential job candidates to incorporate networking into their work lives as he believed it can be a powerful tool for anyone to build on their networks for business opportunities.

“While frequently portrayed as an activity limited to those in certain professions or industries, really anyone can attend a networking session.

“For students who are thinking about taking the first step, there are definitely outlets to look into such as interest groups and community or campus events. Those who are going through internships can leverage on company networking opportunities to meet others in the industry, make an impression and expand their own network,” he guided.

Sanjay warned that corporation management teams need to start committing to long-term plans on bridging any existing upcoming workforce skill-gaps through studies of their current environments and competencies.

“Preparation will have to start now and will involve a series of activities including an inward scan on existing workforce profiles and policies, and an environmental scan on the trends, challenges and labour supply for the sector specific to the company.

“These findings, together with a visionary leadership team, will be key to a well-prepared organisation for the demands of the future. Market conditions will always be changing, but it helps to be ready internally at least, to cushion the impact from the external environment.”