Adaptability is a must in today’s job market, experts say
No matter what career you’ve chosen, you’ve likely been faced with many changes since you started — and you’ll likely face many more as technology continues to advance at lightning speed. That means you’ll have to be extremely adaptable if you want to succeed. What does adaptability really mean and how can you make sure your employer (or future employers) know you have the skill to adapt to most any situation?
According to career coach and master trainer Paul Bramson, CEO and founder of The Paul Bramson Companies, adaptability is crucial in navigating today’s competitive job market. “It’s the secret ingredient that propels us forward, transforming obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into steppingstones,” Bramson says. “And in today’s fast-paced world, adaptability isn’t just a desirable trait; it’s a must, especially in relation to careers.”
There are many aspects to being adaptable in the workplace. Bramson says they include:
• Embracing change with flexibility and foresight
• Being ready to pivot your approach, methods, or even your entire career trajectory in response to shifting circumstances, technological advancements, or market trends
• Demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges or setbacks — which can mean turning failures or unexpected events into opportunities for growth
• Staying attuned to industry shifts, and actively seeking out new knowledge and abilities
• Tapping creativity and problem-solving skills to thrive in unfamiliar or rapidly evolving situations
• Innovating and collaborating with others
• Being proactive and forward-looking
• Embracing experimentation and calculated risks
Once you have a clear picture of what adaptability means in the context of your own job situation, deciding how to show you have it is the next challenge.
Bramson suggests taking the following four steps to show your employer or prospective employer you are adaptable enough to take on any task — now and in the future:
1. Provide tangible examples of how you’ve demonstrated adaptability throughout your career. “This could involve discussing specific instances where you successfully navigated change or showed flexibility in your role during interviews or performance evaluations,” Bramson says. “Be sure to detail the actions you took, the challenges you faced, and the positive outcomes that resulted.”
2. Highlight your willingness to acquire new skills, embrace new technologies, and adjust to new work methods. “Mention any relevant training programs, certifications or self-study initiatives you’ve undertaken with organizational support to enhance your professional competence in recent areas,” he suggests.
3. Highlight your openness to feedback and input.
4. Emphasize your strong communication skills. “You can do this by showcasing your ability to effectively convey complex ideas, collaborate with diverse teams, and adapt your communication style to different audiences or contexts,” Bramson says.