Everything is different in our new normal; the pandemic year affected all facets of our lives. Job searching, especially, will be very different in 2021, following the 2020 pandemic. Like with everything else, we all have to adjust to the changes in this new era. Though 2020 put a lot of obstacles in our way, we still can achieve our goals going into the new year. One of those goals for you may be a new job. Here’s what to expect in the job market in 2021 while you search for that new job.
Contract, Freelance, and Temp Positions Will Be More Common
Freedom will be the key term this year, both for job candidates and hiring managers. We’re still in an uncertain time and employers or potential employees can’t commit to full-time employment contracts. Freelance opportunities, and temporary or contract work for 6-, 9-, and 12-month employment will become more prevalent in 2021. These opportunities benefit both parties, allowing for a more cost-effective solution for the company hiring and freedom (and most likely better pay) for the employee.
With Full-Time Work, Remote Work is Here to Stay
Good news for candidates who don’t live in a place geographically ideal for their dream job! With remote work, companies are no longer hyper-focusing their geographical area when posting job openings. This opens up more possibilities in other states or on other coasts. Say goodbye to seeing that notice on job descriptions, sadly informing you that, “we are not accepting out-of-state applicants.” The majority of job postings this year will allow for all remote workers, within or out of state. This allows everyone to stay safe until the vaccine is more widely distributed and allows hiring managers to find more qualified candidates that they couldn’t consider before, due to location.
The Interview and Hiring Process Will Change
We’re used to this job-search process: Submit applications, complete a phone interview, go in for an in-person interview, and wait for the offer letter. That is all in the past. Job searching will be all virtual in 2021. After you submit your application, you will likely have either a phone interview for vetting or the full interview during a video call as opposed to in-person. The competition will also be a lot more fierce during the application portion, so the urgency to get the hiring manager’s attention in the first line of your cover letter and summary of your resume is even more pertinent.
Career Changes May be Inevitable
Certain industries have died out, while others you may not have as much experience in have thrived. Consider your transferable skills and research new industries you may want to shift to.
Industries booming nowadays:
- Tech
- Healthcare/Healthcare related (insurance, healthcare IT, etc.)
- Mental Health Care
- At-Home Fitness
- eCommerce Retail
This is the ideal time to consider a new career. The pandemic caused an uproar in all areas, but especially within the economy. For full-time and stable employment, pivoting to a new career is a must. You may have a skill in business development from another industry that companies in the tech or eCommerce industries need. Focus on the transferable skills and highlight them in your application materials.
Companies Will Focus on Diversity and BIOPIC Candidates
In 2020, our country experienced great societal change and several companies moved to better represent BIOPIC team members and diversify their team. This will continue in the new year. Candidates of color who haven’t had the same opportunities as their white counterparts will now be noticed more and even sought out during the hiring process. Job listings will all likely have a call-out for BIOPIC talent following the job description, indicating a peak interest in diverse candidates. Use this opportunity to get heard! It’s about time.
A Candidate’s Digital Presence Will Be Reviewed and Vetted More
Because in-person interviews aren’t an option this year, a hiring manager must look to your online presence and social media to get a sense of who you are. Companies that didn’t care about social media previously, with the exception of LinkedIn, will start vetting candidates by looking at other social platforms, blogs, and online publications or syndicated awards sites. We recommend cleaning up your social media presence or making your profiles private (outside of LinkedIn) to protect your standing during the hiring process.
Job searching will prove more difficult in 2021 but, by adjusting to the new market, you can find the perfect fit for you. Good luck! View our job board for new opportunities. And follow our blog or catch new episodes of our podcast for more job search tips.
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