Uncertainty within the economy does not always signal a death knell for job seekers. In reality, 2023 is looking like a good time to make a professional change, and employees hold a lot of power when it comes to where, when and for whom they work.
Global employment company Monster recently published its inaugural Work Watch Report, finding that 92% of employers plan to hire this year, and almost 100% of those have confidence they will find workers. Some obstacles to this optimism that are reflected in the report — staffing shortages, a lack of
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Monster's feedback shows that more than half of workers believe their well-being is more important than a salary increase, but they also disagree with employers who say many workers have unrealistic salary expectations. Despite conflicting opinions, Vicki Salemi, a career expert at Monster, says both employers and employees can separate themselves from the bunch by keeping an open mind and looking for ways to give each other what matters most.
"It's important to keep workers engaged, happy, productive, pay them fairly, and offer work well-being benefits," Salemi says. "Employee [salary] expectations may be higher than what the market will bear right now, so consider well-being in terms of mental health benefits offerings and more flexible schedules. That can help create the whole picture for the right fit for jobs."
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Flexibility, which applies to many of the needs employees have in regard to
An increased skills gap is an opportunity for both sides of the employment spectrum, Salemi says. Employers can work to close the gap by offering ongoing training,
When it comes to assessing skills, employers should also pay attention to the soft skills a candidate brings to the table, and applicants should not be afraid to advocate for themselves in this area. Salemi recommends that employers focus on skills such as empathy, leadership, time management, and communication and project skills, and that employees hone these desired traits before going into an interview or even an informational chat.
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"Have your resume polished, and always be open to networking conversations," Salemi says. "You never know how they will proceed. Set up job alerts so they land in your inbox, keep your skills sharp, and always think about what's next in your career."
As hiring heats up, where does this leave employees who want to hold on to their current position and shift or move up within their organization? They should be proactive in putting their hand up and making themselves the best candidate as opposed to a potential outside hire.
"First and foremost, do an exceptional job at the job [you] were hired to do," Salemi says. "Always stay engaged, speak up, raise your hand, take initiative. It's the art of the humble brag. Interact with your colleagues, be the go-to person who is an integral part of the team. Be your best advocate and show the boss how much value you bring to the table."
