2021 job market: Employers reveal what they will be looking for

After last year’s effect on the job market, Aussies will need to change the way they approach their career in 2021. Employers share their top tips.

FINDING career success in 2021 may take a little more effort than previous years, with the chaos of 2020 changing the job market and what companies look for in new hires.

Employers share their advice for workers, jobseekers and career changers who want to set themselves up for a fruitful year.

SHOW YOU ARE ADAPTABLE

Software company Secure Code Warrior chief executive and co-founder Pieter Danhieux says 2020 highlighted the need for employees who are agile and adaptable.

“These characteristics will continue to be in high demand into 2021, with employers looking for people who are willing to pivot in different environments,” he says.

“With this in mind, the best thing jobseekers can do is to futureproof their CV, and embrace a broad set of skills.

“Look at how you can differentiate yourself today and into the future.”

Hotwire’s Jaime Nelson looks for flexible employees. Picture: Supplied

Public relations company Hotwire Australia managing director Jaime Nelson agrees adaptability will be key.

“It has taken flexibility and resilience to navigate this year’s challenges, and these are qualities we always look for in our employees,” she says.

PROVE YOU CAN WORK AT A DISTANCE

McAfee chief people officer Chatelle Lynch says jobseekers will need to demonstrate that they can be part of a remote team, now that more people are working from home.

“Jobseekers should consider how to showcase they can work remotely and all that comes with that: working well independently, collaborating at a distance, communicating clearly, and managing work through the inevitable – and understandable – interruptions of a home office,” she says.

CHOOSE AREAS WITH SKILL SHORTAGE

A December survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals one in five businesses have difficulty finding suitably skilled or qualified staff.

ABS industry statistics head John Shepherd says there is a shortage of skilled tradespersons, hospitality workers and STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) professionals.

“Other in-demand jobs included labourers, drivers and managers,” he says.

McAfee’s Chatelle Lynch says jobseekers will need to show they can work without supervision. Picture: Supplied

Rackspace Technology chief technology officer Emma Pudney says there are also talent shortages in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, automation and cloud technologies.

“If you’re considering making a move to an exciting IT career, I would recommend taking advantage of government-funded STEM training, doing a short online training course in your own time, or putting your hand up at work to upskill in these areas,” she says.

“These types of specialist skills will become even more highly sought after in the next decade and your proactivity now will be rewarded.”

BE WILLING TO LEARN

Jobseekers in 2021 will need to be keen learners, software company Pluralsight regional managing director Mike Featherstone says.

“A willingness to learn is highly sought after because it can, in return, create a robust team of specialists in multiple areas for an organisation, which is incredibly valuable in the face of a changing tech trend curve,” he says.

Tech company Wrike regional manager Fintan Lalor says employees will need to understand how machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI) and automation work.

“This past year, we’ve seen newly remote workforces turn to digital work hubs (and) these hubs are becoming powered by AI, ML, and automation features, such as project risk prediction, smart replies, document processing, voice commands, and task prioritisation,” he says.

Wrike’s Fintan Lalor recommends more people gain an understanding of AI and machine learning. Picture: Supplied

UNDERSTAND THE ROLES YOU APPLY FOR

Jobseekers who research prospective employers have an edge, tech company F5 regional vice president Jason Baden says.

“Skills aside, business leaders are highly impressed by someone who has done their homework on the company’s mission, values, and overarching vision to ensure they’re aligned on this cultural level, which is one of the most important aspects to consider when applying for any role,” he says.

PHILIPPA IS SETTING HERSELF UP IN 2021

Next year is a going to be the year of interning for university student Philippa Beeson.

The 20-year-old is studying a Bachelor of Business Management and Communications, majoring in Marketing and Public Relations, and plans to use 2021 to gain as much experience as possible before graduating mid-2022.

“I am just doing three subjects at a time so I can focus on internships that will help me for when I graduate,” she says.

“At the moment, I have one with The Coffee Commune running until March, and after that I will try to find another one.

“I am also doing an online internship with Bango PR through Commsgrad.

“I am learning more about PR and doing more marketing. It’s been really eye opening.”

University student Philippa Beeson plans to use 2021 to set herself up for 2022. Picture: Brad Fleet

Beeson hopes one of her internships next year will turn into a more permanent, paid position, or that she will be able to get an entry-level job in an organisation where she can then work her way up into a PR or marketing role.

Another goal for next year is to build up her professional networks.

“(I’d like) to put myself out there and expand my networks and get to know more people and industries,” she says.

“My whole career choice is about networking so improving on that (will be important).”

Beeson is confident she has chosen the right carer path for her as it takes advantage of her strong people skills.

“I love public speaking and talking to new people and I am able to confidently go into a new conversation,” she says.

“I love to get to know new people and am not shy in new situations and I think that would be a plus.

“I try to be the most positive person I can be – especially in PR, you have to be bubbly and confident while still respectful.”