As the world continues to adjust to the pandemic, “different” is the new normal. In a lot of ways, this has become an opportunity to integrate technology with daily life, and 2022 will show us many of these new features.
Even an activity like job searching doesn’t look the same anymore. In the new year, if you’re looking for work, you’ll get to enjoy lots of benefits that you didn’t have in the past.
How exactly does the job-seeking horizon look now that so much of the world has gone virtual? Here’s what you can expect to see trending in the job market for 2022.
1. You’ll Probably Be Asked About Your Vaccine Status
If the COVID-19 vaccination debate bothers you, make sure you plan your response ahead of time. Chances are, you’re going to be asked about the status of your shot (and boosters).
This isn’t necessarily the hiring manager’s choice. With so many government policies mandating the vaccine, especially in healthcare and education roles, it’s a requirement. Not everyone agrees with it, but many businesses ’ hands are tied.
Target the Right Jobs for Your Vaccine Stance
That said, having a strong stance either way is fine. It’s how you present it and the jobs you apply for that matter.
If you’re looking for a job in an industry where vaccines are mandated, include your status on your resume. At least one-third of hiring managers won’t even look at a resume that doesn’t include this information.
Yes, the information is supposed to be personal, but you know ahead if you’re applying for a position that requires this as a prerequisite. Whether you agree or not, it’s the new trend in 2022.
If you don’t plan on getting vaccinated or disclosing your status, look for jobs that are virtual or fully remote. The good news is that these coveted positions are more common than ever now.
2. The Job-Screening Process Will Be Mostly Virtual
Anyone who has been in the job market for the past few years is already used to hunting online. The predominant method of advertising an opening is through sites like ZipRecruiter and Indeed.
Now, though, even more of the process will be virtual. AI software systems scan resumes looking for keywords that tell a manager you might be a good candidate. To stand out from the crowd, you need to include as many pertinent targeted words as possible.
Don’t forget to include a cover letter, especially in fields like healthcare. This critical piece of your application is the first thing potential hiring agents will see, as Physicians Thrive discusses in this article.
For a while, a cover letter was an option, but in 2022, with the job screening process done with software, it’s a must-have.
3. It’s an Employee’s Market
You’ve probably seen restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses with “Be patient, we’re short-staffed” signs everywhere. For a variety of reasons, there’s a worker shortage.
This means it’s an employee’s market in hundreds of industries. To attract reputable workers, companies are upping their perks and the benefits you get working for them.
A hefty base salary is attractive. However, if you get a comparable, but smaller, offer elsewhere with a sign-on bonus and other compensation for staying, you may be better off with the lower wages.
Let’s look at the medical field as an example. You’re an in-demand physician offered two positions. The first one has a high salary, but you’re working six days a week, 12-14 hour days. The perks include two weeks paid vacation and sick days.
The other job has a much lower salary, but you get a substantial sign-on bonus. You only work five days a week with ten-hour days. Three weeks paid vacation and sick days and a loyalty bonus after six months are the perks offered.
Set them side-by-side and see which one is ultimately better for your lifestyle. You might find the perks make up for the missing chunk of your salary, and your quality of life is better, too.
Be willing to be open-minded about what jobs you’ll take. You have the upper hand.
Conclusion
In 2020 and 2021, the world was still attempting to recover from the surprise of the global pandemic. But now that it’s 2022, many industries have regained their footing and created a new normal. You’ll see these changes trending and more as you’re looking for your next job.
