Preparing for jobs of the future

The world is changing very fast industries are rising, some evolving, others changing, and numerous crashing. The bottom line is that technology is leading us to more efficient, effective ways of living life; globalisation is interconnecting us all; and amid all this, a whole new generation is emerging and entering the workforce.

These are also the times when unemployment is at a high. There is frozen or restricted recruitment in companies across the world and a high degree of competition. To keep yourself relevant, you need to have a strong competitive advantage to be selected as a potential employee.

Bottom line is that you need to be prepared for today's world of work.

Though a number of jobs are being phased out, there are jobs in the market that did not exist and even more that do not exist as yet.

It's important to be aware of the changes in the market, the needs and wants of employers, and employ creative ways to stay marketable in order to meet those needs.

 

GROWING DEMAND FOR ONLINE BUSINESSES

 

Online businesses are growing and are in huge demand. You don't have to wait until other business ideas become popular or successful. Develop your own idea or skill and build on it. Just ensure that it meets a current or future need or want.

Here are some key points to keep you focused on what is important to building your career in a very competitive and aggressive world of work:

- Don't limit yourself to traditional jobs. Be strategic, research, look at market trends, skill shortages, new careers, new courses. Explore new business ideas to stay ahead and not get left behind.

- Don't be afraid to relocate to other cities or countries. That growth opportunity you seek may require relocation.

- Find out what you are passionate about and build on that.

- The best way to attract opportunities is to present an impressive package that people would want on their team.

- Dress for where you would like to be not where you are. Be confident in yourself and what you have to offer without being overbearing, rude, and obnoxious.

- Identify and develop your skills, or find new ones to adopt as it could lead you to new opportunities.

- Promote yourself and your brand. Ask yourself: What makes you unique? Your life, work experiences, passion, skills, qualifications, and qualities combined are a unique combination.

- Be proactive. Always have a contingency. In other words, have a Plan A, B, and C in place.

- Your attitude plays a major role in achieving success, so work on it being positive, pleasant, productive, ambitious, and focused on solutions not problems.

- Volunteer time to organisations, businesses, clubs, churches, campaigns, and community events. Even if it doesn't pay, it will improve your circumstances and marketability by building experience and relationships. Staying active and engaged makes the unemployed or underemployed more marketable.

- Be creative. Find new ways to job hunt, and while you are between jobs, finds ways to build your network, develop and improve your skills, and invest in yourself.

- Invest in your skills. Take responsibility for developing yourself and keep your skills up to date. Skills have a shorter shelf life than in the past, and you need to keep learning.

- Build your network, invest in relationships. Support others and they will support you.

- Be visible: The world is increasingly going online. Use social media to your advantage, but be responsible and keep in mind that whatever you post remains online forever.

- Have a vision with a clear SMART goal and a step-by-step process to achieve it.

- Remain focused on the prize, be organised, and avoid diluting the potential results.

Take responsibility for your career. You own your success and efforts. People will help you, but nobody will do it for you. People are less likely to help you if they don't see you making an effort of your own. The world is yours. Go out and explore the possibilities.

- Laura Butler is a business and career development consultant with Fusion Consulting Jamaica. She serves as a consultant to some of the leading companies in Jamaica and has been a consultant to numerous leaders in the Caribbean and North America. She can be contacted at fusionconsultingltd@gmail.com or 469-427-2007