Hiring trends are always changing and prospective job seekers need to keep up. Fortunately, you have CRG on your side. We can help you navigate the latest trends and figure out which changes might be coming to the job market next. Here’s a look at what employment recruiters are expecting to see throughout the rest of 2018.

The Rise of Predictive Analytics

More companies have begun to use something known as predictive analytics when they tackle personnel staffing these days. Instead of guessing at how an employee will fare over time, a firm can use a variety of analytical tools to predict a return on investment with each candidate. How much are they going to contribute? Are they going to stick around with the same company for the long haul?

Employers don’t just have to rely on their gut anymore, which means that you’ll want your resume to stick out to whichever tools they’re using. Highlight achievements. Show that you commit to jobs for a long time. Essentially, show your value on paper as best as you can.

Recruiters Using Social Media

These days, recruitment agencies may be far more likely to use social media to reach out to prospective candidates. That means that you need to keep that Linkedin page up to date with your latest skills and accomplishments. This profile could end up being the first thing that a prospective employer or headhunter sees now, so you can’t just set one up and proceed to ignore emails about who your former coworkers have connected with. Make this page an extension of your resume and a beacon that says why you should be hired.

Increased Interest in Freelancer and Independent Contractors

In some cases, companies will begin looking for freelancers and independent contractors more often. This “on-demand” talent can be employed when needed and let go of more easily than a full-time employee. The hiring process could also be quicker and less intensive. That saves the company time, but it poses some challenges for potential job seekers.

First, keep your social media and resume up to date as more freelance projects roll in. Show off the diversity of your knowledge, experience, and skills. Continue to network even when you have a job, since freelance employment can be more fleeting than traditional full-time work. When it ends, you’ll want to have another job lined up or at least be connected to someone who can help with that, like local job placement agencies or former coworkers. Also try to diversify your streams of income so losing one gig isn’t a panic-inducing situation.

Companies Want a “Future-Proof” Employee

As we’ve mentioned, hiring an employee is a time-intensive process, and companies want to make sure that they’re spending time and money on the right person. That’s why there’s an increased interest in a “future-proof” employee. This means someone that will grow with the organization and learn new things if needed. A future-proof worker would be able to transition neatly to other roles.

Workers will want to highlight their versatility and their ability to adapt. If you’ve jumped between roles at other jobs, highlight it. This can seem like an intimidating trend, but with some extra effort job seekers can show that they’re just what a company needs.