Tips to Prepare for the New Employment Landscape in 2022
In accounting and finance jobs, like most other industries, the covid pandemic accelerated the move to remote working, and has encouraged many people to consider what is most important to them. The outcome is the Great Resignation, with millions of Americans quitting their jobs in pursuit of greater job satisfaction and a better work/life balance.
The employment landscape has shifted. Companies are upskilling their staff. There is a greater awareness of employee needs, and this has delivered a greater flexibility for employees to work partly, if not all, their hours from home.
Hiring managers are also changing how they find new recruits. They are more likely to conduct social media searches, interview remotely, and employ for transferrable skills.
Tips to become the standout candidate in 2022:
Improve Your Soft Skills
You can’t just rely on your hard (technical) skills to land the job you want. You need soft skills as well. Soft skills include interpersonal skills that help you get along with people and work well in a team environment.
High demand transferrable skills include:
- Leadership
- Critical thinking
- Emotional intelligence and empathy
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Creativity and innovation
These skills can be learned and improved with practice and experience -─but know where you may have weaknesses and focus on those areas first.
Polish Use of Remote Working Tools
Think about what remote working tools you may use when joining a company. If you’re not familiar with platforms like Slack, Asana, and Google Hangouts, educate yourself to collaborate effectively with your new colleagues.
Be Flexible, Adaptable, and Organized
It’s no longer about where you work, but how you work. You’ll need to work in different ways, be able to prioritize tasks, manage your time efficiently, and be flexible to changing business needs.
Stay Updated with Industry Trends
The world of accounting and finance is evolving quickly. Whether it is new regulations, new technology, or other developments, showing interest in your industry and being informed about the latest industry trends is crucial.
Polish Your Resume So It Sparkles
The resume is often the first impression a hiring manager will have of you. Revist your resume regularly, and update it with your newly acquired skills, experience, and abilities. For tips on how to compose a stunning resume, read our article, ‘5 Resume rules no one told you’.
Be Active on LinkedIn
Your social media profiles matter, and top of the list is LinkedIn. Clean up your social media profiles and have them up-to-date and aligned with your resume. Share your knowledge and expertise with fellow professionals on LinkedIn and demonstrate interest of developing trends within your industry.
Master Virtual Interviews
Standout by being a master in interviewing by video:
- Test your tech before the interview
- Make sure you can be seen
- Dress to impress
- Eliminate all distractions
- Be yourself
- Follow up
Finally, don’t forget to prepare your background as well as yourself ─ there are several background mishaps to avoid when interviewing online.
Find a Mentor
Our final tip is to find a mentor. Someone who knows how to succeed in a competitive job market. A person who can provide guidance and advice on how to present the best version of yourself. A guide who will become your advocate, and who has an extended network of potential employers who are hiring for talented people in accounting and finance jobs.
To learn how we help candidates land the best jobs with the best employers, submit your resume to 6 Degrees Group today.