The thought of changing careers can seem a daunting prospect. But with the right support, skills and knowledge, it’s something to be embraced – and Nomad HR and Recruitment is here to help.
Now that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has ended, organisations have been making tough decisions about the future of furloughed employees. For some people, it means finding a new job.
Recent research indicated that nearly half of employers (46%) expected to make redundancies within six months. According to the study by Renovo, which supports employers and staff through redundancy, nearly a quarter anticipated making job cuts within 6-12 months.
But it’s not all bad news. While some companies are expecting to reduce their workforces, others are optimistic about recruiting new staff. Another report found that almost nine out of ten organisations were preparing to recruit permanent staff this year.
Moreover, the annual survey involving the Confederation of British Industry suggested that nearly half of organisations (46%) believed they would recruit more posts this year than in the previous 12 months. However, the majority of businesses said skills shortages were an issue.
Record Vacancies
Whichever way you look at it, there are vacancies to be filled. In fact, there’s a record number of them, according to the Office for National Statistics. For those who had previously shied away from the idea, now could be the time to consider a change of career and to assess what transferable skills you have.
In each job advert you read, you’ll usually find certain keywords and descriptions that appear in most of them. Phrases like ‘good communication skills’ or ‘must be a team-player’. These are the types of transferable skills that are important in so many different types of jobs.
Knowing that you have these skills – and are able to demonstrate it in an application form and an interview – can widen horizons and lead to new career opportunities.
That’s why I’ve compiled my Magnificent Seven or, in true James Bond style, my 007 for success: the seven transferable skills that can open doors.
· Communication - Making sure you can get your message across verbally as well as in writing .Listening well and understanding what you hear. Plus, the ability to use technology to communicate.
· Technical– While technology is changing all the time, it’s a good idea to demonstrate some degree of technological competence, whichever career you choose.
· Teamwork– I know the old phrase ‘teamwork can make the dream work’ is a bit of a cliché these days, but if you demonstrate that you can work effectively and respectfully with others, you’ll make a good impression.
· Problem Solving – Thinking through a problem, evaluating the options and coming up with a solution which you can then implement. An employer likes someone who sees the solutions rather than just the obstacles. That also means being creative…
· Creativity – Producing ideas to help your employer move forward and to improve your own role. This is not about unrealistic ‘blue sky thinking’ (another tired cliché)but coming up with ideas that have tangible results.
· Multi-tasking – Ensuring you can cope under pressure with various demands being made at the same time. It calls for good time-management, organisational skills and the ability to prioritise.
· Leadership – This may not apply to every candidate, but if you’re applying for a role in a leadership capacity, then previous examples of leading a team will be vital. Essentially, you’ll have used all the skills I’ve already mentioned in order to shape a team into a cohesive and effective unit.
For all these capabilities (and indeed, for any others specifically mentioned in a job ad), it’s always a good idea to think of real situations where you’ve demonstrated them in previous roles. When did you solve a problem, juggle a challenging workload, or show you were a team player? Giving specific examples will make you a more credible candidate.
Of course, there are many other skills that are transferable across different jobs. The ability to use your initiative and to demonstrate flexibility (not how easily you can touch your toes, but a willingness to consider others and to adapt where necessary) are further common qualities that spring to mind.
If you think of the 007 as a starting point, it will give you the confidence to know that your skills can ‘bond’ with another employer. Just contact Nomad HR and Recruitment and we can guide you there. There’s no time to delay.
