Job Search: Predicting the Unpredictable

If I asked you 5 years ago where you would be in 5 years, there is no way you could have predicted all the changes to our world right now. The only thing we can predict is that things are unpredictable! But some industries are doing better than others. As you are on your job search journey, you must choose an industry where you will thrive, not one that is potentially at risk.

According to McKinsey, industries like arts and entertainment, hospitality, food service, and transportation have been the hardest hit this year. It is so bad that it could take up to 5 years for these industries to recover. But some industries are thriving like never before. If your job search includes grocery stores, healthcare, cleaning services, IT service, and technology, you may be in luck. These industries are growing and will continue to grow beyond 2021. It goes without saying that selecting the right industry for your job search is very important in these unpredictable times.

If you are looking to start your job search in an industry that is guaranteed to be stable. I have some bad news. Industries are always fluctuating. It is s up to you to figure out what industries will be growing from now into the future so that you can make the right decision for you and your family. As long as you do your research and stay knowledgeable about how your industry is doing, there will be no surprises.

While conducting your job search, the first question you should be asking yourself is, “How big is the industry I am in now?” If you are unsure, two sites that I recommend for finding out about industry trends are Google Trends and The Economist . Next, you should look to see what industries are the most vulnerable right now.

Why are some industries primed for growth while others are destined to fail? A lot of that is because of digital transformation. And despite the name, digital transformation is not merely about technology. So, what is a digital transformation? The best explanation I have found was on NetGuru:

“On a company level, this translates to integrating digital solutions to the very core of your business, profoundly changing how it operates by creating new business processes, customer experiences, and organizational culture. It is not only enhancing traditional methods but reimaging them for a digital age to meet changing market expectations.”

Why is this important for your job search? Because as part of your search, it is essential to get with an organization that embraces technology and innovation. It is also important because it means that you may need to gain some new skills. The most common form of digital transformation is the automation of redundant tasks. For example, using self-checkout at retail stores or moving from brick-and-mortar stores to online stores. These changes did not replace jobs, but they did replace tasks. It also allowed industries to grow. In some cases, it prevented industries from becoming completely extinct.

So, remember during your job search that industries are always changing. If you are not prepared for change, it can be quite painful. But the more you prepare, the better you be able to adapt to such changes. It is these changes that drive innovation and allows organizations to grow. As you continue your job search, make sure the industry you choose embraces change and doesn’t run from it.

Read on for more ways to make your job search a success: Job Search: Finding An Industry Ecosystem