The digital recruitment industry is constantly changing and it is so important, now more than ever, to keep on top of it – especially as technology continues to evolve and plays an increasingly important part in the way businesses approach their search and hiring process.
Permanent vs freelance
This has continuously been a hot topic of conversation in the industry, with candidates and clients alike. Currently, more people are jumping ship and leaving the ‘security’ of a permanent role to go freelance.
The lure of extremely high day rates would be tempting for most people to make the move; however, in the past there has often been a worry of where the next job is going to come from. Nowadays this worry has significantly subsided due to the fact that the market is so saturated and freelancers can basically pick and choose not only what jobs they want to take on, but when they want to work.
I sometimes speak to candidates who specifically want short-term contracts and then they go off on holiday for a few months and come back and do the same again!
The technology and engineering industry is a classic example of this – as the world continues to embrace and invest in technology, there is always going to be something else to learn.
Lack of training
There is a lack of training from companies for mid-senior level candidates who are already in the business. Millennials are becoming aware of and are interested in getting jobs in digital fields, and therefore go on to study relevant courses at university. This results in people who are already experienced in the industry being overlooked. For example, an agency may prefer a fresh graduate who has spent the last few years learning the latest curriculum, rather than having to train someone who already works for the company.
Staff are moving into digital
As more people are starting to understand and show an interest in digital work and technology, it has become appealing to those who had initially gone down a different path. The phrase ‘transferrable skills’ is thrown around a lot, and is one which is not always taken seriously; however, it is completely valid.
A lot of ‘digital jobs’ can be picked up pretty quickly. For example, some recruiters go on to become project managers and vice versa; and individuals can learn digital skills from course, such as coding. The takeaway message is that it’s never too late to change fields.
Try something new
Industry talks and events are so accessible to anyone these days. My advice to anyone considering a switch in career would be to go and start learning – and networking. Many courses and events are free – so, what are you waiting for?