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How to take control of your career in 2023

iCIMS CPO Laura Coccaro says 2023 will offer a unique window of opportunity to shape the future of work.

How to take control of your career in 2023
[Source photo: Engin Akyurt/Pexels]

New year, new you? With the unpredictability in the talent market, we can likely all agree that we don’t need to resolve to make a change these days.

Workers are no longer resigning and changing jobs en masse, but many are rethinking all aspects of work. Organizations are no longer going to great extents to attract and retain top talent (think massive signing bonuses and exorbitant perks and benefits), but business and talent leaders are taking a pause to redefine work norms, structure, and processes after operating ad hoc for the past few years.

But what is it that the workforce wants now? How do things need to change?

We recently surveyed thousands of job seekers and collected insights and hiring trends from HR and business leaders to help us collectively reset as we enter a new year. Here are some key findings and trends we explored in the iCIMS 2023 Workforce Report and how you can take control and be more successful now.

BE PROACTIVE ABOUT YOUR INTERNAL CAREER PATH

Nearly 60% of people claim it is difficult to find and apply to open jobs at their company. Employers must better define career development if they want people to stay and grow within their company. Organizations with internal talent marketplaces are a step ahead in helping employees explore and apply to open roles, expand their skill sets, take on new projects, and build their career path. Only 30% of people have been told how to get promoted or how to get to the next level in their organization.

But as an employee, there’s a lot that you can do, too. Proactively ask about your career path. Take ownership of your journey and seek cross-departmental projects and opportunities to expand your skillset on and outside your team. Speak up if an open role at your organization interests you—talk to the hiring manager and ask about the skills required to fulfill that role and understand how you can get there.

INVENTORY YOUR TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS

One in three workers will look for a new job in 2023. Economic uncertainty is pushing some people to seek new roles while others are taking on more in their current positions to prove their value. Employers are taking a similar approach. Many are focused on retention while also determining talent strategies and building talent pipelines to grow and scale their businesses. Employers are thinking about their workforce and talent pools (including internal talent, external candidates, gig and contract workers, etc.) holistically to future-ready their business.

If you are looking to make a move to a new organization or advance in your current role, ensure your talent profiles are updated with relevant experience. Make sure to highlight transferable skills that could help an employer see untapped potential for an attractive new opportunity.

BE UPFRONT ABOUT YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR FLEXIBILITY

Two out of five workers feel they do not have a good work-life balance. The dynamics of today’s workplace and workforce demand flexibility. The best employers are authentically communicating their company culture and expectations of employees. Consider what works best for you and how you work, flexibility needs, and values. Be upfront with your expectations to your current and future employers to establish a good foundation for your career journey.

EVALUATE ANY NEW POSITION FOR CULTURE FIT

It takes more than 40 days to fill an open role. While some organizations are going through hiring surges, some are in hiring lulls, and others are in augmentation, it can be helpful to understand how long companies are taking to fill open roles. Generally speaking, it takes an organization an average of just over 40 days to fill open roles.

If you are looking, don’t hesitate to take the time you need to evaluate the company and position you are applying for—from the culture and the people to the role itself. On both sides, ensuring a good fit is critical.

You have the power to alter the trajectory of your career, but employers must also empower workers with the information needed to take the next step.

Faced with global economic uncertainty and business disruption, employers and talent alike are prepared to reimagine the workplace. 2023 will be the year of the Great Reset and we will enter a unique window of opportunity to shape the future of work.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Coccaro is the chief people officer at iCIMS. More

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