Top 10 workplace trends, predictions for 2015

As one year closes and another begins, it makes sense to consider what is on the horizon. Whether you are actively looking for a job, managing a successful career or planning on doing some hiring, the following trends and predictions can help you prepare for the year ahead:

The death of HR gatekeepers

Here is some good news! Human-resource professionals who act like fire-breathing dragons when dealing with job seekers will meet their own demise in the coming year. As companies continue to vie for top talent, HR gatekeepers will need to transform into friendly, welcoming brand ambassadors for the organizations they represent.

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You still need a résumé but …

Referrals are the No. 1 way to land an interview. It really is about who you know. But, even if you know the right person, you still need a résumé to move through the hiring process. Your résumé must be targeted, accomplishment based, and offer a compelling story of where you have been and where you are headed. In 2015, look for more infographic résumés, video résumés, and links to online portfolios as candidates take steps to set themselves apart from the competition.

It’s all about social media

The vast majority of recruiters are conducting stealth searches to connect with passive and active candidates. It is likely that a recruiter will have viewed your LinkedIn profile, looked you up on Facebook, noted the number of followers you have on Twitter, reviewed your industry-related posts and read your personal blog before even making contact.

Most of us have no clue that we are being passed over by potential employers because of a lackluster or problematic online image. A recent LinkedIn survey found that 55 percent of recruiters have reconsidered a candidate based on what they discovered when digging deeper. In 2015, having a “complete” LinkedIn profile will not be enough. This is the year to embrace social media and create an “awesome” and active online presence.

Internships on the rise

More companies will offer exceptional internship programs to brand themselves as employers of choice and to afford them access to top talent. It won’t just be college students seeking these opportunities. People in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond will seek internships when transitioning to new careers or to stay competitive in their current fields. Along with the increase in internships, I sincerely hope that more forceful employment laws will curb the exploitation of unpaid interns in the workplace.

Mobilize your search

Starbucks was one of the first employers to create a mobile app allowing job seekers to find and apply to open positions right from their phones. In 2015, this trend will continue. More employers will optimize their websites or create mobile apps in order to engage with busy candidates and make it easier for them to apply. If you are in search mode, expect to put your smartphone to good use.

Generational tensions increase

A recent survey conducted by CareerBuilder showed that 38 percent of the workforce is currently managed by a millennial. This generation soon will be the largest segment of the workforce. One issue is that young managers show a strong preference for hiring other younger workers. This can leave older workers feeling alienated and squeezed out of the workplace.

Yes, baby boomers are retiring, but many older workers plan to keep working past typical retirement age. Companies can benefit from a multi-generational workforce that plays well together. I predict (OK, hope!) that the coming year will bring an increased focus on succession planning, generational training and mentoring programs that foster generational respect and cooperation.

The career path less traveled

Whether by default or by choice, people are stepping out of traditional roles to work more independently. Automation, outsourcing and the trend towards hiring contractors and consultants have forced many of us to look at alternative ways to earn a living beyond the full-time job. Freelancing a service or running a small business no longer is the rare exception, and that trend will continue to grow.

Skill gaps resemble
Grand Canyon

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported 47 million job openings while more than 50 percent of employers say they cannot find the talent they need. A key issue is that education and training are not keeping up with changes in the workplace.

To close the skills gap, there will be an increased interest in vocational programs that lead directly to bright outlook jobs. Beware, however, of those for-profit schools that cost an arm and a leg. Check out more affordable certificate programs offered through community colleges that are supported by businesses and that include on-the-job training as part of the curriculum.

Millennial women
tackle equality

Pew Research recently reported that millennial women ages 23 to 34 are earning 93 cents for every dollar earned by men in the same age group. Woo hoo!  It is not equal pay but it is a huge improvement when you consider that the pay gap was 33 percent in 1980. This is a trend to watch!

Job hopping like crazy

Employers need to make engagement and retention a priority. People want to do work that matters. They crave flexibility, the right mix of perks and a workplace that is fun and stimulating. Workers who are unsatisfied at work are going to hip-hop right out the door in search of better carrots.

I feel optimistic about the year ahead. I also believe those of us who do not continually adapt and manage our careers will struggle to keep up with the changes. May you find greater meaning and joy in your work and in your life in 2015. Here is to a prosperous and happy New Year!

Carrie Pinsky is a freelance writer, job-search coach and training specialist. Reach her at Pink Sky Counseling and Career Services, 970-225-0772 or www.pink-sky.net.