Meet Tayo,
He is frustrated and exhausted!
He had lost his bank job a few months ago due to the economic downturn and the digital transformation of the banking sector. He had been applying for various jobs online, but he was not getting any positive responses. He wondered what he was doing wrong.
He had a degree in accounting, a few years of experience, and a passion for digital marketing. But he felt like he was not up to date with the current trends and skills in the global job market. He did not know how to showcase his skills and achievements on his CV, or how to network with potential employers.
He felt lost and hopeless.
If you are like Tayo, you are not alone. Many Nigerian job seekers face similar challenges in finding a suitable and satisfying job in the rapidly changing world of work.
The global skill trends of 2023 show that employers are looking for candidates who have a combination of hard and soft skills, who can adapt to new technologies and situations, and who can add value to their organizations.
In this article, we will break down the current trends, identify the in-demand skills in the global job market, and discuss how Nigerian job seekers can acquire them to boost their employability.
Current Trends in the Global Job Market
To succeed in the global job market of 2023, job seekers need to have a mix of hard and soft skills that are relevant to their chosen field and industry.
Hard skills are specific technical or professional skills that can be learned through formal education or training. Soft skills are general interpersonal or behavioral skills that can be developed through experience or practice.
The global job market is undergoing a major transformation due to several factors, such as:
The COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the adoption of remote work, online learning, e-commerce, telehealth, and other digital services.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is characterized by the convergence of physical, digital, and biological technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and 3D printing.
The rise of the gig economy, which is a system where workers are hired for short-term or freelance projects rather than permanent jobs.
The increasing demand for sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility in business practices.
These factors have created new opportunities and challenges for job seekers and employers alike. According to the World Economic Forum, some of the emerging roles and sectors that will grow in demand by 2023 are:
- Data analysts and scientists
- AI and Machine Learning specialists
- Big data specialists
- Digital Marketing and strategy specialists
- Process automation specialists
- Business Development professionals
- Digital transformation specialists
- Information security analysts
- Software and application developers
On the other hand, some of the roles and sectors that will decline in demand by 2023 are:
- Data entry clerks
- Administrative and executive secretaries
- Accounting, bookkeeping and payroll clerks
- Accountants and auditors
- Assembly and factory workers
- Business services and customer service workers
- Client information and customer service workers
- General and operations managers
- Mechanics and machinery repairers
- Material-recording and stock-keeping clerks
In-Demand Skills in the Global Job Market
To succeed in the global job market of 2023, job seekers need to have a mix of hard and soft skills that are relevant to their chosen field and industry.
Hard skills are specific technical or professional skills that can be learned through formal education or training.
Soft skills are general interpersonal or behavioral skills that can be developed through experience or practice.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, the top skills that employers will look for in 2023 are:
- Analytical thinking and innovation
- Active learning and learning strategies
- Creativity, originality and initiative
- Technology design and programming
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Complex problem-solving
- Leadership and social influence
- Emotional intelligence
- Reasoning, problem-solving and ideation
- Systems analysis and evaluation
These skills reflect the increasing importance of technology, data, creativity and human interaction in the future of work. They also show that workers will need to be adaptable, curious and resilient in the face of change and uncertainty.
How to Acquire These Skills in Nigeria
If you want to acquire these skills and improve your chances of landing a job in 2023, here are some tips on how you can do so:
- Take online courses. Online learning platforms such as Coursera, FutureLearn, and Nexford University offer a variety of courses that can help you develop the skills you need. You can choose from topics such as digital marketing, computer programming, data analysis, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, leadership, communication, and more. You can also earn certificates or degrees that can boost your resume and credibility.
- Join online communities. Online communities are great places to network, learn from others, share your ideas, and get feedback. You can join communities related to your field of interest, such as Stack Overflow for programmers, Medium for writers, LinkedIn for professionals, etc. You can also participate in online events, webinars, challenges, and competitions that can help you showcase your skills and connect with potential employers or mentors.
- Practice your skills. Learning is not enough; you need to apply what you learn to real-world problems and situations. You can practice your skills by working on projects, creating portfolios, volunteering, freelancing, or starting your own business. You can also seek feedback from peers, mentors, or experts to improve your work and learn from your mistakes.
- Keep learning. The world of work is constantly evolving, and so should you. You need to keep yourself updated on the latest trends, technologies, and opportunities in your field. You can do this by reading blogs, newsletters, reports, books, or podcasts that are relevant to your industry. You can also follow influencers, thought leaders, or experts who can inspire you and give you insights on the future of work.
The global skill trends for 2023 show that workers will need to be more creative, analytical, adaptable, and collaborative than ever before. By acquiring these skills, you can increase your employability and competitiveness in the global market. You can also prepare yourself for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the future of work.
Good luck in your job hunting!
