Specialization – As more employers (like the County) look for specialized help, experts will be in high demand and will earn higher paychecks. From a practical standpoint, it’s simply not possible to excel in an entire discipline anymore.   I can see this occurring in the Human Resources career field. For example, yesterday's human resources professional might become today's workforce planning expert, compensation specialist, labor relations expert, facilitator, trainer, leadership coach, or employee specialist. Specialized degrees or certifications will play a key role. Without these, you may struggle to find the right job for you.

Meaningful Work - More people are said to be defining a career in their own terms. In other words, they are establishing their personal career identity. They want to feel good about themselves and express who they are, whether they're at work, the gym, or home. These people have tuned into their values and belief systems and look for work that speaks to them at an emotional, physical, and intellectual level. They define their job as one component of their life - a component that is synergistic with their life plan. 

 

I find myself on the sidelines of this trend quietly saying… yes, yes, yes! You see I represent a public service employer that has a multitude of jobs to feel good about.  Whereas corporate recruiters are trying to wow job candidates with stock options, I am telling prospective candidates, “Now, this position is a real give-back to the community job!” How can jobs that concern Public Safety, Public Health, Social Services, Highways and Transportation Safety, Regional Land Use Planning, Parks and Public Open Space, and Governmental Management not be appealing to peoples’ feel good instinct? 

 

Universal Computer Literacy – The trend is that there will be no room for the computer illiterate. Computers have found their way into every part of the working world. With the exception of non-supervisory, basic manual labor jobs, everyone else should be developing and nurturing their computer knowledge, because it is essential for any career you choose.

Being skilled in the trades is a goldmine – Some trend watchers are saying there is a growing demand for people skilled in traditional trades. Auto mechanics, carpenters, construction contractors, electricians, plumbers, and welders are guaranteed to find great jobs at great wages. The lending crisis/housing debacle may put some regional trades’ people out of work. But, I know that with all the buildings it uses when County government needs a maintenance plumber, it needs a maintenance plumber and an accountant just won’t do. 

If you're interested in pursuing a trade, check into training and apprentice programs. With a little experience in the field you can land a good paying County job that currently has the kind of health coverage everyone needs. (Not withstanding whoever’s presidential plan may go into effect in the future.) 

Out Sourcing and Automation – Has eliminated highly repetitive tasks for the most part. So you don’t become one of the unemployed after you call center moves to India, choose a career that requires face-to-face interaction, creativity, needs quick completion, or requires levels of complexity that simply can't be sent out of the country. We actually need creative, caring people who enjoy personal interaction with clients and the general public, for fast-paced positions which require the ability to learn in a training capacity a great deal of  job specific knowledge. These jobs can’t go out of the County, much less the country.

Soft skills are becoming a premium - Regardless of your career goal, organizations are looking for performers who have what is called "emotional intelligence" (similar to what this blog has already described as behavioral competencies). Many employers actively recruit workers with strong communication, leadership, and relationship skills. These organizations want workers who can connect with people from diverse generations and cultures. Much of this just relates to your personality, but with a little effort you might be able to fine-tune your high-touch skills, which will give you a definite career advantage.

Be responsible for your own career - You can no longer count on a certain skill set to be successful in your chosen career. There are no longer clear-cut paths that define the road to success or to the corner office. Private Companies will no longer guarantee your job or help you step up the career ladder. Therefore, it's a good idea to start thinking in terms of being the CEO of your own career. Build a portfolio of your experience and expertise, keep your resume up to date, and be alert if opportunity knocks. 

 

If your resume is in Riverside County’s Job Match candidate database (hint, hint), you could one day receive a phone call from a HR Recruiter, telling you about a position opening and asking if you would like an interview.

Develop your own brand – Is the advise that people are now given, but I don’t see this as wide spread trend. Its stated purpose is to distinguish yourself in the marketplace, staffing experts say that you must turn your attention inward and discover fresh, creative ways to articulate your differentiating factor. 

How do you determine your professional brand? They say think in terms of your values, strengths, skills, experience, and inherent talents. In addition, think about what you wear, the pen you use, or the briefcase you carry. Everyone is unique. It's a matter of knowing how to define and communicate the unique qualities that you bring to your current job - and will benefit your future employer. 

 

Actually, I think this is a bunch of hooey, but a young man who recently arrived for his job interview here in the Desert wearing a Broni suit, Gucci shoes, Ray Ban sunglasses and YSL tie, didn’t. 

Somewhat as a stage setting rhetorical question, the first oral panel member asked if he knew how many buildings and facilities Riverside County maintains in the Coachella Valley?