We’re not even two months into 2022 and employers are still scrambling to fill positions. There are huge gaps to fill at most companies and recruiters can’t seem to fill them fast enough.

If you’re looking to change career paths in 2022, it could be the perfect time to do so! But just because employers are desperate to fill positions, doesn’t mean they’re hiring just anybody. 

Find out how to use the Great Resignation to your advantage and make that career change you’ve been thinking about for the past decade. 

How the Great Resignation Will Affect Changing Career Paths in 2022

Employers need workers, and it’s insanely hard to hire anybody right now. 

If you’re looking to make a big change, 2022 may be the year to do so. 

If you can show that you have enough of the skills employers are looking for (especially if you can prove you have transferable skills from another industry), that you’re willing to stick around for a while (and you’re not just “using” the prospective employer to gain experience), and you prove you’re willing to put in the work to acquire the skills you lack, you may just be able to prove that you’re worth the risk. 

Work Skills Needed this Year

Recruiters aren’t just looking for workers with skills that match their job descriptions any more. Transferable skills and soft skills are considered just as vital as technical skills.

If you can prove to a recruiter that your skillset is versatile, you may be able to convince them that you’re the one for the job — regardless of your experience. 

Transferable Skills

If you have skills that transcend job titles, you should definitely include these on your resume. 

Examples of transferable skills include communication (both written and verbal), leadership, organization, project management, research, and teamwork. 

It’s important to be as specific as possible when adding these skills to your resume. Give examples of times when you used these skills to help or advance your team at your previous job. 

And for the love of Big Data, use specific keywords on your resume that connect these skills to your prospective job. 

If you ever feel like you don’t know how to highlight transferable skills, Rise can help. You have so much in you that is extraordinary, you may just need a nudge to help unleash it and verbalize it. Head over to Rise to join our community and start building a personal brand. 

Soft Skills

Soft skills are becoming more and more important. The future of work is somewhat uncertain, and employers looking for workers who can pivot between positions if necessary. 

They also need to know that employees have the emotional maturity to work seamlessly in challenging situations. 

Examples of soft skills include teamwork, ethics, communication, adaptability, and more. (Yes, these overlap with many transferable skills, too!)

Emerging Tech Skills

Tech skills (and we’re not just talking about technical skills associated with your job) are expected to become more and more important over the next few years.

Companies are continuing to automate tasks and as they do so, they’ll want employees to have the skills to work with this technology. 

AI is expected to replace many HR and tech jobs, so being willing to work with such programs (or at least the willingness to learn) will be something recruiters are looking for.

Looking for a Career Change? Emerging Industries to Target

There isn’t an industry that hasn’t felt the sting of the Great Resignation. But there are a few industries that are expected to grow exponentially in the upcoming years, including health and biotech, artificial intelligence, and web services.

Biotech/Telehealth

Are we surprised that in the wake of a major pandemic the biotech and health industries are expected to keep expanding?

If you’re planning on making a switch, try targeting a position in one of these industries, as job opportunities are expected to increase.  

Artificial Intelligence

No, we haven’t heard the last of artificial intelligence (AI) developers. 

The collection and use of data to predict both industry trends in 2022 and personal behaviors are expected to continue to be a burgeoning industry in the next few years. 

Web Development

Most industries have been pivoting (at least partially) online since the 2020 shutdowns. 

Just some of the industries that are going virtual include:

Online casino/gambling Healthcare (telehealth)  TV/movie/entertainment industries Shopping/department stores

3 Tips for Making Changing Career Paths in 2022

Acquire New Skills

If you’re wanting to make a career change and your skills aren’t transferable (or if you need to acquire more skills than you already have), you’ll want to let recruiters know! 

Sure, you could always try to acquire new skills on your own to beef up your resume, but by then recruiters might not be as willing to hire someone with little experience in a new field. 

There’s no doubt that Great Resignation is the time to make your move. So how do you make yourself look more attractive to recruiters if you don’t have all the experience or training necessary?

Make it clear that you’re willing to get whatever training you need to make the career jump. 

Network, Network, Network

It’s not just what you know, it’s also about who you know. 

It’s easier to land a job when you know someone on the inside. This is where networking comes in. 

If you’re a natural networker, you probably don’t even need this advice. You already know the benefit of networking with others in your target field. 

Not only could you get an “in” at your dream company, but you could also garner “inside” information — like what companies are looking for and what you need to do to nail the interview (and the job). 

Did you know that Rise can help connect you with mentors who are in fields you want to work in? We love this style of networking and have seen it boost so many careers!

Show Recruiters You’re Willing to Stick Around

One of the big frustrations recruiters currently face is high turnover.

Gone are the days of loyalty to one company for 30-plus years (as well as the pensions that kept employees stationary). But just because a company doesn’t expect you to stick around for a few decades doesn’t mean they’re happy to replace you after a year or two, either.

After all, high turnover is what started this resignation mess in the first place.

If you’re willing to stick around, make it clear to your recruiter — especially if you’re making a drastic career change. 

A prospective employer may get cold feet by the idea of hiring someone making such a radical shift. If you’re willing to make a big shift this year, what’s to stop you from doing so again next year?