Everyone is hiring!

Everyone is hiring! Just log on to your social media account or your LinkedIn account or a job portal and the chances are you will definitely come across at least 2-5 job listings for sure.  With so many new startups and the age of entrepreneurship, the market is booming with opportunities. Yet, you must have heard many complaining that there are no jobs in the market. 

So, why are people not getting hired? Where are these jobs going?

Nowhere! The jobs are right here. The issue is not a lack of  job opportunities but it is availability of skill. The biggest challenge faced today is finding the right person for the job! While people are unable to find jobs the recruiters and HRs are facing an even more difficult time finding the people with the right skills.

According to India Skills Report 2022 done by Wheebox, only 48.7% of total youth in India is employable, i.e., almost 1 out 2 Indian youths are not employable. This employability/skill gap is not just limited to a particular sector or tech jobs. Rather it  transcends all industries and is the biggest challenge you face.

But why does this gap exist?

Why are the best universities and education systems around the world failing to produce employable skilled graduates? Some of the reasons are: 

  • The increased demand for soft skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, collaborating, teamwork, leadership, communication etc.
  • Inadequate pay or compensation
  • Hesitation to provide/obtain required training
  • Lack of awareness among employees to further develop new skills after recruitment

What can be done?

  • Focus on Learning

Students and employees need to realise that learning is a continuous process. One cannot stop learning just cause they have graduated or have several years of experience in their kitty. The mantra is simple: “Perform or Perish!” and to perform you need to be open to learning first. This is the #1 skill that one needs to learn!

  • Evaluate the skills you possess

This can be done by using skill management softwares available online or in your company. You can also go through your performance review feedback or annual appraisal forms filled at the end of the year. Online assessments are also a great way to learn about your competence in a domain. For example, LinkedIn has a feature where you can test your skills in various fields and achieve a certification for the same.

  • Analyse your skill gap

Spend some time reading the jobon websites. Closely observe the job description and the desired skills asked for. This will help you pin down the areas in which you need to improve and master the skills required.

  • Work on your gathered data

Start working on the gaps you have identified. Attend training sessions (paid/free) to update yourself with the latest industry trends. Do not hesitate in investing in yourself. It will come back to you at least 10 fold. The more effort and time you spend building yourself today the better you will become and will always be in demand.

  • Take up internships

If you are a student, take up internships to learn more about yourself and about the professional world at large. It would help you build knowledge about the field and more importantly it would assist you in building the soft skills required in all walks of life.

  • Opt for practical courses

Whenever, shortlisting a course, do not opt for it just because it is from a big college or is available for cheap or is the most expensive course or just for a certification. Without the skill the certificate is just a worthless piece of paper and you wouldn’t last long in the professional world. Rather, look at the content and applicability of the course  in your field. Opt for courses which are more practical in nature and give you a chance for hands-on experience.

Bonus: Want to learn more about hiring, employee development and labour laws? Follow @QuickPayroll on instagram!  

Not on Instagram? Click here to follow us on LinkedIn.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *