Four trends for the job market in 2018

The fourth industrial revolution is changing the way we work and employees must prepare for new transformations in their careers. Jonathan Sampson, managing director of Hays, a consultancy specializing in executive recruitment, outlines the roles and competencies that professionals and employers can expect to see in 2018.
 
The job market is experiencing the continuous and rapid evolution of technology. While certain positions will inevitably become automated, new positions will be created and demand for the latest skills will increase.
 
Sampson explains: "Although the most sensational headlines predict the replacement of human labor, at Hays we don't see that happening. We are indeed seeing an explosion of new roles around Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science, in addition to an inexorable demand for specific and interpersonal skills such as adaptation, creativity and collaboration. We are yet to see algorithms that can identify things like mood, temperament or enthusiasm as effectively as a person."
 
Hays' CEO suggests that employers should look to the future and better manage their talent pool in order to remain competitive. He also advises candidates to keep their skills relevant to remain attractive to employers.
 
Below, Hays points out four trends for the job market in 2018.
 
Data-driven and Artificial Intelligence creating the future
 
Companies will continue to seek out AI developers, especially those who can apply AI technology in a consumer context. In addition, candidates for AI-related positions with an understanding of better business opportunities will be in high demand, along with developers who can enhance an organization and streamline company processes.
 
There is also a forecast of an increase in data-related positions. “Data alone, without insights, has no value, which is why we are seeing a sharp increase in Data Scientist, Data Analyst and others in this field around the world. These professionals make sense of a company's data, help transform numbers into insights that generate actions, whether in changes in customer behavior or new opportunities that have not yet been seen by human eyes," says Sampson.
 
Hays' CEO further explains that data is driving demand in a number of specific roles, including marketing opportunities as Customer Analysts and CRM Specialists. Demand has been created by companies as they seek to segment customers in more sophisticated ways.
 
Don't Ignore "Traditional" Functions Anymore
 
Despite the emergence of new technologies and related functions, more traditional technology and specific non-technological functions will continue to be relevant.
 
There is a high demand for skilled software developers, particularly those with a front-end user interface experience, as organizations evolve their digital offerings to drive change in line with consumer expectations. Java and scalable programming languages remain preferred, although there is still a need for C++ fluency despite the increase in migration from legacy systems.
 
Preparing for regulatory changes in various industries, as well as the continued focus on digital transformation, are creating large-scale projects. This will bring increasing demand for project management and transformation professionals, particularly to fill project manager and business analyst roles.
 
New participants in meeting rooms
 
Due to new technologies, there will be greater demand for leaders who can ensure the security of a company's systems. As a result, demand will continue to increase for cybersecurity professionals who can protect organizations from cyberattacks.
 
With the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that will be implemented in May 2018, there will be a huge demand for Data Protection Officer positions around the world.
 
Demand for Chief Automation Officers (CAOs) is also expected to increase: "In boardrooms, we may start to see CAOs who recognize the revolutionary potential of Artificial Intelligence, but remain alert to the unexpected impact it could have on the organization's business model Meanwhile, the fierce battle to innovate faster than competitors is resulting in an increase in Chief Innovation Officers whose primary role is managing the innovation process and managing change within a company," says Jonathan Sampson.
 
Human skills for a technology-driven world
 
Alongside technical skills, personal skills will continue to be required. “Even if the world's best technical skills and qualifications can be taught, they will have limited impact unless the company has managers who understand what motivates their employees, can communicate with their staff effectively, and listen. Organizations that can marry the best technology and "technical" skills with teams that have an abundance of emotional intelligence will win."
 
Sampson advises employers to look for creativity, collaboration, human interpretation and communication skills in candidates. To stand out from your competitors, potential talent must not only be able to provide solutions to challenges, but also communicate how and why to implement them.
 
It is these trends that led Sampson to offer one final piece of advice: "In this fast-moving world, the willingness to learn and adapt has never been more important. My advice to any professional would be to fill in any superficial gaps in their knowledge by keeping an eye on current trends and changes relevant to your industry, reading reports, articles and news, networking and participating in online debates and seminars. Constant improvement, whether through formal courses or on-the-job learning, is always advisable for you ".
 
Sampson concludes: "Disruption in the workplace is indiscriminate and everyone should be dedicated to staying relevant. However, change is not to be feared. It comes with a host of new opportunities for companies and candidates, and I believe the job market 2018 jobs will generate much more emotion than concern".