Eight out of ten professionals looking to pursue a job outside their current industry or role

• 88% professionals on professional networking platform LinkedIn are considering a new job in 2024, marking a 4% year on year (Y-o-Y) rise compared to 2023.
  
• The primary drivers for job change include a quest for improved work-life balance (42%) and the necessity for higher wages (37%).
  
• 79% are increasing content sharing on LinkedIn, while 83% are actively expanding their professional networks.
  

Looking for a new job in the new year? You are not the only one. The new year has not brought great news as far as jobs are concerned with economic uncertainty continuing to plague companies.

Professionals are, however, exhibiting a bold approach to career decisions amidst economic uncertainties, according to recent findings from LinkedIn.

In fact, nearly 8 out of 10 (79%) expressed a willingness to pursue opportunities outside their current industry or role, according to Linkedin research.

The research has also revealed that nearly 9 out of 10 (88%) professionals are considering a new job in 2024, marking a 4% year on year (Y-o-Y) rise compared to 2023.

This shift suggests a change in mindset, with professionals no longer opting to endure uncertainties but instead taking proactive steps to steer their careers, emphasising productivity and growth. LinkedIn's analytics show a 9% Y-o-Y increase in job search activity on its platform in 2023 compared to 2022.

The primary drivers for job change include a quest for improved work-life balance (42%) and the necessity for higher wages (37%) amid a challenging economic landscape.

Matching skills sets with jobs becoming more difficult

While professionals are bullish, they are finding it hard to keep up with the rapid change in skills required to do some jobs largely driven by the rapid developments in generative AI. Nearly half (45%) of professionals said they do not know how to match their skills to the job they want, making the job search process more difficult. In fact a report by Linkedin in November 2023 found out that Gen Z was investing 73% more time in learning new skills compared to other generations.

LinkedIn data also shows that skills for jobs have changed by 30% since 2015 in India. Professionals are also finding job hunting tough with 55% saying that looking for a job is frustrating and 59% saying they rarely hear back from recruiters.

It is time to get innovative with one’s job search

In the face of intense competition and the fact that most recruiters do not get back after a job application, professionals are adapting their job search strategies to distinguish themselves.

A significant 72% of professionals have modified their approach, incorporating innovative formats like video and digital resumes. Additionally, they are embracing the use of artificial intelligence (AI), with approximately 81% acknowledging its potential to enhance the efficiency and productivity of their job search.

Taking charge of their careers, professionals are actively building their professional brand and leveraging connections to improve their job prospects.

As many as 79% professionals are increasing content sharing on LinkedIn, while 83% are actively expanding their professional networks. This proactive approach reflects professionals' commitment to staying competitive and securing opportunities in a challenging job market.

Explains Nirajita Banerjee, career expert and senior managing editor, LinkedIn India, “As Indian professionals take charge of their careers in 2024, it’s going to get increasingly competitive with more professionals entering the job market. To be successful in their job hunt, it's essential for professionals to stand out by dedicating time to spruce up their profiles, highlighting their skills, and staying informed about industry developments.”

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Source: Linkedin