Top Five In-Demand Careers and Skills in 2021
It’s finally here: LinkedIn published its research on the most coveted jobs and the skills needed to succeed in 2021, based on its latest global job search and market demand data.
Following its example, we selected five top careers and skills that are hot right now, despite the pandemic’s lingering impact. And it’s not only digital skills that made our list!
- Frontline e-commerce workers
According to LinkedIn, demand for online commerce jobs increased a staggering 73% year-on-year between April and October 2020. Various opportunities emerged in e-commerce as millions flocked through online shopping sprees during the lockdown.
Hot careers: digital sales support, customer service, package handling, supply chain management
Skills: You’ll need to brush up on excellent communication, customer service and time management skills to thrive in this fast-paced industry.
- Digital marketing specialists
It’s no surprise that the demand for digital creative skills is on the rise. The gig economy thrives more than ever, but there’s plenty of full-time and contract work to go around in digital marketing; the 33% annual growth, as reported by LinkedIn, is just the beginning.
Hot careers: search engine optimisation (SEO) specialist, social media manager, content developer, blogger, video editor.
Skills: Creative skills are a must. Digital certification and digital marketing background may be required. Think Google-accredited certification and online digital courses to maximise hiring chances. Knowledge of product marketing and brand management helps.
- Healthcare practitioners
The coronavirus pandemic threat highlighted the need for qualified medical professionals and frontline staff to handle patients. Demand for registered nurses grew nearly 30% year-over-year in 2020, says the LinkedIn report. Worldwide, more people going through the lockdown phase became interested in wellbeing practices and mental health.
Hot careers: healthcare assistant, pharmacy technician, certified nurse, mental health worker, intensive care practitioner
Skills: These careers require a medical degree or nursing certification, combined with excellent clinical research and people management skills.
- Workplace diversity officers
Workplace diversity management became the new kid on the block post-2019, with an astonishing growth of 90% in the past two years for hiring roles. More companies recognise the need for diversity, equity and inclusion at the unit and team level.
Hot careers: Chief Diversity Officer, Diversity Manager, Diversity Analyst, Diversity Coordinator
Skills: These roles are a good fit for professionals with strong organisational development, researching and project management skills, community outreach activists or analysts.
- Data science, AI and ML specialists
Hiring for data analysts, AI and ML practitioners has surged by almost 50% annually since 2019, and demand is only going to rise in a world where big data grows exponentially by the day and enterprises move towards automated data management.
Hot careers: Data Scientist, Data Science Specialist, Data Management Analyst, Artificial Intelligence Specialist, Machine Learning Engineer
Skills: Your chances of hiring increase if you have a higher education degree, computer or engineering, with knowledge of programming languages, data visualisation and statistical modelling.
Professional Sourcing specialises in executive placements within the African continent. Get in touch to find out more about current C-suite vacancies.
Professional Sourcing can assist with the recruitment process during and after the pandemic. Our team has a strong reputation for recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas. Visit prosourcing.co.za for more info.
Professional Sourcing can assist with the recruitment process during and after the pandemic. Our team has a strong reputation for recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas.
Professional Sourcing can assist with the recruitment process during and after the pandemic. Our team has a strong reputation for recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas. Visit prosourcing.co.za for more info.
Professional Sourcing has a strong reputation for highly developed recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas. We develop strong long-term relationships with our loyal clients. Allow us to help you deal with your frustrations of a lengthy hiring process.
Professional Sourcing is a top-tier South African-based recruitment agency operating internationally, IPM accredited, LEVEL 2 BEE RATED and 51% Black Owned.