This is what last year’s buzzwords tell us about the changing employment picture in Australia
LinkedIn has released 2017’s most popular words in the profiles of Australian professionals, and these words likely indicate how the employment picture is evolving in the country.
“Experience” remains at the top, while “specialise and “passionate” follow closely behind.
The others in the top 10 are “skilled”, “leadership”, “motivated”, “expert”, “strategic”, “successful”, and “creative”.
“Job tenures are getting shorter for many Aussie professionals and we are seeing the rise of gig workers who take on multiple jobs,” said Shiva Kumar, LinkedIn’s Head of Brand and Communications in Australia and New Zealand.
“The language we use to promote ourselves to find the next career opportunity is shifting from highlighting particular personal strengths, towards skills and abilities that can be more specifically categorised.”
Kumar said recruiters are increasingly using keywords to identify the perfect candidates. “This is why Aussies are using the right words in their profiles -- to ensure they are standing out and putting their best foot forward to land the right job.”
Rodney Jones, a socio-linguistic expert from the University of Reading, said the narrowing down from generic terms to words such as “skilled” or “strategic” reflects a change in job roles that are becoming more specific and experience-driven.
“Roles in the banking and pharma sector, for example, are under increasing scrutiny and as a result require more verifiable skills and attributes,” Jones said.
The use of the word “leadership” has also increased in recent years. According to Jones, this may be because companies are becoming less hierarchical, with even junior members expected to demonstrate leadership in the workplace.
How can employers spot potential gems on the Internet?
1. Look for those who take pride in their online appearance
Those who claim to be specialists, for instance, should be able to list relevant skills they have developed over the years.
2. Pay attention to character
Those who use professional tones and who are assertive and direct in talking about their achievement are likely ideal candidates, even as some are keener than others to show more of their personality in their profiles.
3. Remember: Words are not everything
Those who say they are creative will likely have videos, presentations, other projects that would give credence to what they are actually saying.
4. Look at the active ones
LinkedIn is not just about completing a profile. Pro-active users follow organisations, make new connections, join groups and participate in discussions.
5. Gauge expertise by written posts
Some candidates who claim to be experts on certain topics publish posts that show their opinion on industry matters. These posts would show whether they are indeed knowledgeable and well-informed, as well as articulate.
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“Experience” remains at the top, while “specialise and “passionate” follow closely behind.
The others in the top 10 are “skilled”, “leadership”, “motivated”, “expert”, “strategic”, “successful”, and “creative”.
“Job tenures are getting shorter for many Aussie professionals and we are seeing the rise of gig workers who take on multiple jobs,” said Shiva Kumar, LinkedIn’s Head of Brand and Communications in Australia and New Zealand.
“The language we use to promote ourselves to find the next career opportunity is shifting from highlighting particular personal strengths, towards skills and abilities that can be more specifically categorised.”
Kumar said recruiters are increasingly using keywords to identify the perfect candidates. “This is why Aussies are using the right words in their profiles -- to ensure they are standing out and putting their best foot forward to land the right job.”
Rodney Jones, a socio-linguistic expert from the University of Reading, said the narrowing down from generic terms to words such as “skilled” or “strategic” reflects a change in job roles that are becoming more specific and experience-driven.
“Roles in the banking and pharma sector, for example, are under increasing scrutiny and as a result require more verifiable skills and attributes,” Jones said.
The use of the word “leadership” has also increased in recent years. According to Jones, this may be because companies are becoming less hierarchical, with even junior members expected to demonstrate leadership in the workplace.
How can employers spot potential gems on the Internet?
1. Look for those who take pride in their online appearance
Those who claim to be specialists, for instance, should be able to list relevant skills they have developed over the years.
2. Pay attention to character
Those who use professional tones and who are assertive and direct in talking about their achievement are likely ideal candidates, even as some are keener than others to show more of their personality in their profiles.
3. Remember: Words are not everything
Those who say they are creative will likely have videos, presentations, other projects that would give credence to what they are actually saying.
4. Look at the active ones
LinkedIn is not just about completing a profile. Pro-active users follow organisations, make new connections, join groups and participate in discussions.
5. Gauge expertise by written posts
Some candidates who claim to be experts on certain topics publish posts that show their opinion on industry matters. These posts would show whether they are indeed knowledgeable and well-informed, as well as articulate.
Related stories:
Seven tips to improve your hiring process
AI set to revolutionise world of work
