How to Stay Competitive in a Changing Job Market.

Develop hands-on experience in your field via side projects, internships, or freelance gigs. For example, employers are likely to prefer candidates with LinkedIn badges or micro-credentials, instead of a formal MBA. A portfolio is verifiable proof that you have what it takes to do the job.

As job roles evolve, upskilling constantly is essential. Seek out learning opportunities through books, courses, or other programs.

By mapping your skills and preferences to new career paths, you must proactively research and apply for opportunities rather than waiting for recruiters to contact you

Today, the market demands job-ready candidates with proven skills and experience in areas such as:

Over 78% of recruiters in India are hiring for skills over qualifications, according to the latest data. Businesses report higher productivity and innovation with candidates who have practical skills. Micro-credentials coupled with relevant experience are preferred over a regular 2-year MBA.

Companies encourage existing employees to apply for internal job positions across other verticals to expand their skills. This trend is driven in part by a slowdown in hiring and a focus on increasing retention.

With project scope changes and cost revisions becoming common, companies are switching to demand-based hiring models, including contract staffing, project-specific roles, and freelance consultants. This strategy is aimed at reducing payroll costs and filling talent gaps.

To make an impact, LinkedIn recommendations must be backed by solid proof. This is where a well-designed portfolio comes in. If you prefer not to use a portfolio site like Behance for copyright reasons, create your own website using Notion or Squarespace. These offer more options for styling and customization.

The key is to include before and after images, writing samples, audio files, demo videos—along with case studies detailing your approach and the standout features/results achieved.

Why is this important? A portfolio says more about your skills and competencies than a resume ever will.

The best jobs on the market are often unadvertised. To access them, you don’t need to attend live events or conferences—leverage your LinkedIn network instead. Filter second and third degree contacts based on industry, job profile, location, etc. Send connection requests with a short but relevant introduction. Highlight any common interests, groups, or company pages to build rapport. If you can get a referral from a mutual connection, even better.

Applying for jobs you are only an 80% match for can cause disappointment. The key is to benchmark yourself against in-demand skills demanded by employers and apply for roles that align properly.

Research job listings on LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Naukri to identify frequently used keywords and ‘preferred’ skills requirements. Look up job market trends for your industry via LinkedIn’s annual Global Talent Trends Report and other resources.

LinkedIn is a great platform for researching companies, connecting with other professionals, and finding jobs. However, it is also an invaluable platform for brand building. By defining who you are and how you provide value to others, you can build connections and create a community of professionals like you. It also helps you create content that solves problems or provides insights for your network. The key is to learn what your audience wants and create a mix of educational content, promotional content, and personal stories.

Whether on your resume or LinkedIn profile, make sure the skills section is clear and visible. You may have to change the order in which your skills are listed. Talking about roles and responsibilities isn’t enough— highight specific results you produced in terms of sales closed, costs reduced, or projects delivered. Use LinkedIn’s Featured section to share projects, badges, certificates and other accomplishments. Make sure any client testimonials or skills endorsements are updated.

From introducing yourself to explaining why you are the right fit for the job, you must make a great impression. Go beyond the job description—research the company’s products, services, and business goals. Look up any news coverage, social media campaigns, or investor updates related to the company and ask questions relating to those. Prepare for frequently asked questions relating to your strengths, weaknesses, or career goals.

Remember to use a neutral tone, natural pace, and comfortable body language as you speak during the interview.

The uncertainty in the job market is challenging, not only for freshers but also for experienced professionals. If you’ve been struggling to find jobs on LinkedIn or job boards, it’s time to get a tech advantage.

GroYouth’s AI-powered job matching platform opens up tailor-made opportunities that fit your skills and personality perfectly. We provide career guidance, interview prep, and professional training services to empower you to succeed in the rapidly evolving job market.