August Staffing Cooling Down…but there are still jobs to be filled
With TechServe Alliance reporting declines in IT employment in August, the market is showing signs of cooling down.
In the latest report, Mark Roberts, the CEO of TechServe Alliance stated that “persistent uncertainty about the economy, interest rates, public policy including tariffs as well as the changing skill set mix driven by the rise in AI and automation, continue to restrain overall hiring activity.” However, he also stated that highly sought-after skills focusing around areas such as AI, automation and cybersecurity remain in demand. In addition, data processing and management and technical consulting continue to see slight increases overall, approaching close to 1% growth.
With the perceived uncertainty, keeping skills sharp and staying on top of the latest technology is key to staying relevant in the job market. Training and development platforms exist to do just that. They include:
- LinkedIn Learning – Thousands of courses are available through LinkedIn learning, including topics focusing on AI, automation and cybersecurity. Courses are led by industry experts and upon completion, the skill will show up directly on your profile, which will allow you to market yourself to recruiters.
- Khan Academy – If you are looking for a refresher on some topics, Khan Academy is great resource. With thousands of courses available, students can refresh their knowledge in everything from data security, to Python development.
- Coursera – With thousands of free and paid courses offered by large tech companies such as Google, IBM and Microsoft, Coursera offers a mix of free and paid courses that lead to certifications that tech professionals can add to increase their chances at landing a new opportunity. Some of the coursework includes role-based courses around Cyber Security analysis, and topical courses covering all aspects of Artificial Intelligence.
How do you keep your skills fresh in this stagnant job market and stay relevant in the industry? Let us know by emailing us here, and don’t forget to check our latest job opportunities here.