Job adverts for temporary work this summer
The South West of England, for example, where holiday cottages are booked solid and wealthier second-home owners are rushing to reserve private chefs, has had a massive uptick in hospitality hiring. “All data points towards tourist hotspots preparing for a huge swell in domestic holidays and staycations over the summer months,” says Andrew Hunter, co-founder of Adzuna.
“It’s extremely encouraging to see recruitment in the hospitality industry coming back to life. After months of hunkering down, many will be spending more over the spring and summer months on staycations and home improvements, entertainment and leisure. Employers are readying themselves by taking on temporary staff in preparation. For those looking to pick up a summer job or some extra income, now is the time to start the job search.”
Don’t forget to give your CV a spring clean or look for some CV templates which fit the role you’re after. And if you get to the interview stage you’ll need to prep as well: try The Big Issue’s guide to job interview questions.
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Digital skills are in high demand
Expertise in software engineering, data analysis and online marketing will put you in the top third of the skilled workforce in terms of salary, says online learning platform Learnisa. And it’s increasingly likely you’ll be able to find a secure job despite the economic uncertainty.
Demand for experts in artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain and cloud computing has increased. Companies are looking to transform their businesses, manufacturers become more automated, and remote workforces rely on cloud services.
There has been a 450 per cent rise since July in robotics jobs in Newcastle alone, according to the management consultants Accenture.
Digital recruiters are looking for talent
The pharmaceutical, fintech and online retail markets are all “exceptionally busy and hiring”, says Tim Harlow, chief commercial officer at Salt, the digital recruiter. As are the many new start-up companies, launched during the pandemic, that need whole teams to sort out their digital offering.
“We have not seen the market so busy since pre-Covid times,” he adds.
“As the shift to buying goods and services from the comfort of our homes has cemented itself during the lockdown, many businesses have moved online. It’s generating more demand for eCommerce and web-based application expertise. Within a short space of time this year, experienced and qualified digital expertise has become a rare commodity.”
Jobs in paid search and content and customer relationship management (CRM) are also readily available. Companies are embracing digital marketing tactics that hook in the customer and keep them engaged online. But, says Lizzie Harding, practice director of Salt, “Don’t apply for anything and everything, it’s not a numbers game, it’s about quality versus quantity. A nice, concise cover letter with five to six bullet points as to why you are relevant to the role based on your experience always helps.”
Job adverts for entry level roles
Consultancy firm Capgemini has said it will hire 1,500 people through its graduate and apprentice programmes, focusing on digital and technology solutions. There are oles in Glasgow, Inverness, Telford, Worthing, Manchester, Liverpool and Treforest in Wales.
Adzuna says one in six vacancies in the tech sector is suitable for entry-level jobseekers. More than 60 per cent of tech companies plan to use the government’s Kickstart scheme this year. The scheme offers roles to young people on Universal Credit. Companies already signed to the scheme include TalkTalk, digital marketing agency Brainlabs and startups Bulb, Olio and Allplants.
How to brush up your digital skills to get job ready
There are many ways to brush up your digital skills and get job-ready online. FutureLearn and Learnisa can help you search for the most suitable courses, everything from three weeks of artificial intelligence to how to manage digital wellbeing.
Lloyds Bank Academy includes free courses on topics such as how to improve your online presence. Code Your Future trains refugees and other disadvantaged people to become web developers.
Google Digital Garage and Microsoft Learn have free training in subjects such as understanding the basics of code or software development.
Elvira Perez Romero was working full-time in hospitality before the pandemic, when she was furloughed. She volunteered her time to Classof2020, a free e-learning community platform, connecting students, graduates and businesses.
She ended up editing content and writing for the website. The digital skills proved so useful she has landed a job. She is now head of digital marketing and content at Optimist Performance, a business advisory service run by ex-England rugby player Ollie Phillips.
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