As many of us wait in anticipation as the Government of Ontario announces the reopening of the economy in a step by step process, it’s hard to say what the job market will look like this fall.
Countless workers in all industries have been affected by the consequences of COVID-19. Many are out of work. Statistics Canada reported that over one million Canadians lost their jobs in March at the start of the pandemic. This number continues to climb into April. Others have seen hours and salaries slashed, and many professionals are working remotely.
The good news is as restrictions start to loosen, many industries will start to rebound. Here are some of the things you can expect within the Toronto job market this fall:
Deferred Start Dates Take Effect
Many companies gave new hires the opportunity to defer their start date during the pandemic. Expect these people to begin their new roles.
More Remote Roles
Expect to see more remote job offers. COVID-19 has shined a light on the need for professionals with technology skills. You need people who can work effectively in the office or from a remote location. Expect companies to put more emphasis on remote and tech capabilities.
Increased Competition for Jobs
Expect competition to be fierce. With so many people out of work and with so much change in the workforce, there will be a lot of people competing for the same job. In some cases, you could have thousands of applicants for a single role. Candidates need to put their best foot forward, leverage their professional network, use recruiters and all other resources available to them.
Companies Are Looking for a New Type of Candidate
A lot has changed in a short period of time. There has never been a greater need for professionals who are flexible, agile and can quickly adapt to changing work environments and circumstances. Companies want people who can handle the pressure of uncertainty, constantly changing rules and protocols, and people who can be innovative to solve problems.
Roles Will Need to Be Filled
Not all employees will come back to their pre-pandemic roles. Companies will need to fill these roles. And they will be looking to fill these jobs quickly.
Learn More About the Job Market in the COVID-19 Era
What Can Candidates Do During COVID-19 to Improve?
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