Outbreak inspires workers to be more active in career planning

People are becoming more active in making their career plans after the novel coronavirus outbreak, with more planning to change jobs, transfer to other industries, run avocations or pursue further studies this year, according to the latest survey by employment-oriented social networking platform LinkedIn.

The number of job views and applications on LinkedIn rose 7 percent and 6 percent, respectively, within two weeks since Feb 10, when businesses gradually resumed operations after the extended Lunar New Year holiday, compared with a year earlier, the survey said.

The findings are based on a poll of 2,000 working people aged 22 to 40 in 19 major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, in February.

According to the survey, 60 percent of the respondents said they are confident they will obtaining good opportunities in 2020. Confidence is particularly shown in some of the worst-hit sectors, with 65 percent of those in tourism expressing optimism, followed by catering, 65 percent; transportation, 64 percent; internet, 63 percent and insurance, 61 percent.

"People's willingness to make a change has intensified since the resumption of business,"Lu Jian, president of LinkedIn China, said.

"We encourage people to be more active in planning for their career, set a clear objective, and constantly accumulate necessary skills and resources so that they can grasp opportunities at any time and in any environment."

The outbreak has left millions of people unable to resume work on time and working from home due to transportation restrictions.

Seventy percent of respondents said their career has been affected by the outbreak, including uncertainty about future development, salary and welfare cuts, reduction in workload and fewer opportunities for promotion, as well as job losses.

Reduction in job opportunities in the employment market is a major concern among those polled, with 45 percent voicing this concern, followed by concern over their financial situation and obsolete skills, 40 percent and 34 percent, respectively, the survey said.

Against the backdrop, many are seeking ways to counter the risks. The survey said more than 60 percent of the respondents have begun or plan to run avocations or part-time jobs. Nearly 80 percent said they will take on such jobs after the epidemic is over.

Lu said the traditional landscape of employers taking a "hegemonic"position in the job market is changing, with individuals taking increasing power. An employment landscape with flexibility and adaptability is becoming more and more popular, which will play a positive role in stabilizing employment in a risky environment, he added.

The survey also showed that adaptability, emotional intelligence, creativity, persuasiveness and problem-solving ability are the top five skills needed in the Asia-Pacific job market in 2020.