My parents worked the same job for 35 years. Chances are, so did yours! Each of their career paths, once chosen, existed in its own great silo. Once an accountant, retired as an accountant! Fortunately, that does not have to be your case.
Today, career sites are replete with interesting examples of job postings that combine different streams of specialties. This new generation of jobs are known as hybrid jobs—a smart and unique combination of two or more careers. Jobs have certainly evolved.
Hybrid jobs are the future of jobs. Whether it’s in IT, engineering, finance, sales, marketing or human resources, hybrid jobs are growing year on year. Just ask the job portals! If you love computers but also have a creative edge, consider animation! If you are passionate about making a direct impact on healthcare without patient care and enjoy working with information systems, a career in the medical software or health information systems field should be your next career move! These are just a few examples of the countless hybrid jobs available today.
Between the ups and downs of the market and the economy, the demand for high skills, and the mushrooming of start-ups, some may say that the ‘hybrid’ was and is inevitable. And so whether you are the employer or the employee, the need to become a 2 in 1—a hybrid talent is the need of the hour.
While many employees are already wearing multiple hats in smaller organizations, the bigger corporations are catching, too! So in the war for talent, how can you become the ideal candidate for that coveted hybrid job? (Ask the women!)
Chances are, most of us are multi-tasking in different areas and excelling. A great example is the working woman who is also a soccer mom, cook, cleaner, counselor, chauffeur, teacher, caregiver, etc. (too many roles to fit in one title). Professionally, what we are failing to do is making it known. Most often during an interview when discussing the resume, I hear the candidate tell me their core job responsibility and function. Upon probing further, I realize that they have several other added key skills that they have not mentioned on their resume.
While companies are always looking for specialists and not generalists, it isn’t a negative to mention if you are a specialist in multiple areas. Particularly if you are coming from a smaller or mid-size organization, employers will understand and value those skills, even if they seem minor. So whether you are a professional in love with your job but want to venture into an area that appeals to you (it’s never too late); or it’s your resume or social profile, don’t forget to mention your hybrid skills.
Hybrid jobs are in no way a ticket for all. The most important quality sought in a hybrid worker to excel is to see that they have a passion for the combined disciplines. It requires continuous education to stay up to date in multiple disciplines. For example, in the technology field, current certifications and re-certifications are a must.
It’s never too late to follow your passion. There are more unique job opportunities today than there have ever been before. Your passion could be the gateway to an awesome career!
About the Author
Susan Varghese heads Talent Management & Corporate Development for Cynet Systems Inc. More information about her can be found on her LinkedIn Profile or her website.
