Nano-degrees, bio-chipsets and automation certifications – these are just three of the line items that will be commonplace on CVs in 2030, according to predictions released today by global recruitment firm PageGroup.
Working with trends forecasters Foresight Factory, PageGroup recently undertook research to examine the emerging trends and technologies that will shape tomorrow’s workplace, and predict what this means for the skills, experience and achievements required on future CVs.
Other items on the imagined 2030 CV included:
· Anonymous ID number + personal imprint
· Practical experience working with chatbots and human interface technology
· Advanced Learning Ability Score (/100)
· Social Impact Rating (/10)
The key influencing trends – and their impact on future CVs – are outlined in detail below:
Trend #1: Automation
With increased automation, the new jobs landscape will emphasise how people and machines can work most effectively together to complement each other’s skills.
Employees will have to display strong human-to-machine (H2M) communication skills, including the technical ability to work with all forms of automation, AI and robotics – listing practical experience working with non-human ‘colleagues’ and automated systems. Technical qualifications and certifications in these areas will be ‘the new diploma’.
Trend #2: Liquid Skills
As technology continues to change the workforces, employees will need to work flexibly and learn quickly – acquiring new skills, dropping old ones and continually updating their skillset to stay relevant.
CVs will need to show a vast array of technical and human skills which could be applied to any role, and single specialism, long-term degrees will be replaced by multiple, shorter-length ‘nano-degrees’. With learning ability a valuable attribute, a scoring system might develop to differentiate candidates.
Trend #3: Bio-hacking
To compete with the computing power of machines, some workers may choose to augment or upgrade their minds and bodies. A future awaits in which smart implants, DNA-derived treatments, high-performance prosthetics and memory-enhancing components are commonplace, and CVs boast of the latest ways candidates have bio-hacked their skillsets.
Commentators on the research discussed the human-to-machine connection, importance of continued learning and advised on how employees today can be future-proofing their CVs for tomorrow:
Corinne Mills, careers coach, author and managing director at Personal Career Management, says, ‘Jobs are changing quickly, as technology starts to complement, redefine and potentially replace many existing jobs. There will be new jobs created so individuals will need to keep their eyes on the horizon to detect potential career options and work proactively to develop the new skills and knowledge required.
‘While human enhancement technologies may offer exciting new ways to boost capabilities, becoming more cyborg is not the only way to compete with the machines. Instead, your greatest asset is likely to be the very things that make you human. Using your judgement and lived experience to make sense of nuanced scenarios, being empathetic in sensitive situations, offering creativity to innovate and think laterally, as well as having the social intelligence to understand people and systems and how they might best work together.’
Nicola Strong, occupational psychologist and managing director at Strong Enterprises, remarks, ‘In 2030 it is likely that we will have many layers to our digital CV profile – from our DNA and digital enhancements portfolio to our life history, and positive/negative social impact ratings. Not to mention the anonymous avatars we inhabit in virtual environments.
‘That said, human qualities such as inquisitiveness, creativity, curiosity, flexibility, practicality, proactivity, self-awareness and passion for life will remain valuable – and align to what many employers are looking for now and in future.’
Oliver Watson, executive board director, UK and NA at PageGroup, advises, ‘If candidates want to remain employable and even jump to the head of the pack, they will need to be able to demonstrate that they are a user of digital tools. Simply writing experience with digital on a CV will not be enough. Those who are upskilling by undertaking training in their own time are ultimately going to get a head start.
‘Whether it is machine learning, AI, or other digital factors, maintaining a productive and highly skilled workforce will enable businesses to truly understand the impact of new technologies and adjust strategies accordingly.’
Further reading on your CV
