Audio By Carbonatix
Microsoft, which owns LinkedIn, estimates that 250 million jobs could be lost this year worldwide.
LinkedIn is releasing new tools aimed at making it easier for the unemployed to find a job amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The business-oriented social network, which is owned by Microsoft, said it's testing a new tool called career explorer that shows job seekers how their skills relate to thousands of job titles and what skills they still need to build. Users will be directed to online learning courses to learn new skills.
Some of the fastest growing skills on LinkedIn including programming, digital marketing, finance and data analysis. Companies are also looking for workers with communication, business management and problem-solving skills.
"In this environment, continued learning and investment in new skills is really critical for job seekers in order to get them back on their feet," Karin Kimbrough, a chief economist at LinkedIn, said during a press conference.
LinkedIn will also help job seekers prepare for an interview by showing common questions asked in product management, marketing and sales jobs. LinkedIn said that using #OpenToWork and its associated photo frame are helping to break down stigmas around unemployment.
Kimbrough said that companies are still hiring, but there isn't "a massive upward surge."
"We're seeing some improvements, but it's not going that quickly, and in many countries that haven't contained COVID, hiring is likely to hit a ceiling until a vaccine is widely available and distributed," she said.
Microsoft estimates that 250 million jobs could be lost this year worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has left more than 140 million out of work and another 1.6 billion at risk, LinkedIn said, citing data from the International Labor Organization.
More people are still turning to LinkedIn to find a job. In the past quarter, more than 15 million people have joined LinkedIn, and three members are hired every minute, according to LinkedIn.
LinkedIn projects that there will be 150 million new technology jobs created in the next year. Some of jobs in top demand include software engineer, sales representative, project manager and IT administrator.
The coronavirus pandemic is also changing the way people work, as employees stay at home to do their jobs. Blake Barnes, LinkedIn's vice president of product, said the company thinks remote working is here to stay. Job seekers are able to tap into new opportunities, and companies have access to more talent.
"This is something that we think is going to be kind of part of the fabric of the workforce moving forward," he said.
Latest Stories
-
CJ’s remarks on SOEs were made in good faith, not to undermine judicial independence – Judicial Service
3 hours -
Bright Future Alliance pays courtesy call on Akufo-Addo, invites him to African Leaders of Influence Lectureship Series
3 hours -
This is an attempt to break the Minority caucus – Patricia Appiagyei on alleged GH¢70k payment
4 hours -
‘OSP hasn’t contacted me’ – Patricia Appiagyei assures cooperation if invited
4 hours -
I find it strange that this memo was purportedly written by me – Patricia Appiagyei
4 hours -
Ayariga calls for stronger church partnership to tackle sanitation, environmental challenges
4 hours -
I don’t think we have an industry – Patchbay Band manager
5 hours -
Patchbay Band questions recognition of live bands in Ghana’s music industry
5 hours -
Newsfile to discuss SOEs’ GH¢19.8bn profit, dissolution of 9 boards, CJ’s visits to SOEs, GH¢70k gift rejection
5 hours -
BoG warns against spraying, defacing and using cedi notes for decorations
5 hours -
Adwumawura: Selected applicants to receive notifications from today – NEIP CEO
5 hours -
‘Fake memo’ fabricated to smear me – Patricia Appiagyei
5 hours -
ATLF2026: Culture, investment and tourism take centre stage as Africa’s tourism leaders gather in Polokwane
6 hours -
TI-Ghana and GACC demand full disclosure over alleged GH¢70,000 Appointments Committee payment
6 hours -
UN approves resolution in support of map that shows Africa’s true size
6 hours