2013 workplace trends: What to expect and how to succeed

Employers are heading into the New Year with cautious optimism as our economy continues its slow but steady growth. More employers are expecting to hire this year, and the key to finding opportunity in 2013 is knowing what the trends are, where to look, and then positioning yourself for success.

According to CareerBuilder's 2013 U.S. job forecast:

• More than 60% of employers say they are in a better financial position this year than last year.
• 26% plan to add full-time, permanent employees, up three percentage points from 2012.
• 40% of employers plan to hire temporary and contract workers in 2013, up from 36% last year. 
• 42% plan to transition some temporary workers into full-time, permanent employees over the next 12 months.

The positions that are trending upward for increased hiring? Sales and Information Technology lead the pack. Here are CareerBuilder’s numbers for full-time, permanent hiring:

• Sales 29%
• Information Technology 29%
• Customer Service 23%
• Engineering 22%
• Production 22%
• Business Development 18%
• Administrative 17%
• Research and Development 15%
• Accounting and Finance 14%
• Marketing 14%

CareerBuilder reports three distinct hiring trends for 2013:

1. Employers will be more aggressive about poaching; they will come looking. Nineteen percent of workers say they've been asked to work for another company in the past year without applying for the position.

2. Employers will pay more for qualified candidates. In an effort to keep and attract the best workers for skilled positions, employers expect to provide higher compensation for both current and potential employees.

3. Companies will take matters into their own hands. Instead of waiting for applicants with the right résumé to come to them, employers are taking the initiative to train workers to fill positions.

So, how can you take advantage of these trends? Here are five tips to leverage yourself for success in 2013:

1. Update your resume. An updated resume makes it easier to jump on opportunities quickly. Updating resumes is also a great way to catalog your new accomplishments and also puts them forefront in your mind so you can easily speak to them when encountering opportunity on the street.

2. Network. Expanding your connections and reconnecting with those you already know can seriously help bring new opportunities your way. Get out there.

3. Volunteer for a new project. This is a great way to learn a new skill, meet new people, get more business exposure, and prove your value beyond your immediate department.

4. Learn a new skill. Professional development is key to success. The more skills you have the better off you are; it helps keep you fresh, energized, and valuable in the workplace

5. Consider working for a small business. 24% of small businesses say that they are planning to hire additional full time or contract staff in 2013. Small could be big.

Opportunity is out there. Are you ready for it?