​Today technology is progressing at a rapid pace and businesses and industries are being disrupted in the blink of an eye. Whether you are currently employed or are looking for a new role, you have to adapt to the changing economy and be ready for significant disruption in the years ahead.

For job seekers, it is most likely that you may need to learn several new skills over the course of your career and have a profile that speaks of resiliency, agility, and adaptability. These will benefit you since not only are they the qualifications that will put you on the radar, but they will also serve you well while you are on the job.

If you're looking to increase your chances of grabbing new career opportunities in 2021, Check out these 7 pointers to help you become instantly employable in 2021:

1. Think about the skills you have today and will need tomorrow.

In a world that is rapidly changing, one must undertake a deep assessment of their skills and competencies if you are serious about achieving your career goals. No longer can we be passive passengers in our career; we must be active career managers.

Make a self-review of the skills you already have and establish a concrete plan to bridge any skill gaps. This way you'll be able to get a good idea of where these gaps are in relation to your overall career goals.

Then, adapt the concept of continuous learning. Continuous learning is the process of learning new skills and knowledge on an on-going basis. This can come in many forms, from formal course taking too casual social learning. Try to utilize the resources available online that provide numerous courses from software developer to digital marketing.

Whatever topic you want to learn you can find the resources online and the process of self-improvement will also add value to your profile and significant points of discussion in your next interview.

2. Focus on shifting your mindset.

After you've made your self-assessment, you'll also become aware of your strengths and weaknesses. This helps you shift your mindset to have more self-awareness; now that you're surrounded with disruption in the workplace, hiring managers will not be looking for the same skill sets as before.

You have to acknowledge these aspects of your career profile so that you can better identify your capabilities and limits. You can better "sell" yourself to employers when you know which abilities, you're confident in and which flaws you're willing to work on.

This also allows you to adjust accordingly when you want to convey your values during interviews. It shows in your posture and how you present yourself to others so be confident and believe in your achievements. 

More importantly, you can identify which career opportunities best suit you. You'll be able to concentrate your focus on these opportunities rather than on roles that may not offer you the career progression you want or won't teach you the skills you want to develop.

3. Focus on your unique selling points.

You may have heard of a product's unique selling proposition (USP) in marketing. Well, in this case, it also applies with you as the product in question. As a professional, what unique skills do you have that puts you above the rest? Try to identify transferable skills that can be used in a wide range of fields and will remain relevant for a long time.

As the workplace becomes more integrated with technology, human-centric skills such as creative thinking will be the new standard for employees. This is a unique ability that cannot be replaced by automation.

Once you've got a better idea, you can utilize this knowledge and gain some leverage during interviews. Don't undersell yourself and show the tangible results of what you have achieved. Back up your claims with concrete proof such as certificates and updates on your Linkedin profile.

4. Build your personal brand and social media presence.

It's a great time to start a blog and make the most of your social media presence. Being more employable means curating how recruiters will perceive you, and they will likely begin with one of the most visible areas they can find about your activity: your online profile.

Create a positive impression on recruiters who will be checking out your social media as they assess whether you're truly as professional as you've presented in your resume. Keep your profiles up to date and don't post anything that you wouldn't want your employer to see.

Take things a step further and start a conversation with peers who are in the same field, and the activity might just lead you to potential career opportunities. Not only do you make a good impression, but you are also using your brand as a stepping stone to building your career.

5. Seek alignment with your personal values.

Help yourself target the right employer and relevant opportunities by delving into your expectations regarding your employer and role. Think of your preferences in terms of salary, required skills, work culture and environment, and do your research on prospective companies.

Then, think of the factors that you're willing to be flexible in and which ones are total deal-breakers. Once you have them in mind, reflect on how the company and your future experience will contribute to your overall goals. See if there's a clear alignment of expectations and potential.

You might also want to check out news of how certain companies fared in the face of disruption. How did they handle things and what measures did they take to survive? How were employees treated in the meantime? This can prepare you with what to expect in the long run when major changes happen.

6. Be brave and prepare to take some risks.

If you want to improve your competitive edge, you need to seek professional growth. This can be by switching industries or moving to a startup or larger company than the one you've previously worked with. Know how these moves will figure strategically to fuel your growth.

It can be tricky when companies and industries scale up or down so suddenly. As disruption happens more frequently, you will find yourself taking chances often. Pay attention to the jobs being offered so you can get an idea of what businesses are planning for their workforce.

These calculated risks will carry varying levels of benefits, depending on many different factors related to your attitude and skill set. Build your decision with thorough research before taking the leap.

7. Keep positive and stay resilient in your job search.

As you continue your job hunt, your motivation and disposition will encounter some rough patches along the way. When you hit your stride, don't falter and remind yourself about why you struggle.

It's vital to keep up your energy to help you be proactive and engaging while doing interviews. Further show your initiative by tailoring your resume to each job. These actions will contribute to increasing your chances of standing out from other job hunters. It tells recruiters that you can do your job even in the face of adversity.

With these tips, you can put your foot in the proverbial door and become one step closer to your career goals. Weather the disruptions that come your way and let everyone realize you'll be the best fit for the job.