As Charles Darwin said, it is not the strongest of the species that survives, but the one that is most adaptable to change. What a pertinent advice for today’s workforce.
Due to the pandemic, companies and small businesses face unique difficulties with a strong ripple effect on their workers. Being exposed to constant and unpredictable changes, employees are experiencing high levels of uncertainty and fear when it comes to job security.
If COVID-19 forced you to reassess your current career path, here are some ideas of how to set yourself up for success.
1. Leverage technology
Technology has altered the way we work, but who said that there is no flipside to it? Before the pandemic, in-person interaction was critical to find a job. Nowadays, networking events have moved entirely to the cyberspace. Due to this shift, it is easier than ever to connect with others worldwide. You can join groups and forums on LinkedIn or other networks where you can communicate and build professional relationships with potential employers daily.
2. Renew Yourself
Never too late to learn a new skillset. Making education accessible for everyone, several institutions (Coursera.org; edX.org) offer free learning resources during the pandemic. Now is a prime time if you want to add new skills and knowledge to your resume. Before you start connecting with industry leaders or potential employers, make sure that your resume is up to date and relevant to the standards of the industry you are transitioning into.
3. Adapt Quickly
To stay employed after the dust settles, you need to adjust to new ways in which work will be done. Don’t be attached to your current career or job but experiment with several different ones. Instead of being fearful of losing your job, you should see every change, even a layoff, as an opportunity to find a better one. Having a positive mindset is critical.
Switching careers has never been easy but during a global pandemic, it comes with its unique challenges. Remember, success waits for those who utilize technology daily, develop new skills frequently, and adapt their behavior quickly.
Pro Tips From a Career Coach:
– Choose professional looking profile pictures and delete inappropriate content from your social media.
– Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date and that you benefit from all features this platform has to offer.
– Seek guidance from a career coach for giving you feedback on your resume and developing a career plan.
– Consider your career as a personal growth journey.
– Develop a positive mindset when seeking a new job or career path.
An edited version of this post was also published in the January/February 2021 issue of The Costco Connection. Check out the article on Costco’s website!
