Blog
Jump-start your career during the COVID-19 crisis
What you can do to jump-start your career during the Covid-19 crisis
First, if you have been affected by COVID-19, I am sorry. Hang in there. It will get better.
COVID-19….Can you believe it? Because I cannot. It is still a blur. Somedays, I dream of being the main actress in a big-block buster pandemic film, and other days I feel like I can run for President. Lifestyles have entirely changed in the past few days, weeks, and months and will continue to change. How we look at life and proceed with our normal day-to-day activities will never be the same. Unemployment rates are at an all-time high. Companies are laying off employees left and right. COVID-19 has affected workers across the country differently, but there is one common aspect that everyone is asking: What is next?
Like you, I cannot look into a crystal ball for a glimpse into the future, but I can tell you that it will be challenging and get better. It may be stormy now, but it never rains forever. There will be a massive hiring influx when all these passes (and yes, it will pass!!). Companies will be looking for new talented people to join their teams. And that is why I am challenging you to make these couple of suggestions to prepare yourself for the job market after this pandemic passes. Or now, because yes, believe it or not, there are still companies hiring.
Update your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile.
This is an obvious one. You cannot expect to get a new job if you do not have an updated resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile.
Need some help? No problem, I am glad you asked. 😊 NimoHR offers resume and cover letter writing, LinkedIn optimization, and interview preparation sessions. Hiring a career consultant will increase your odds of getting hired faster and at a higher salary. Don’t get passed by.
I’m offering discounts to those affected by COVID-19. I want to do my part to help because we are all in this together. Send me an inquiry or email if interested.
Network now for later.
This is a perfect time to check in with your connections (friends, family, and old co-workers) to see how they are doing. Don’t wait until you are in desperate need of finding a job to reach out. Instead, reach out now, build your current relationships, and reconnect with old ones. Spread some joy because you never know when someone might need it. Of course, do this only if you are genuine and sincere. You might brighten someone’s day or open a door with an opportunity. Either way, it is a win-win.
Keep Learning
Take advantage of your extra time to learn, grow, gain credentials, and continue improving your craft.
Below are a few options/ideas to help you learn. Remember, knowledge is power.
Webinars. If anything positive has come out of this crazy crisis, there are many FREE webinars. Companies and people are coming out of the woodwork and offering free advice in the form of webinars. Take advantage of this.
Podcasts. Another FREE and informative option. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for good old entertainment or excellent education; there is probably a Podcast for everything from murder mysteries to personal development. If you don’t like traditional textbook learning, this option might be for you. Podcasts are conversations. You get to hear people bounce ideas off each other and build off of what the other said. You learn and listen to the perspective of other people.
Books. Books are an oldie but goodie. Reading helps us to develop the mind and discover new things. And great news, most books have an audible version too. You can read books on a walk, in the car, or at the store.
When was the last time you evaluated your career goals? The odds are, if you are like most of us, it’s been a while.
Take a step back.
- Write down your three dream jobs. Describe in detail what they look like. Dream big! And then, dream even bigger! Writing about your ambitions is a great way to inspire and motivate yourself.
- Write down three important things to you in your next position and why. Examples include commute time, salary, work-life balance, career growth opportunities, work schedule, health insurance, company culture, leadership team, etc.
- Write down all the things you liked most at your previous positions and try to mimic those in your next role.
- Write down a list of things you liked least at your previous positions and try to avoid those in your next role.
- Complete a skills evaluation. Write down your top strengths and weaknesses. Focus on looking for jobs that showcase your strengths.
- Now that you have identified your weaknesses, turn those into strengths. Write down four weaknesses and ways you will transform that weaknesses into strengths.
For a FREE career worksheet, download the link below.
https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/7c6ac04e-b8c4-47ac-b70e-1f5c1fde1ea9/downloads/Your%20Career%20Worksheet.pdf?ver=1586901545427
Rest, relax, and revisit your personal values.
I get it. Life gets busy. We often get so caught up daily, but it’s essential to stop and find ourselves. And with the COVID-19 crisis, our lives have been put on hold, but that doesn’t mean we should stop. It means we should challenge ourselves to do better. Be better. Reach for more. And it starts by acknowledging you are responsible for yourself. And guess what, friends, if you don’t look after yourself, no one will. You are not selfish; it’s called self-care. Be nice to yourself. It’s about nurturing yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. It means giving yourself time to take a long walk or soak in a bubble bath. It means eating healthy. Because your future and energy level depend on it, take some time to count your blessings. Because even in this crazy time, there are still things to be grateful for. Do something every day that makes you happy. Live your best life! You can do it!
Latest Posts
- Overcoming Common Interview Challenges: Gaps in Employment and Career Transitions
- The Role of Non-Verbal Communication in Job Interviews
- Mastering the Salary Conversation: Essential Strategies for Effective Negotiation
- Choosing Between Quitting and Getting Fired: What’s Best for Your Career?
- Mastering LinkedIn Skills: How to Choose the Best Skills for Career Growth
- 5 Proven Strategies to Send LinkedIn Invitations That Get Accepted
- Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter for an Internal Position: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Did You Know? Your Resume Reference Page Could Make or Break Your Job Application
- Crafting a Layoff Notice: Effective Communication During Work Shortages
- Mastering Behavioral Interview Questions: Tips and Examples
- In-Demand Skills for 2024: What to Include on Your Resume
- Navigating Career Transitions: Reshaping Your Resume for a New Path
- How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
- Cracking the Job Interview: Insights from NimoHR’s Interview Preparation Sessions
- Using LinkedIn Articles to Showcase Your Expertise
- Creating a Standout Resume for Phoenix Employers: Tips on crafting a resume tailored to the preferences of local Phoenix employers
- Resume Trends for 2024: What You Need to Know
- From First Impression to Final Question: Excelling at the Four Key Interview Evaluation Points
- Behind the Screens: Understanding the Role of ATS in the Hiring Process
- How to Create the Perfect Executive LinkedIn Profile?
- How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You the Job You Want
- How To Build A Resume
- Get Professionally Written Resumes And LinkedIn Profiles
- Top 5 Reasons To Avail Of LinkedIn Resume Writing Services
- Helpful Tips For Writing A Perfect Cover Letter
- How to Ace Your Next Interview
- 15 Things To Leave Off Your Resume
- Applying Strategically and Networking
- Effective Interview Strategies
- The Best Job-Board Sites
- 4 Simple Signs That You Should Quit Your Job
- The most common interview questions & the best way to answer them
- How to beat those pesky Applicant Tracking Systems
- Questions to ask in an interview
- Career consulting ROI. Why you should purchase a professional resume writing services
- The Importance of a Company Culture and HR’s Role
- Why companies should offer outplacement services and career coaching
- Interview Tips: Back to the Basics
Categories
Related Posts
Overcoming Common Interview Challenges: Gaps in Employment and Career Transitions
Introduction Facing an interview can be daunting, especially when dealing with employment gaps and career transitions. These common interview challenges often require a strategic approach to address effectively. This article focuses on equipping you with the tools needed to turn these potential obstacles into opportunities for growth and success. By understanding how to present your… Continue reading Overcoming Common Interview Challenges: Gaps in Employment and Career Transitions
Read More
The Role of Non-Verbal Communication in Job Interviews
Introduction Navigating the job interview process is a critical step in securing employment. While your resume and answers to questions are vital, the role of non-verbal communication in job interviews can be equally impactful. From the moment you walk into the room, your body language, facial expressions, and overall demeanor communicate volumes before you even… Continue reading The Role of Non-Verbal Communication in Job Interviews
Read More
Mastering the Salary Conversation: Essential Strategies for Effective Negotiation
1. Research and Prepare for Success Understanding average salaries for your role is essential when entering salary negotiations. Consider factors like your experience level and geographic location, as these can significantly influence pay expectations. Gather data on company-specific compensation packages to know what you can realistically aim for. Tools and Resources for Salary Research: Salary… Continue reading Mastering the Salary Conversation: Essential Strategies for Effective Negotiation
Read More