Redesign Your Resume
Your resume will be the first way a future employer will get to know you, so you should make sure you are doing it right. This is even more true if you held your last job for many years, as your resume will probably be outdated. You should start by reorganizing your experience section.
Right now, as we deal with Covid-19, the employers want to see that you have experience in remote working positions. If you have held any remote position at all, you should include it and probably put it first on your experience list. Don't worry about putting your past jobs in chronological order. That format is no longer popular.
You can also change the design of your resume to make it more appealing to the eye. You may want to add a bit of color here or there, but it doesn't have to be much. For example, you may want to put your name in bold case and change it to dark blue instead of black. Little details like this will make it look updated and appropriate for any industry.
Many people are also now using digital tools to create unconventional formats for their resume. For example, some people have decided to use a video or slide presentation in place of an old fashioned PDF. If you are a creative person, this type of resume will definitely make you stand out.
Update your Skills
The next step should be to update your skills. One of the main ways to achieve success in your career is to learn new things. If you don't change and adapt to new environments, situations, and tools, you will probably fail. For example, during Covid-19, many companies have had to move their operations online, and their employees have had to learn how to work remotely in order to keep their job.
So, to be able to find a job right now amid this economic crisis, you should assess which of your skills are in high demand. In the current environment, digital literacy is a must-have. You should research the software that has come out since the last time you learned new skills, and practice some of the most popular ones.
There are many ways to update your skills. For example, General Assembly is a coding bootcamp that offers workshops on different skills. It has courses on how to be a confident communicator, how to use Adobe programs, SEO for beginners, and more.
Digital Networking
Reaching out to old acquaintances is always a good starting point when you’re seeking a new job, but sometimes your network isn't big enough. Now, after updating your skills and resume, you can start networking again. But, with the ongoing threat of Covid-19, the sensible choice would be to turn to the digital world.
Digital networking is similar to what you are used to. The difference is that you will attend meetings online instead of in person. When the virus started spreading in March, many events were canceled or converted into online sessions. But the preference for the online world has stayed around even as the virus has started to cool down.
Look for career fairs, conferences, and meet-ups in your industry that will allow you to broaden your network. Besides, by choosing online events, you will be able to attend no matter where you are. You are no longer limited to your community or state.
Leverage Social Media
Social media has become the most common way for humans to interact, from making new friends and keeping up with old ones to finding the love of your life. Our social media profiles have become an integral part of our society. Almost everyone has at least one social media profile, but most of us have several. The most common platforms depend on the country. But if you haven't heard of Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, you have probably been living under a rock.
Recruiters and employers now use social media to look for potential candidates and screen the applicants they received. So, if you are using your social media to upload silly content and have allowed it to be viewed by the public, you should rethink your strategy. You can learn how to manage your social media profile with a short course or workshop.
In 2016, one marketing agency even found a new intern using Tinder. Yes, you heard it right, a new job could be waiting for you the next time you swipe right.
Be Flexible
With the country's current social and political environment, it will likely be harder to find a new job. It will help if you are flexible with your requirements in a new position. For example, you may want to take advantage of this time to find your dream job, but that may not be a realistic goal. It doesn't mean that it can't happen, but it is better to set more attainable goals to keep yourself motivated.
Be prepared to accept positions that you won't like very much, or that are part-time. Also, remote working is here to stay, so being open to remote jobs will broaden your opportunities. You can even apply to paid internships for adults.
Go Into Tech
Going into tech is something you should consider. In the future, many jobs will be replaced by technology. It is smart to enter early into the industry that is taking over our world. You can also quickly learn a tech skill by taking a coding bootcamp, and can find a new career in less than a year.
In Summary
You should update your resume and skills to make sure your professional profile stands out. You should also learn how to use social media in your favor when applying to jobs, and use digital networking to broaden your opportunities. Finally, remember to be flexible with accepting positions and consider a career change into tech, which will guarantee you a job in the next few years.
