Tips to stay relevant in the job market after the pandemic
(From ec.europa.eu)
Assess and expand your skills
If you currently have more free time on your hands because you’re working remotely, you can use it to gain new skills or improve existing ones. Meanwhile, you’ve probably learnt new skills to continue doing your job from home, so take a moment to reflect on what they are (for example, time management, flexibility, or perhaps using a new digital tool).
In case you have lost your job as a result of COVID-19, this is the perfect time to round out your skills and increase your employability. There are plenty of opportunities online to boost your CV. You can draw inspiration from our article Top 6 free platforms for online courses.
Plan for the future
In these uncertain times, planning for the future can be difficult. But you can do some personal scenario planning to guess how things may develop, similarly to the way companies set their business strategy. The key is to think about where demand for work will exist and how best to take advantage of that. The type of work that seems stable across several different scenarios is worth exploring.
Don’t be afraid of short- and mid-term contracts
As companies recover from the pandemic and adapt to the new business environment, they will likely hire more contractors than permanent employees. This is understandable, as it allows businesses to figure out how things will change and what their ultimate needs will be.
Working on a contract with a company has many benefits – it allows you to make new contacts, build your network and gain experience, while leaving no gaps in your CV. In addition, let’s not forget the possibility of becoming a permanent employee.
Pivot or re-invent yourself
If your career was permanently damaged during the pandemic, you will need to re-invent yourself or pivot to a new line of work. By re-inventing yourself, you start again – whether it’s learning a skill for a new job, or doing a traineeship to gain experience in a new sphere. Alternatively, when you pivot, you find a way to use your existing skills, experience and knowledge in another field. Re-inventing and pivoting can mean that you might have to take a less paid job, but with the right mindset you can quickly grow your career again.
Be ready to work remotely
A positive consequence of the pandemic is that companies have recognised that people can work effectively from home. Teleworking allows you to apply for jobs outside your region or even country. Consider job opportunities that offer remote working. Even if a job listing doesn’t say that the company is open to work-from-home options, ask anyway. You have nothing to lose.
Are you curious about what the skills of the future are? Check out our article8 essential skills to succeed in a post-COVID-19 world.
Related links:
Top 6 free platforms for online courses
8 essential skills to succeed in a post-COVID-19 world
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