Back in March, we all thought we’d be back to "normal" by now, didn’t we? COVID-19 was supposed to magically go away, our jobs would return and we’d be able to have team meetings in person again. Yet, here we are, 4 months later and while things are slowly opening back up, we have to face reality, our normal, pre-COVID world, is a thing of the past. Companies are adapting which means professionals need to as well.
So, whether you are looking for work or want to continue to move upward in your current place of employment, it’s time for a professional makeover and we have some tips to get you started.
1. Invest in additional training for your current or desired role
Brush up and build on your current skills by participating in an online training course or certification. If you’re looking for a new position, this can help you stand out in a competitive job market. There are a lot of free and/or low-cost options, like LinkedIn Learning or Udemy which has thousands of video courses and new additions published every month.
2. Awaken sleeping skills
Rediscover passions, interests and skills that have sat dormant over the years. Whether it’s writing or building websites, use this time to do something you once loved and have always enjoyed. Your renewed passion could even turn into a side gig, so keep your options open!
3. Network and build relationships
While it may be harder to meet new people in social distancing times, we are lucky that we live in a digital era. Social media is a great tool to follow or connect with folks in your desired industry. Also, don’t be afraid to ask people in your current network if they know professionals who might be willing to chat with you. And for those of you who are just looking to get ahead at your current job, make sure to reach out to supervisors during this time. Let them know your goals and how you see yourself growing in the company. It’s never a bad idea to remind your manager of the things you are doing well and the skills you have that might be underutilized.
And remember, we’re here to help! In fact, we are really eager to hear from professionals at any stage of their career so feel free to reach out to us at info@colorfulconnections.com. If you are looking for help in your job search, be sure to join the Colorful Connections network today!