When you’re stuck at home, you can feel hopeless. Everything is happening around you and there’s no way to alter the flow of the tide. From a career perspective, it’s frightening as millions of people are losing their jobs, through no fault of their own, and you could end up on the scrapheap too.
The good news is that it isn’t all doom and gloom. Yes, working remotely during a global health crisis is challenging, and it won’t get much easier. However, your career doesn’t have to suffer since you can do a whole lot of positive stuff from the comfort of your home office.
Update Your Resume
Your resume is the first thing employers see when you apply for a new role. You aren’t in that position yet, but it pays to be prepared just in case you have to react quickly. With that in mind, it’s essential to update the relevant versions of your CV, whether it’s a traditional one or internet-based. This includes adding experience you might not have written down, and skills that you have acquired in the recent past. Some of them could be parent or lockdown-based as there are no restrictions on where you develop your expertise.
And Your LinkedIn Profile
Networking is a significant part of a career. However, the way that people build contacts today is different from a couple of decades ago. Previously, business cards and handshakes were the way forward, whereas now, it’s all about sending and accepting friend and follower requests on social media. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are powerful, yet LinkedIn is the king of networking for the corporate world. Apart from updating your resume, you must ensure your profile is flawless and makes a stunning first impression. For many employers, your account is the main factor in offering an interview/position.
Expand Your Knowledge
Knowledge is power, which is why you need to absorb as much of it as you can in case the worst happens. As always, reading is an accessible and non-invasive way to learn about subjects and topics. Of course, the ultimate avenue is to go back to school and obtain certified qualifications from a university or college. Whether it’s a Bachelor of Education Primary or a masters in leadership, the achievement will help you to stand out in a crowded industry. Plus, it proves to employers that you are motivated and passionate to improve, two features they value highly in employees.
Improve Your Personal Brand
Everyone has a brand. Like businesses, some are better at advertising it than others. If you’re somebody who isn’t a self-marketing pro, it’s time to be less humble. You might not like it, but the ability to outline your strengths shows confidence. Plus, it’s not a difficult thing to do, not when blogs are a dime a dozen. Creating a blog lets you speak about the things that matter the most, and it also acts as an online portfolio of your work. The best thing is, you don’t need to be a writer to leverage it to your advantage!
By tidying up your resume, expanding your knowledge base, and marketing yourself more effectively, you’ll enhance your career without leaving the house.