As we’ve seen, employment rates and jobs have changed rapidly over the past few months. We have witnessed hour by hour changes in businesses closing and thousands of people being laid off. On a more positive note, we’ve also seen many large companies such as Woolworths and Telstra undertaking massive hiring schemes to address the immediate needs which have arisen due to COVID-19. New hires are now happening across transport and delivery, customer service centres and warehousing, just to name a few.
Whether or not you have been directly affected by these sweeping changes, it is essential to understand how the job market is changing and how you can prepare yourself well.
1) Be clear on your career achievements and highlights.
With unemployment set to rise, there will be far more competition in the marketplace, and it is vital to know how you can stand out from other applicants. This is no time to be humble.
If you achieved sales targets last quarter, state by how much, and how did you go about doing this? What did you do that was different? Note it down, review it, consider all factors involved in you achieving this target. Have a concise answer ready for your interviewer. Map out the stories of each achievement. Apply the STAR process to thinking and your account- What was the Situation, Task, Action and Result? It is much easier to do this asap rather than in a few months.
2) Optimise your resume
Use the highlights you have worked through to be the *gems* of your resume. Think less on job description details, and more on measurable achievements and highlights. It will be evident to a hirer once they see your job title what your role was about, but they are looking to understand what makes you different to the next candidate they are about to interview.
3) Be aware of your transferable skills- don’t be afraid to use them
We are seeing a job market that is putting a freeze on ‘non-essential’ roles and are hiring across in-demand areas. If you have recently lost your job, seek out these positions through the newly launched Government site Jobs Hub and consider if you fit the criteria. Steer your resume to promote and highlight your transferable skills. See a list of transferable skills here.
It may not be your ideal role, but believe me, if you have a vastly different position on your resume during 2020, hirers in the future are going to understand. Being proactive and getting back into the job market will give you a purpose while this period in time plays out.
4) Discover your strengths Delve into some positive psychology and complete the free test at www.viacharacter.org to understand your character strengths. During times of uncertainty, this can be a powerful and empowering exercise. Research has shown that using your key strengths in your career and life can increase happiness and help with depression. While you’re there, take a look at some of the excellent resources associated with the website.
1)Use the time to upskill. With almost all universities and other education providers running online courses, especially short courses, being motivated and resources here will pay off in the long run. It may be that you’ve meant to improve in your Excel skills or get a handle on new software. Check www.coursera.org or https://www.udemy.com/.
This is a time to think outside the box and focus on what is important to you. If you have any questions on the above points, please don’t hesitate to contact me at info@melindaweston.com.au or message me via LinkedIn.
