It’s safe to say that it’s been a rough start to the year. With many out of work and businesses being forced to close, some of our careers have had to be put on pause. The economy was not how we expected it to be during 2020 but, as a professional, it’s essential to adapt during trying times to come out the other side stronger. Whether you are navigating the jobs market, unemployment, are starting a business or learning how to grow your company during these uncertain times, take a look at these career tips for during the pandemic.
Career Tips During COVID-19
Networking in a blue-collar job
The idea of networking is a little easier to understand in office jobs where there are lots of meetings, conferences, conventions, and professional groups in the area where you can connect with others. With blue-collar jobs, the options are not as plenty. For this reason, it’s important to understand why you want to network. What is the goal? Do you want to have your foot in the door at a lot of local businesses or do you want to advance yourself at your current job? Once you’ve figured out your goals, you can then determine who you want to network with.
A great strategy is to help people. Get involved in the local community, volunteer for events, and sign up for online networking meetings. You will build a lot of relationships this way. It may take time, but many of the people you meet will offer value if you do, too.
Make your career pandemic-proof
The best advice for future-proofing your business is to become a self-directed worker. Whatever happens, you need to be adaptable enough to work at home, without direct supervision, and in unusual circumstances. Many businesses are friendlier to remote employees than they were before, and some companies even require it. It’s also important to keep your skill set sharp. Spent a bit of time each work learning about your field and understanding what changes are occurring. The sharper your skill set, the more employable you’ll remain in your field – no matter what happens.
Job hunting
Many of us are looking for jobs after our businesses closed and we were let go from positions. If this is the case for you, be sure to look outside of your job description. You never know what skills you might be good at and pick up while you are waiting for the economy to level out.
When your job won’t survive another lockdown
Small businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and many won’t survive if there is another shutdown. The unexpected may end up closing a business’s door for good. If your role won’t survive, then it’s time to work on your skills, look for other opportunities, and act quickly. As a business owner, be sure you know how to handle another shutdown and what strains it would cause. If in doubt, review loans and look for other ways to get your product or service in front of customers online.
Work with professionals
The best chance you have of making a career out of the pandemic is to work with a professional business consultant. Our private nonprofit, Economic Development Collaborative, work with more than 30 professional advisors on contract and a full-time loan manager, all available to local businesses at no cost. To assess loans, grow, go global, and invest, we are here to help. We understand the risks businesses face in the current climate and are ready to assist. Whatever your career, position, or finances, talk to the professionals at EDC for more information on how to turn it around.
At Economic Development Collaborative, we understand that it’s a challenging time for all.Click here for more resources to assist your business during this time.
