Four Ways to Prepare For Changes in the Job Market

How are you doing? If you are anything like the people I’ve spoken with over the last several weeks, you’re understandably anxious. And, perhaps nervous about how changes in the economy may affect your job or your job search.  Of course you are.

I was reminded this morning of the brilliant words of Valarie Kaur in her Watch Night speech delivered on December 31st, 2016. Her message (which I have edited in the excerpt below) seems especially relevant today:

“…So the mother in me asks what if? What if this darkness is not the darkness of the tomb, but the darkness of the womb? … What does the midwife tell us to do? Breathe. And then? Push.” *

Indeed, it can feel like the “darkness of the tomb” right now. And, in my experience, the best antidote to anxiety is facts, and the surest way through fear is action.

You might ask yourself… “What could I do to PUSH? How could I take advantage of this time to prepare for change, or pursue those opportunities?” Here are just a few ideas for you to pursue if you get tired of binging and board games!

1. Build a new skill – or two! There are many online options for learning  on  nearly every topic, budget and timeframe you can imagine. Even better, If you’ve been laid off your investment in continuing education may be tax deductible (always check with a financial expert to be sure).
2. Catch up on trends and emerging issues in your field. You know those newsletters and emails about your industry that you said you would get to one day? Well, guess what? “One day” is now!
3. Get that credential. Perhaps there’s a credential or certificate that you’ve been meaning to pursue? If it’ll give you a jump on other candidates, or the possibility of promotion when the current fog clears, now may be the time to make that commitment.
4. And, even if none of the above appeal or relate to you…If you do ONLY ONE THING right now – use the time you’re saving on your commute every day to update and upgrade your resume and LinkedIn profile.  

What? I can hear you thinking “nobody’s hiring right now, why would I waste my time?”

I’ll tell you exactly why – because companies are still hiring! And, when things turn around, and they will, those who are prepared to hit the ground running will be in the best position to take advantage of new opportunities.

And, sorry to tell you but uncertainty can lead to the unexpected – like say, a layoff. Nobody thinks it’s going to happen to them – I was surprised when it happened to me in 2014. But you can be prepared!

It’s natural to let your resume get out of date, or neglect your LinkedIn profile when things are going well. If you recognize yourself in that, now’s the time to give these critical items some attention.

If you get started with your resume and realize you need some help, I’m just a quick email away! Normally I only do resumes and LinkedIn upgrades for my private clients. But in recent weeks, I’ve gotten requests for this kind of assistance. So, I’ve decided to create a special package for those of you who don’t need or can’t afford all-out coaching right now. You’ll get:

• A professional resume targeted to the industry/role of your choice in .doc and .pdf formats
• A complete LinkedIn Review (we’ll even do the updates for you!)
• My guide to networking – which will be the key to maintaining a thriving career in the current climate

I’m very fortunate that I can do this way below market pricing and if there is a way for me to put my expertise to good use right now in these uncertain times, then I truly want to help.

If this sounds like just the help you need, email to info@avarahcareers.com and we’ll send you the details to get started. And, please feel free to share this offer with anyone who you think might want to take advantage of it.

I’m sending you all my very best wishes, and hope you stay safe, stay healthy and stay at home! If you’d like to chat, I’m still working and still working virtually as always. Email info@avarahcareers.com and we’ll schedule time to talk.

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*(You can read Valarie Kaur’s speech in its entirety here)