How to Change Careers After the Coronavirus Pandemic

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Are you looking for new job opportunities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic? If your industry was one of the many impacted by the pandemic, you may be facing a career change now that it’s time to get rehired.

Luckily, while many industries were hurt by the pandemic, a number are thriving in the new economy. Better yet, you may already have the skills to take advantage of these new opportunities. Want to learn more? Here’s what you need to know about changing careers after the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to use transferable skills to plan a career change

The first step in any career change is identifying your transferable skills. These are skills you’ve developed in past jobs that can benefit you in a new role, and they’re the key to changing careers without starting over.

  • Soft skills are highly transferable. Soft skills include things like communication, problem solving, creative thinking, and leadership.
  • Applicants should also highlight their tech-savviness. Not only is familiarity with enterprise systems, databases, and popular software applications valuable in a wide range of industries, these skills also demonstrate your tech literacy.
  • It’s not enough to have transferable skills. You also need to know how to highlight them on a resume. These examples demonstrate how to make yourself look good on paper.

How to reskill for a new career

Transferable skills can get you closer to a new career, but they may not be enough to land you the job. To make sure you’re the best candidate for the job you want, reskill. Here are three ways career changers can develop the skills that will get them hired:

  • Formal education is the classic route for reskilling. Depending on your education history, this may mean pursuing a degree program or just taking a few courses.
  • If you’re limited in time or money, look to educational podcasts to fill in some gaps. From becoming more knowledgeable about the economy to learning more about scaling your business, there is something to help you expand your horizons.
  • Another way to learn and grow is to connect with a mentor. Someone who has been there and done that can provide tremendous insights into your personal and professional development.

Tips for succeeding in a remote economy

Jobseekers need more than career skills to succeed in the post-pandemic economy. As companies increasingly shift to remote work, candidates also need to be prepared to apply, interview, and work from home.

  • Job applicants should familiarize themselves with the most popular remote work tools for companies today. These include apps like Slack, Zoom, and Asana as well as digital file storage and cybersecurity essentials.
  • You’ll also need to equip yourself with a high-quality webcam and microphone. While many laptops come with built-in cameras, the resolution and sound quality are lacking. To save money on an upgrade, look for a webcam with a built-in microphone.
  • Worried about flubbing your video interview? Use these tips to ensure you make a good impression even when you can’t meet face-to-face.

There’s never been a better time to reimagine your future than right now. Instead of letting job insecurity get you down, start thinking about how you can leverage your skills for a new career. With creative thinking and a can-do attitude, you can turn this setback into a great opportunity for your career.

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