Due to Covid 19, I have over the last few months, been involved in working with a number of individuals who through no fault of their own, have been made redundant. For some it is unexpected and for others, they have seen the writing on the wall. Whilst each individual has had little or no control over this situation, they do have control over how they react to this by making sure they are job-ready. No matter how secure we feel in a role, we never know what might happen. None of us apart from a few scientists could have predicted a pandemic in 2020 and hopefully, this is a once in 100-year event.
There are many challenges facing business today and companies are making quick decisions as to how their organization may need to adapt and change, thus changing the workforce, shedding jobs, and reducing manpower is always a real option.
So, what does job-ready mean and how can you start the process? Here is a step-by-step guide to getting you thinking and motivated: Do you have a strong understanding of the job you perform on a daily basis what it entails and what skills you need, what value you bring, and what might this job look like in another organization or industry? Go back to your job description and review it. You may have changed roles in the company and need a new job description. Always have that knowledge close to hand and if you don’t then ask for one.
What are your skillset and value?
People struggle to articulate their skills. Take the time to do this now, not when you are under pressure to find that next job. This will enable you to give this important task the time it needs and look at it more calmly. Brainstorm! You will have job-specific skills related to your industry and role and you will have transferable skills that are portable and will move where ever you go. How do you find out what yours are? Find job descriptions of roles that are aligned to your current role, identify the words that are used. Job-specific skills are the skills that you need to perform the role, transferable skills or portable skills, and are usually communication, teamwork, leadership, empathy, negotiation, adaptability. To help with this process take a look at this very informative website www.joboutlook.com. Armed with this information what do you do with it?
Next steps
Research
Start to identify roles on the various job search websites of which there are many. Once you have got some roles, start to think about how you are a fit, go through the JD carefully, perhaps highlight what you can do, and think about how you do it. If there are gaps, are they small or will you be required to do further study, and is this something you will consider?
Where are your resources?
In helping you to secure another role, you need a toolbox of resources, which include job search engines, recruiters, network, and LinkedIn. Start to contact recruiters. Whilst they are not working for the job seeker, they can assist you as long as you are persistent and know exactly what you want. Recruiters screen out candidates and will put the 4 best up so it is advisable to know what you are looking for and what you offer. Network, tapping into your network will allow you to open up opportunities that may not be on the open job market therefore make a list of people who may be able to help you, this could require you to come out of your comfort zone! Many employers now offer incentives for their current employees to recommend a person for a role. 70% of jobs are filled with people that are known to the organisaton, so don’t underestimate the potential that networking has! LinkedIn has many possibilities; it is a networking site among other things so if you don’t have a profile or don’t consider it useful, think again, as recruiters and employers spend much of their time on LinkedIn looking for that individual that meets their criteria.
Get the Resume & Cover Letter ready
How many times I have met with clients who have not looked at or updated their resumes for a long time. This is a stumbling block as it requires time and effort. Your resume is a living document and should be updated on a regular basis, with achievements, professional development, and additional skills. Dedicate some time to this task, it may require you to make several draft copies before you get to the final document. Make sure you are aware of the keywords you need to be using so it passes the ATS, Applicant Tracking System. Cover letters tell the organization why you are a good fit for that position, so a specific and succinct, one-page cover letter is all you need. You can get your resume professionally written if you feel you don’t have the time or need help.
Create a compelling LinkedIn profile
If you are not on LinkedIn, why? It offers opportunities to be found by recruiters and employers, with 87% of recruiters using the platform to find or vet job candidates. By crafting a search engine optimized profile, you are more likely to be found. LinkedIn also offers opportunities to network and engage with people in your industry or the industry you would like to be in, it is a useful research tool for jobs and companies you would like to be a part of. They have a LinkedIn learning platform for micro-courses, this was particularly popular when people were working from home!
Now you have your documents are written you may or may not be starting to look. However, knowing your message is consistent, concise, and ensuring that you are ‘Job Ready’ so whatever may happen will be important, placing you in a strong position to make that move confidently and quickly!
If this appears too daunting, I can help!
Contact me on 0414-464316
