If you’re one of the millions of people in the U.S. who has been unemployed for the past year or several months, you may be feeling lost about how to reenter the workforce or make your career move. There’s no doubt it can be overwhelming to return to work after being home for a length of time, especially if you’ve been dealing with childcare challenges or other personal matters as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, getting back on your feet is completely possible with the right mindset and approach. Here are some key tips for a successful return-to-work game plan:
Consider a new job or industry.
If one thing’s for sure, it’s that the pandemic has inspired many people to pivot into new jobs and industries. Exploring new career paths can be refreshing and open your eyes to positions you may have never before considered. If you have any sort of employment history, you likely already have transferable skills that can be applied in a variety of jobs. Some common transferable skills include strong verbal and written communication, customer service, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical computer skills. Depending on your experience and qualifications, there is likely a multitude of potential new job opportunities that may align with your personal and professional aspirations.
Spruce up your online presence.
While you’ve probably already been told about the importance of keeping a “clean” image online, there’s a lot of value in updating your social networking profiles and providing your contacts with an update about your job search. Refining online pages like your LinkedIn profile (essentially your online resume) is critical for marketing yourself to potential employers and ensuring hiring managers can get an accurate overview of your credentials. Furthermore, refining your social media pages can be an effective way to draw attention to your professional attributes and garner attention from others who may be valuable contacts in your job search.
Shift your perspective.
Your attitude towards going back to work will significantly affect your confidence, motivation, and ability to thrive. Shifting your perspective to a mindset of growth and prosperity will give you the energy and drive to find career opportunities that match your interests. Furthermore, bringing a positive attitude to the job application and interview process will show employers you’re looking forward to the possibility of being part of their team and contributing your talents to their organization.
As you get back into the workforce, it’s normal to feel a little confused or anxious about what to expect. However, bracing yourself with a game plan will help you make the transition with confidence and enthusiasm as you land your next job and possibly forge an entirely new path for your career.
Ready to get your job search into high gear? Contact HH Staffing, a recruiting agency with offices in Florida, to learn how our staffing experts can assist with your job hunt.
Until Next Time,
Your Staffing Partner, Darrin Rohr- President, CEO, and Chief Servant
Current owner of HH Staffing and Former Chief HR Officer for several successful Multinational Fortune 500 Companies. Brings a fresh perspective from decades of experiences creating Great Workplace Cultures by building high-performance teams while leading and managing people from all different backgrounds. HH Staffing is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, and is uniquely positioned to serve both local and national clients.
