In these unprecedented times, you might be considering your next steps into the job market, or indeed, taking stock of where you are in your career journey and how you’d like that to change. So, if you’ve not had to prepare a CV for many years, then this might be an opportunity to dust it off and get to work on ensuring you have a streamlined, flexible and modern profile to be fully fit to hit the job market when it recovers. I have several hints and tips to help you on your jobsearch on my blog page.
What do you want to do? In the current climate, Voluntary work might be useful in lifting your mood, keeping your brain active and/or gaining valuable experience that could assist you to get the job you want. If you are self-isolating, then the NHS and a number of Charities are seeking volunteers to chat to others that are vulnerable and alone, so you could be lifting someone else’s mood as well as your own sense of wellbeing and achievement.
If there is a gap between what you really want to do and your current level of knowledge or skills, plan how you can get some experience, training or qualifications to bridge the gap. Our needs change and with the current domestic challenges that we are all experiencing, you may be surprised by what you identify; you may also want to talk this over with partners, family and/or friends.
Top Tips to manage your home job search campaign
- Plan your time effectively as well as attend to family and domestic responsibilities and importantly, relax, look after yourself and keep in touch with social aspects: on-line, on the phone or writing cards and letters.
- Spending hours in front of your laptop or constantly checking your mobile is not healthy, so frequent breaks are vital for a healthy body and mind. Something to be in control of can help, so, organise your time in small chunks with a physical planner/diary.
- Spend some time to regularly review Linkedin. Up-date your profile and use your network for information and education, general support and pointers to other sources of advice.
- If you are lucky enough to have a garden, get outside and do your exercise in the morning air. Use the time that you’re not travelling to and from work to your advantage. I find even half an hour of mild to moderate exercise can really kick-start my day (after my first coffee of course!).
- If you are time rich, start writing some blogs which you could then share on social platforms. It could be to do with your industry, how you’re managing through this period and how you’re going to pick yourself up again to apply for the next job/attend the next interview? Plan ahead to help you start thinking positively again.
- This time of year is a great opportunity to plant some seeds for veg or herbs. Even a narrow planter on a windowsill can work for mini salad leaves and micro herbs. Nurturing something and watching it grow can be very rewarding and even better will nourish you too!
Good Luck and good preparation!
I’m offering a Free half hour telephone/zoom or skype chat, so drop me an email or message me via Linkedin if you’d like to book something in.
Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash
