The first Gen Z’ers are entering the workforce, the boomers are retiring, and the millennials are taking over the C-suite. Amidst these major shifts in workplace dynamics, we’re still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Needless to say, the workforce shifted during the pandemic– in a big way. Remote work is commonplace. Video interviewing is the new normal. Record numbers of people are quitting their jobs… And what worked before to keep them happy doesn’t necessarily work anymore.
How do you stay up with the changes, keep your sanity, and get ahead?
Whether you’re just getting started or making major shifts, here are some surefire ways to jumpstart your career this coming year.
1. Audit Your Network
Your network is one of your most valuable assets. Recent studies show that 85% of jobs are filled through networking, and 70% of jobs are never posted. Your network needs to include peers and colleagues, mentors, referral sources, and clients and customers. You also need to maintain relationships with those that are in your network.
Performing a network audit will help you find gaps in your network and show you where you can put in more effort or make changes. Write down who you’re in touch with– people with whom you feel a genuine connection – and explore where you’re not getting the support you need… Or more importantly, where you’re not giving others the support they need. After all, networking is one of the highest forms of giving, when done right. Additionally, an audit can uncover how long it’s been since you’ve reached out or engaged with people in your network. Make networking a priority. Set a goal to reach out to 3-5 people in your network and offer support or set up a virtual coffee, each month.
2. Hire a Career Coach
A coach is very different from a therapist. A coach helps you develop and achieve your goals with an eye towards the future. Whereas a therapist focuses primarily on emotional and mental wellbeing and healing from your past. A career coach will help you identify, clarify and develop your goals, land job offers, and determine your absolute best fit in the workforce– right now and in the long term.
A career coach is your career focused guide. They will help you build confidence and define your value proposition in the workforce, or even as an entrepreneur. A coach can help make your resume stand out from the rest, and help you make informed decisions about your future in the workforce. The job of a career coach is to help you create an actionable roadmap for your success.
3. Clean Up Your Social Presence
According to Monster, 77% of recruiters use search engines to learn about candidates and 35% eliminate candidates based on what was uncovered online. According to Jobvite’s survey, recruiters are checking for engagement in local or national organization groups, examples of work, and mutual connections. On the flipside, they’re also searching for references to drug use, political rants, errors in spelling and grammar, and photos depicting alcohol consumption.
Every year, spend a few hours cleaning up your social sites including searching your name. Remove unflattering images or content. Make sure your social sites reflect your personality. And back up any claims you make on your resume by posting examples or creating a portfolio site.
4. Take a Class
Upskilling is the new buzzword. Upskilling is taking classes to stay in tune with changes in the workplace. Jumpstarting your career by taking classes is about finding and filling the gaps. Be strategic in your learning. Use job postings to determine what employers need.
Online classes are available from sites like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning and Udemy. Online classes range from under an hour to several weeks. Before enrolling, find out if you’ll receive a certificate and if that certificate has value. For example, Facebook offers certification for advanced level proficiency with their family of apps. Even though you may learn just as much from an online course, that doesn’t mean it will add the same value. The more demonstrated experience you have the less it will matter. But if you’re just getting your feet wet for the first time, reputable certifications can make a big difference.
5. Develop Presentation Skills
Sooner or later in your professional career you will need to deliver a presentation. In fact, your interview is a presentation – and the first one you’ll make with prospective employers. As we continue to interview using video platforms such as Zoom, prospective employees will likely deliver presentations through screen sharing.
Nonetheless, presentations are part of working. Focus on techniques using the three Ps of presenting: prepare, practice and PowerPoint (use of a slide deck). Take a class on preparing for presentations. Join Toastmasters to enhance your public speaking skills. Practice using PowerPoint or other presentation software.
Giving yourself a leg up will help you reach your career goals faster, improve your chances of landing the job you want, and help you develop the skills you need to be successful. Your skills will help you determine what you can do, and your values will guide you to a fulfilling career.
GE-4266553.1(2/22)(Exp.2/24)
This article was written by Ashley Stahl from Forbes and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
