Hello and welcome back to the Skills 360 podcast. I’m your host, Tim Simmons, and today, I want to talk about how to restart your career and keep it on track.
It’s hard to remember a time when the employment situation has been as topsy-turvy as it is now. According to one recent report, one in four people in the U.S. plan to switch jobs in the next year. And many others who were laid off during the pandemic are now looking for a fresh start.
With companies bending over backwards to compete for talent, this is a golden opportunity. There is no better time to make a shift, whether that means a new job in your current career track or a whole new career!
If you’re considering a change, then think long and hard about what you really want to do. Be honest about how well your current job matches your ambitions. If you feel work is a grind, then imagine what a more rewarding career might look like.
If you’re not quite sure what that would be, then do some research. Investigate possibilities online. Talk to people you know about what they do and let them know you’re open for a change. The right job may be out there waiting for you, but you need to be able to recognize it.
And the right job isn’t just about interests, skills, and rewards. Think about the kind of workplace you want. And about what a good work-life balance looks like. Do you want to work remotely? In the office a couple of days a week? Or maybe you’re looking for learning opportunities and a chance to advance?
Smart companies understand that people are looking for the right culture. That includes not just office arrangements and hours. It’s also about support and professional development. It’s about leadership behaviors and core values. And it’s about respect and understanding. You can get a pretty good sense of these things if you dig around online and talk to people in the industry.
Once you think you’ve figured out what you want, then get ready to apply and interview. For starters, you’ll need to update your resume. Did you undertake new training during the pandemic? Make sure that’s there. Same for new skills and important achievements. Whether or not you include everything on your resume, it’s a good idea to list all the things you’ve done over the past few years so you’re ready to talk about it.
After all, the world has changed. Digital literacy is not just a side note on your resume. Collaboration is more than just a buzzword. A growth mindset is critical. And as leadership evolves and the world becomes more inclusive, traits like empathy, understanding, and humility are becoming more and more important.
Change has impacted things like resumes as well. Do you still have your address on yours? That’s so old school. These days, it’s more common to list your social media handles. And whether or not you put them all on your resume, it’s always a good idea to review your online presence. You know that if you apply for a job, the first thing they’ll do is google your name.
So make sure your Facebook privacy settings are tight. You don’t want a potential employer browsing photos of your last night out on the town. If Facebook is not your thing, well, the same applies to Instagram, Tik Tok and every other platform you have a presence on. And if you haven’t yet, take the time to update your LinkedIn profile and build your professional persona. It’s also a great networking tool that may help you find your next job.
All these ideas apply whether you’re looking to change jobs or kickstart your career after being laid off. With so many openings, it’s a great time to really think about a job that does more than just pay the bills. So think about the life you want and look for the work that matches that. Find the culture that works for you. And make sure you’ve got the resume and online presence to support you in your search.
That’s all for today. So long. And see you again soon.
