5 Ways to Boost Your Career Now

Yes, even in the time of COVID-19, you should be working to enhance your career. Here are five things you should consider doing right now:

#1 Need a Job Now?

Look at trending industries and jobs. Opportunities in Government, IT, Wholesale Trade (Distributors, Business to Business) are actually increasing right now. Also find increasing job listings in pharmacies, teleworking software, grocery stores, tech support, cleaning services, food delivery, census takers, warehouses. Be smart and be safe, but know that not all opportunities will put you on the front line. Some may allow remote work. Increased needs for front-facing workers also means growth in backroom support. Working a temporary gig now shows resilience and initiative and may position you well when the economy gets back on track.

“Luck favors the prepared. What are you doing today to be ready for tomorrow's opportunities?”

#2 Expand Your Skills.

So many of us are using our time inside to learn new skills, which will definitely enhance your value. Check out learning platforms that allow you to learn online for free with the possibility of affordable certifications or even look at the local pubic library (mine has free Rosetta Stone), your employer or alma mater. These highly sought-after skills are trending:

• Tech: Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, User Experience Design

• Web: Search Engine Optimization, Social Media, Digital Marketing

• Quant: Data Analysis, Math, Statistics

• Business: Accounting, Advanced MS Excel, Word, and/or Access, Project Management

• Communication/Media: New Language, Video Production and Editing, Writing, Public Speaking

#3 Enhance Your Network.

Staying connected, even remotely, is what it's all about right now. Invest some of your social time in reconnecting with your professional network. Update your LinkedIn profile and add new connections and find new groups to join. Reach out to to your professional contacts, especially during this period, to see how they are and provide updates to one another. Share your appreciation by writing recommendations and providing skill endorsements. These rekindled contacts will be invaluable to your career development.

#4 Review Your Career Plan.

This is a great time for reflection and updating plans (even as all of our plans have been upended). How happy are you with your current role? Are you engaged, feeling appreciated and appropriately rewarded with your current employer? How well is your career aligning with your life goals? Research career trends in your field, including compensation, trajectories, and skills needed for advancement. It also could be a good time to develop alternative career options. Maybe it's time for a change or maybe you'll double down and recommit to your current job and organization. Set 1-3 year goals based upon your review and identify your next steps. Seek help from a career coach, if needed.

#5 Refresh Your Resume.

Life favors the prepared. Revise your resume with current accomplishments and success stories. Adjust your descriptions and skills based upon industry trends and changes. Research resume formats from your field to ensure it reflects the current market. A fresh resume will come in handy for a job search campaign, promotion considerations, to share with a new boss, or at performance review time.