The pandemic has changed everything from how we greet each other to how we shop. So, not surprisingly, it has also changed what we need to do to get a job.
To provide some tips on how to negotiate the ever-changing work landscape, the Richmond News spoke with Chen Liu, Ph.D., director of the Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program at Trinity Western University.
Keep building your skillset
Liu said, with companies pivoting to online, virtual meetings are becoming the “new normal,” which means people looking for work need to equip themselves with the relevant digital and communication skills.
“If you plan to go for job interviews, you need to learn how to present yourself in front of the camera and how to interact with your colleagues and customers remotely,” said Liu.
Job seekers also need to remember that the only constant in the workplace is change, especially in a post-coronavirus world, said Liu. So while the current job market might seem bleak, this is the perfect time to take courses to improve yourselves so you’re ready to go when the situation changes.
Develop soft skills
Meanwhile, Liu recommends people, employed or not, to work on their soft skills, such as being more disciplined and thoughtful regarding their employers and colleagues.
“You need to be more disciplined, especially if you are not working in the office and your boss isn’t around. Be more thoughtful about your company and your colleagues because all businesses are suffering,” said Liu.
Build a strong online presence
For young graduates looking for work, Liu suggests keeping your LinkedIn profile updated to reflect your most recent qualifications, said Liu, noting that online profiles play a more vital role for recruiters since offline job fairs can’t be held during a pandemic.
“For job seekers, you can check job opportunities on LinkedIn and reach out to your network,” added Liu.
For people who might find it a bit difficult to find long-term employment at this moment, starting with temporary offers could also be a good solution, said Liu.
“Once you get into the door, and you showcase your skills. Then you will get lots of opportunities. Sometimes you can even try to do some volunteer work,” she added.
While COVID-19 has decimated some industries, it has also lead to the creation of job opportunities in the tech sector. However, for those wondering if they should go with the flow and ditch their liberal arts major for a science major, Liu suggests staying true to your passion but adding a “technical component” to it. For example, if you are in the marketing sector, be sure you know how to create digital content.
