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The Surprising Truths about Quitting Your Job in the Middle of a Global Pandemic

If you’re thinking about handing in your resignation, you have a lot of company.

Some experts believe that even more of the workforce could be looking for a new job as the pandemic continues.

Many workers say they will not return to full-time on-site work.  Difficulties with changing school days and lack of reliable child care are encouraging more parents to start businesses. Still others see opportunities in different locations and with different organizations, and they are pursuing them.

It is true that many businesses are reporting that they’re having trouble finding enough employees to hire.

However, some agile organizations are using this time of crisis, challenge, and change to their benefit.  They are responding to the changing needs by increasing their use of technology, downsizing their workforce in a way that allows their people to work less, not more, and for those people who are working, they are paying them higher wages and salaries.

This may be an ideal time to make changes in your career, especially if you’re ready to deal with the latest conditions.

Keep these trends in mind as you search for a new position.

Prepare Yourself – The U.S. Department of Labor shows that there are more job openings now than before the pandemic, which means great opportunities for people who are ready for new positions.

Plan properly – . Focus your efforts and stay organized. Know why you are changing jobs.

Are you hoping the next business will be different than your current place of employment?

Do you want to move locations?

Does your current company have opportunities you have not explored?

Evaluate your competitive advantage and your current marketability.

Have you kept up with current trends in the industry you either want to work in or want to stay in?

Do you have the job skills you need to compete at your desired next level?

Are you marketable at the pay you want?

Do you need more training or a refresh of job skills?

Focus your search. – My favorite search engine for finding opportunities when job hunting was created by Sam Richter.  He started it for veterans, and it has since expanded.  Check out his FREE tools at:  https://www.samrichter.com/search

Keep these job-hunting strategies in mind:

Set priorities. – Remote work may be at the top of your mind, but there are other factors to consider too. What kind of workplace culture do you want? What benefits do you need? What hours are you looking for?

Create a timeline. –  You may want to act quickly, or you may want to see how your current company adapts to the constantly changing environment.   Whatever time you have to prepare for a new role, use it to make yourself more competitive.

Boost your skills. –  Continuing your education and training is one of the most effective things you can do. Read books, listen to podcasts, and complete certification courses online.

Realize the market has changed. –  If you were job hunting during lockdown, you may still be feeling discouraged. Remember that you’re more likely to succeed now.  There are more job openings now, and you may be able to apply for higher positions that seemed out of reach before.

Be strong online – Even with more people back at work, you’ll probably be doing more networking and interviewing online.

Use these strategies to make a positive impression in the virtual world:

Test your equipment. –  It’s easy to become complacent when zoom calls are a familiar routine. Ensure that your technology is working before any important event.

Arrange your space. –  Staging can help you look more professional at home. Create an appealing backdrop. Minimize distractions.

Make eye contact. –  Look at your camera instead of watching yourself on your monitor. Put your camera at eye level, so use boxes a stack of books to prop up the computer or monitor.

Check your appearance. –  Sit up straight and smile. Skillful lighting can help, too.  Avoid overhead lights.  Invest in a ring light that goes behind the camera and directs light at your face.

Practice interviewing. –  Ask a friend to rehearse with you or book a session with a career coach. Use their feedback to catch habits you may not be aware of and to strengthen your performance.

Reconnect. – What if you’ve lost touch with colleagues while you’ve been spending more time at home? Refresh your network by reaching out to see how others are doing. Set weekly goals for scheduling coffee dates and attending business networking events.

Join groups. –  You can meet new contacts without going outside. Sign up for groups related to your profession on LinkedIn and Facebook. Participate actively by commenting on discussions and posting your own topics and materials.

Manners count. –  Saying “please’ and “thank you” can get rusty if you’ve been talking with automated virtual assistants more than humans. Express your gratitude and appreciation, including sending thank you notes after interviews.

Companies are actively working to turn the job attrition into attraction.

You can be part of this movement when you take advantage of the abundant opportunities in the current job market. Clarify your career objectives and find a job that can keeps engaged and fulfilled.

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