VP of People & Brand at PEMCO Mutual Insurance, in a unique position to unify both the employee and customer experiences.
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The pandemic has not only disrupted our economy and way of life, but it also upended many career plans. Millions of people lost their jobs. Companies froze hiring, pay and promotions. Whole industries virtually shut down. If you were lucky enough to keep your job, you probably hunkered down and shelved any thoughts of a job or career change.
We’re now a year into our new normal. Many workplaces have done an admirable job of adapting. Vaccines are rolling out. Still, it will be months before we truly turn the corner on the pandemic. If you’ve been putting off that career move, now is the perfect time to dust off those plans and take charge. Here are three things you can do now to help make sure 2021 is a transformative year for your career.
Act now.
Even if your particular company or industry isn’t yet rebounding, you should lay the groundwork now for your next career step. That will put you in a better position for when that dream role does materialize. Start within your existing company to maximize your reputation for excellence while also monitoring the market and other companies. Can’t find the right role locally? Keep in mind that the shift to remote work may spring you free of geographic restrictions as more national and global companies realize they can cast a wider net for talent.
The future of work may be unclear, but don’t let uncertainty tie you up in inaction. As they say, luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
Focus on skills.
Skills-based hiring is hot, and the pandemic drove home its usefulness. For example, many people in the hard-hit hospitality and travel industries found work in adjacent sectors like retail and customer service. Look at how your skills might apply to industries and roles you’re interested in, even if you don’t have the direct experience. Think of horizontal and diagonal moves instead of just vertical ones. For instance, I have hired lawyers, military alumna and business leaders into HR roles despite limited experience in the specific industry. Their skills at leading people to help others achieve success were exactly what our team needed.
Work your network.
It’s not enough to just apply for a job. In most cases, you’re one of literally dozens or even hundreds of applicants. A recommendation or good word from someone can go a long way toward improving your chances. That’s why it’s important to build your network of professional contacts and advocates who themselves are connected. While the traditional coffee meeting may be off the table for a while longer, you can still tap the power of networks like LinkedIn, digital tools like Zoom and even plain old email to nurture your professional connections.
Also, be sure to gain visibility in your current job by making sure people know who you are. I like to say, “Don’t put your hand up, put your hands out.” It’s the difference between passively waiting to be noticed versus proactively saying, “Here’s how I can help you.”
My own career path has been nontraditional and yet a rewarding journey that has taken me through the restaurant, consumer products, retail, consulting and now insurance industries. It has carried me through roles in operations, talent development, HR, legal and more. At each step, I’ve sought to apply my skills to new challenges. I’ve gratefully relied on my own network and tried to be generous in turn to those seeking help from me. It’s true that the pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty. It’s also created a lot of opportunity. By acting now, focusing on your skills and working your network, you can find the opportunity that’s right for you.
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