Topics In Demand
Notification
New

No notification found.

8 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE RE-ENTERING THE JOB MARKET
8 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE RE-ENTERING THE JOB MARKET

May 10, 2021

8

0

The world has undergone a massive overhaul in the wake of COVID-19. Though more and more people are getting vaccinated, there’s still time before we hit normal. Consequently, changes in basic social protocols to the way businesses function are still in place. 

 

The New Face of Employment

While still reeling from COVID-19’s aftermath, the business world has made its peace with the counter-measures in place. Remote work has finally transitioned from a new shiny object to something that’s been around for a while. Thus, there’s now been a shift in what constitutes today’s workforce. In contrast with the commute-savvy, cubicle-oriented team members of 2019, the employees of today are a different. They are comfortable operating from home and love the work-life balance it brings. They are just as well-versed with conference calls as they were with in-office presentations. From fearing remote work to growing fond of it, they have embraced the new normal after braving the challenges it came with. 

  

So far in our discussion, we’ve only looked at the pretty face of the current job market. For all employees who made it past the pandemic, there are plenty who went home with a pink slip.      

Here’s how you can use extended time at home to be best positioned for success when this crisis is behind u

  

Re-entering the job-market in 2021 and beyond

If you are looking to swim back in the job market, know that things are not the same. It's going to be a tough road ahead — one possibly lined with several hiccups along the way. But, tough and impossible are two very different things. So, buckle up and keep reading. 

 

Here are 8 tips that will help you navigate through some unfamiliar scenarios: -  

 

1. Possess basic technology skills

Technology has developed beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. We live in a world where pioneers are trying to build an interplanetary civilization. What was once sci-fi is merging rapidly with reality. Thus, irrespective of the industry you’re seeking employment in, you won’t get your foot in the door without basic tech skills. At the very least, you need to know how to manage 1:1 video calls as well as conference calls. Tech skills that go beyond this threshold are a plus. So, it’s wise to keep up-skilling to keep up with the pace of innovation. 

 

2. Know the art of balance

The world is not the same it was a year ago. Currently, versatility is a big draw for employers. They’re now fond of people who can rise to the contemporary challenges facing the business world, especially ones linked with remote work. They’re searching for individuals for whom the art of balance comes naturally. In other words, employers are on the lookout for people with personalities and working styles that promote steadiness in the face of uncertainty. 

 

3. Exhibit professionalism

Companies want to work with dependable people. So, you must be conscientious about your day-to-day tasks. If you’ve been assigned an objective, finish it within stipulated time frames. Establish clear and prompt communication with your superiors. Maintain clear boundaries between work and your personal life. All in all, uphold a certain degree of professionalism at work. 

  

4. Be realistic

Self-awareness is an oddly uncommon trait. However, it’s one of the biggest things that contrast employable individuals from the crowd. That’s because self-awareness directly translates into reliability. People who are aware of their limits don’t commit to tasks they cannot complete or jobs they’re not fit for. Instead, they fall into roles that they’re actually prepared for, thereby becoming indispensable employees in the long run. So, take inventory of your strengths and weaknesses, and use your findings to fine-tune your job hunt. Entertain the possibility of working in the gig economy if you’re not ready for a bigger commitment. Consider making a gradual return to full-time employment instead of trying to make a singular leap.

 

5. Leverage your personal achievements

Employers are always on the lookout for go-getters. So, be vocal about personal achievements that prove your ability to make the best out of the worst. There are plenty of examples of such feats. For instance, it’s worth sharing if you’ve turned your hobby into a business. It’s also impressive if you’ve been working part-time while searching for a new job. The same goes for when you’ve devoted time and resources to philanthropic ventures. If there’s something that brings your admirable qualities (professional and otherwise) to the forefront, don’t shy away from showing it off. 

 

6. Have a clear vision

Don’t step into the job market without a plan. Have a clear understanding of your career objectives. Take the time to know what you’re trying to achieve. For example, you may prefer a greater work-life balance over an accelerated career progression or vice-versa. In either case, being cognizant of your future goals will help you choose the right employer. It will enable you to understand what you are willing to put into your career and narrow down your options accordingly. 

  

7. Seek recommendations from your previous employers

A harmonious exit from past employment rids you of potential red flags. It signals future employers that you’re not a liability that had to be removed. Recommendations from past employers also attest validity to your skills. They substantiate claims in your resume and make it easier to highlight your strengths in interviews. Furthermore, you can ask previous employers to endorse your skills on professional networking platforms. Having such credibility online can do wonders when your profile expresses an openness to new opportunities. It’s also worth trying to resume employment at your last place of work. Since you’d already been familiar with the organization’s work, you wouldn’t need to go through an initial adjustment period. 

 

8. Connect with your network

Lastly, don’t forget to make use of the inroads you’ve built all your life. Reach out to the people in your network, and let them know that you’re ready to get back into the game. Just be sincere with your requests and see how the magic unfolds.

 

Conclusion

Returning to employment after a year-long absence is never easy, even under normal circumstances. For those making their way back to the business world in 2021 and beyond, the challenge is thereby even greater. But, where there is a will, there is a way, and the tips mentioned above will surely help you find it. 

 

This article was originally published on PERSOLKELLY India blog here


That the contents of third-party articles/blogs published here on the website, and the interpretation of all information in the article/blogs such as data, maps, numbers, opinions etc. displayed in the article/blogs and views or the opinions expressed within the content are solely of the author's; and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of NASSCOM or its affiliates in any manner. NASSCOM does not take any liability w.r.t. content in any manner and will not be liable in any manner whatsoever for any kind of liability arising out of any act, error or omission. The contents of third-party article/blogs published, are provided solely as convenience; and the presence of these articles/blogs should not, under any circumstances, be considered as an endorsement of the contents by NASSCOM in any manner; and if you chose to access these articles/blogs , you do so at your own risk.


Holistic Workforce Solutions provider with large reach across APAC region.

© Copyright nasscom. All Rights Reserved.