By PTC Recruiting (our sister company)
Two-in-five Canadian households have already experienced some type of job loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Losing your job is stressful under normal circumstances but during this time of uncertainty it can be especially daunting. But don’t give in to despair and anxiety. Take charge of the situation and develop a plan for being mentally healthy and focused on your goal of finding another opportunity in due time.
We would like to share some tips for staying on track and remaining optimistic as you find yourself stuck at home, isolated and/or frustrated, and with much more time on your hands than you were used to:
Keep job searching: Stay positive and recognize that this is a temporary setback. While getting back out there with an aggressive job search and networking agenda right now might be tricky due to office closures and social distancing, keep moving ahead and don’t stop looking for opportunities. Hiring may have slowed in many industries but hiring managers and staffing firms are building a pipeline of talent at all times. Reach out to them and pitch what you have to offer.
Hone your skills: Use this time to update your skills as well as learn some new things. Research which skills are most valuable to employers in your industry and sign up for online classes or free tutorials. There are also many charitable organizations who can use a helping hand right now. Volunteering is a good way to gain some hands-on experience in a different capacity and will help to fill the employment gap in your resume.
Grow your network: This might seem an impossible task in today’s world of social distancing and isolation, but growing your network is still achievable. Join a webinar and interact with the participants and/or presenters, engage in conversations by email or phone, and connect with new groups on social media. Start with your existing network and devise a plan for how you can build out. Because many opportunities go unadvertised, having a strong network is very helpful.
Connect with a staffing firm: We don’t bite. In fact, our recruiters can help you assess your skills, provide tips on best resume writing practices, and talk you through the necessary steps for finding a new job, all without any cost to you. Think of us as your support system during this time. Friends and family can offer sympathy, but we will take charge and set you on a course to a new career opportunity.
Job loss is never easy. Companies are having to make difficult decisions during this time and employee layoffs are unfortunately the consequence of having to cut back on operations and expenses. No matter what your personal situation is, try to remain motivated and set yourself up for job search success for after everything returns to normal.
