Allan Yu
Is your job search on pause? Have you traded checking emails to asking Alexa to play sad ballad music? Do you feel that you are on a job search treadmill that is taking you into unfamiliar territory? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, reading this blog is exactly where you need to be! Achēv is proud to provide the following 6-step checklist to support your ultimate aim of employment success. It’s time to get let go of 2020 and move into the new era of 2021!
1.Embrace remote communication
Remote work is here to stay in almost all areas of the workplace. Thus, it is time to be prepared for a possible combination work style of “in the physical office” and sometimes “at home”. Adapting to unexpected, changing priorities and including your expertise with remote technologies are two skills to add to your resume.
2. Review contact information
When an employer calls, you need to be found quickly. First, ensure your email address is job-ready by creating one that sounds professional and does not include your birth year. Secondly, make sure your voicemail message is clear and concise. Use your own voice for your message, especially if you are seeking a position where you will be using verbal customer service skills.
3. Improve your LinkedIn
LinkedIn can be your superpower when job searching. 98% of employers look for talent on LinkedIn so post a current photo and an impressive background banner. Rewrite your “about” section to grab the attention of the reader. Include at least two recommendations and use a title that describes where you are going, not necessarily where you have been.
4. Become comfortable networking online
Before COVID-19, networking events were in-person opportunities where you could shake hands to meet someone. In 2021, you need to join in the conversation by seeking out free virtual events, webinars, professional association groups and meet-ups. By practising on various platforms such as Zoom, WebEx, or GoToMeeting, you will be better prepared for online interviews and collect networking partners along the way.
5. Boost your skills
Nowadays, there are many opportunities to learn from home. Use this time to participate in free Micro-Credentials programs, whether fee-based or free courses. For example, have you considered completing free Health and Safety courses? Talk to an Achēv Career Specialist at one of our six employment centres in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to find out how to proceed.
6. Adjust your resume
Everyone has dealt with this global pandemic and there is no reason to shy away from it on your resume. For example, in your “summary” section, include a line such as “Adapted and incorporated Zoom meetings with clients during COVID-19 initial lockdown in March 2020 resulting in continued customer satisfaction”.
In summary, by using this 6-step job search checklist, you might start to feel uplifted and able to change your employment preparation from pause, to play, or even fast forward. Jumping away from the traditional job search plan that worked before COVID-19 can be frightening. Achēv’s Employment Ontario services can provide you with the support you need to successfully find and maintain a meaningful job. Each year, our Career and Staffing Specialists provide free and personalized job search assistance and career counselling to over 25,000 people in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Our services are delivered virtually and in-person through six employment centres located across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and North York. Learn more about our Employment Ontario services for job seekers today!
This blog was written by Lisa Trudel, Career Specialist, Achēv.
