
This article is written by Shirin AZIZ.
Shirin is based in Singapore. With over 15 years
of collective experience, she is passionate about branding, communications, talent
mangement and project implementation.
Follow her on https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirinaziz/
2020 has not been easy for many. All over the world, COVID19 has wreaked havoc and impacted economies, livelihoods and job security. In the months that followed a global shutdown, employers have had to endure new challenges, HR making and adopting new policies that affect employees.
If you are currently employed, what can you do to ensure that you are still an asset to the organisation?
Flexiblity & adaptability
Be flexible and adaptable to the change in your organisation. Be open to adapting the new technologies to ensure that you are comfortably set up to work from home. Ensure that you are open and flexible to a changing work place – be willing to participate in new projects which may or may not be part of your primary job scope.
New and Open Engagement
Working from home may be the norm for the next few months. Continue to have regular and open communication with your leaders and peers. Ensure that you have sufficient “face-to-face” interactions are much as you can. Schedule regular meet-ups and maximise online platforms like Zoom, Google as much as you can.
Keep Learning
Adopt new ways to learn and keep yourself aware of latest happenings. It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day work, however, by keeping yourself aware of latest tools and technology would prove beneficial to you.
If you were impacted and have lost your job, what can you do to make yourself employable again?
Rest and Recharge
If you were made redundant, you were likely to be given a redundancy package, giving you time to rest, recharge and realign your priorities and ambitions. Be open to new possibilities. This could be the best time for you to make that career switch you’ve always wanted. Draw up that business plan and build that new “you”.
Connect with Networks
Networking is even more critical in today’s landscape. Reach out to your connections and share your latest and update resume. Tell them what you can offer and how can you add value to their teams.
Continuous Learning
There are many online courses that you can take to upskill yourself. Whether it is a Masters or a MBA you have decided to pursue, or just a short-term certification, upgrading your skillsets have never proven to be a waste.
Be open to new possibilities.
Perhaps you were always in Marketing. Perhaps you were always in Retail. That doesn’t mean that you can’t switch industries or jobs. Whilst technical jargon and having specific industry knowledge are important, it is key to note that communication skills, adaptability and the willingness to learn transcends borders and industries.
Update that Linkedin Profile and CV
Ensure that you have the latest version of your CV available. At the same time, do attempt to customise your CV for each application, by “mirroring” what the employer is looking for. For example, use key words specific to that job application. And make sure that you take the time to check and re-check your job application.
It is an uncertain time. But if we take this time to upskills, reset and realign our expectation, perhaps we can better prepare ourselves for an uncertain future.
Immeuble Zino rue des Jardins, Cocody Près de la station Total