The good news is that unemployment rates are on the decline. But, many people still face the challenge of, if their job will still exist after the pandemic and if it is safe to go back to work in the upcoming months so they are on the hunt to finding a job during the pandemic.
While some people may be looking for a new job out of necessity, some may find it an opportune time to alter their career path radically.
Regardless of why you are looking for a job, here are a few tips to improve your chances of finding a job during the pandemic.
The first thing you want to do if you are looking for a new job is to identify your most transferable skills.
Transferable skills are the talents and abilities that you have acquired throughout life and work that are “portable” from one career path to another. Because of their versatility, transferable skills are valuable to employers.
Here are examples of transferable skills that give you superpowers when it comes to standing out to employers.
Communication Skills
Communication skills are essential in any job. Excellent communication skills demand the ability to self-express and listen to others.
Transferable communication skills include:
- Oral communication
- Written communication
- Interpersonal communication
- Non-verbal communication
- Listening
- Presentation
- Public-speaking
- Relationship-building
- Small talk
- Rapport-building
- Negotiating
- Persuading
- Discussion
Technical Skills
We live in a world where technical skills are essential. Even if your job isn’t centered around technology, you are expected to have basic technical skills for most positions.
Technical skills are easily transferable from one job to another, the more skills you can offer, the higher your employability.
Transferable technical skills include:
- Office suites (MS Office, G-Suite, iWork)
- Database management
- Social media
- Web (HTML, CSS, CMSs, SEO, etc.)
- Troubleshooting
- Equipment installation and configuration
- Graphics
- Equipment maintenance
- Analytics
- Typing
- IT skills
Management Skills
You don’t have to be a manager to have management skills. Management skills cover a broad spectrum and therefore are often skills than many employers look for.
Transferable management skills include:
- People management
- Project management
- Time management
- Conflict resolution
- Finance
- Budgeting
- Logistics
- Organizational skills
- Recruitment
- Presentation skills
- Action planning
- Risk management
Leadership Skills
Leadership skills can oftentimes be mistaken for management skills, but they aren’t the same.
Watch this TED Talk by Simon Sinek to learn what leadership is really about.
Leadership skills are rare to find and stand out to exceptional employers. If you possess leadership superpowers you are a person of endless possibilities!
Transferable leadership skills include:
- Motivation
- Coaching
- Delegation
- Decision making
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Giving feedback
- Commitment
- Strategic thinking
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Influencing
Do you have the skills required to find a job during the pandemic?
Why Transferable Skills Are Important
Transferable skills are relevant to both you and potential employers. When you know your strengths and skills you are confident in your job search. Employers value transferable skills because they are skills that go beyond a person’s core competencies.
Here are a few other key benefits of identifying your transferable skills:
- They increase your employability
- You won’t lose them. Once you’ve acquired these skills you have them for life.
- And, you are always advancing your skills. The more experience you have the sharper your skills become.
Finding a job during the pandemic is not impossible.
Remember, transferable skills are skills you can take with you from one job to another. But, it’s not enough to have transferable skills. You must know how to display them on your resume to capture the attention of employers to land your dream job.
If you are unsure of the transferable skills you possess, need help on how to develop your skills, or would like help with leveraging your skills on your resume connect with me!
Hi, this is Michelle Perchuk, founder of MTV Coaching, I can help you transfer your skills to help you find the job of your dreams – even during a pandemic.