It’s always a smart idea to be updating your employability and technical skills in this ever-evolving world. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought a lot of negatives, however one positive it has provided us with is a little bit of extra time (in most cases) to use this opportunity to develop existing skills and gain new ones in order to showcase yourself as indispensable to your current employer, or perhaps employable to a potential employer. Here are some actions you can take in order to help make your career recession proof prior to or while in the depths of a major economic downturn.

Network, network, network!

Staying connected via social media has proven vital during this period. Make sure all your social media platforms are up to date. For example, LinkedIn is now viewed as almost as important to the hiring process as your CV. Recruiters use this platform to search for potential candidates, whilst potential employer’s will often skim your online profile, placing particular importance on your connections and endorsements of your skills. It demonstrates a much higher level of trust in your ability when people have written and recommended your skills and previous experience. Network! Use this time to connect with current and previous colleagues, clients and people you know from school. You never know where a vital connection could be and where it could lead you!

Learn new skills

Develop your skill set or learn some new skills. The virtual world has been essential during this period, so technical skills in this area are important to learn. Zoom and Skype have been used predominantly in a lot of the businesses we have been working with. Get up to speed with these tools over this time. Your employer will notice your enthusiasm and it’s always great to be able to add them to your CV. Focus on your transferable skills. These are important if you are thinking about changing career due to an economic downturn. These are skills that are useful in most industries and will help you easily transition into a new job.

Work on how you can add value to a company

What makes you unique? Work on that unique skill that makes you an asset to the company. Tap into your creativity, demonstrate a growth mindset and be positive and engaged. Having these positive attitudes are a sure way to be noticed by your employer or a potential employer. This will help make you an indispensable asset.

Update your CV

Be prepared to hit the ground running, have your CV updated with all your skills and experience to date. This is a great time to revaluate your layout and structure. Did you know, on average, recruiters spend just 75 seconds reading your CV? Be specific, be precise this will help the employer get all the relevant information quickly. Generally, a short description of who you are and what you are looking for, followed by education, experience and then skill set. Finally make sure to get someone to proofread it, to avoid spelling mistakes.

Be prepared Research and Develop

Perhaps Covid-19 has highlighted the vulnerability of your career sector in challenging economic times. Maybe it’s a good time to re-evaluate your future employment. Research into jobs that generally are the most secure during a financial crisis. Maybe a job in those sectors would suit you? Looking into this could prove useful in the long-run and help you build a targeted search into a potentially more stable career or if you are forced to make a career shift.