Looking out to the future can be an overwhelming and intimidating feeling when you are forced to redefine yourself unexpectedly. It’s neither a good or pleasant experience when being thrown into the job market suddenly. No one could have predicted a pandemic or what the response to the pandemic would be like. Life happens and when it does we can all turn lemons into lemonade.
Reinventing yourself is not an uncommon word we hear. We hear it more often during times of hardship and we strive to create perhaps unconventional ways to progress.
By taking the time to really immerse ourselves in thought will help to understand not only our passions but the needs of our clients and/or communities. Be creative. Think about your short-term goals vs long term goals and literally write it all down. And when you do, think of the following:
Short term goals:
· What do I see myself accomplishing within the 1st quarter of next year?
· What would really inspire me to accomplish this?
· Identity your strengths and weaknesses
· Take Action. Sign up for that class or the event you’ve been telling yourself you wanted to do for a while
· Make study plans each week and prioritize your day
Long term goals:
· What do I want to fully accomplish by end of next year?
· I know exactly what I want to do with my life but feeling overwhelmed where to start. Write this goal down then break it apart piece by piece and slowly step by step finish each task
· Commit to your passion and/or decision
· By end of next year, I plan to be……
· Make a list of people you want to reach out to and introduce yourself as a possible candidate for a job or as a mentor
· Don’t give up!
Be Marketable! Nowadays companies are looking for people with broader skill sets to lower costs. There are things you can do for FREE to be that person who companies are looking for.
Do your research! Find out which companies are on the top of your list as a potential employer. Read through their profiles carefully as well as job descriptions that are listed. Reach out to the employees (might take a few in order to get a response) of the company and ask them for advice on how to successfully land an interview and what they are looking for in a candidate.
Don’t be shy! Boldly go after companies whom you believe you can truly benefit and how they can benefit you.
Be Mindful of the Market. Remember this very carefully as this will determine the outcome of your rebranding. Look for what industries are in high demand and somewhat conservative. Does this mean you have to give up on your passion or choose another career path? Doesn’t have to be. If you don’t see something you’re necessarily interested in, create your own. Approach companies of interest and present your idea with underlying reasons as to why they should create this role. After all, what do you have to lose?
There are many other things you can do as well to REINVENT and REBRAND yourself but use this as a guide and a tool to exercise your mind and keep productive.