Back to work in a post-pandemic world

In the next few months, coming back to work in a post-pandemic world, many employees may face redundancy and the prospect of finding a new job or starting a new career. So where do you begin? First is with questioning what you want to do and how. Once you have interrogated that you need to face the practical issues of how to find a job and where to look.

Digital platforms

Interviews are more and more likely to be done online in the current climate and there are a number of things to consider in online interviews. Preparation is all.

Homeworking jobs may be more appealing for the next months so check out sites like workingwise.co.uk which offer homeworking and flexible roles and remember to highlight the type of soft skills that are relevant to homeworking roles, including self-management, clear communication and ability to take the initiative. You may need to develop your digital skills so look at places like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, YouTube and Udemy.

Check out your social media

Create or curate your LinkedIn profile, use LinkedIn professional groups to find out about openings or just to create connections which could lead, ultimately, to jobs. Follow the employers you wish to work for on social media. Google your name on social media and check that what comes up offers a prospective boss the best image of what you can do.

Update your cv

Make sure it is tailored to the particular jobs you are applying to, includes the key words listed in the job advert and, if you have had a career break, you may wish to write it with an emphasis on skills and experience rather than a chronological listing of work.

Network

Link up with friends and former colleagues on social media platforms, on the phone and in real life [when the lockdown eases]. They may put out the word for you or let you know of any opportunities they hear of.

Upskill

Take advantage of any free courses going in areas that interest you, including the Department for Education’s Skills Toolkit which provides digital and other skills.

Plan to work longer

Everyone is likely to take a big financial hit due to the pandemic and its aftermath. You may have to think about delaying your retirement so plan ahead and investigate post-retirement work opportunities. More and more people are working past retirement these days in a variety of roles.

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