Career Trends: June 8, 2022
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
Content Credit:
- Article by the Forbes Coaches Council, published on forbes.com. Original article link.
A hiatus from the workforce can happen for a number of reasons: a layoff, illness or the simple need for a sabbatical. While planning for the next job may be at the bottom of the priority list during this time, if a professional knows they will be looking for a new post at some point down the road, it’s important to lay the groundwork for a smooth return.
This includes not only staying in touch with your network but also making sure you’re caring for yourself and ensuring you’re returning to a workplace and a career that’s right for you.
Below, members of Forbes Coaches Council discuss some key things to ensure a smooth transition back to work.
1. Stay in touch with your network
- During your off period, invite people to share your peace and contemplation.
- Join them now and then to be involved and show you care.
- Every healthy relationship is built on reciprocity so make that important.
2. Work on your communication skills
Able Wanamakok, Find Your Voice Asia –
- Anyone who has been away for a long time should work on their communication skills.
- When you are away from the social context for too long, you could lose touch with social dynamics, cultural awareness or even self-awareness.
3. Stay on top of tech and social media trends
Jon Dwoskin, The Jon Dwoskin Experience –
- If you are looking to get back into the workforce, make sure you’ve studied up on technology and social media.
- Find and know the current trends in each and use them to your benefit by finding ways to create more efficiency.
4. Take a thorough stock of your career
Jarret Patton, DoctorJarret PLLC –
- While away from employment, take time to thoroughly take inventory of all the things that you like and dislike about your career.
- Use this list to guide you so that you don’t fall into the trap of simply chasing a paycheck.
5. Be ready to discuss your employment gap
Erica McCurdy, McCurdy Solutions Group LLC
- An employment gap almost always becomes a question to be answered upon return.
- Expect questions, and be prepared with a short answer to refocus on the future.
6. Gain clarity on what you want
Marc Zalmanoff, Marc Zalmanoff LLC –
- During a period of unemployment, a professional can work on getting crystal clear on what they want out of life.
- Strengthening core values and gaining clarity on goals will lead to greater self-confidence.
7. Focus on personal growth
Lillit Cholakian, NewGen Global Leaders –
- Any professional can benefit from three major areas of personal growth.
- First, work to understand different communication styles and learn to effectively communicate with each.
- Second, understand the impact of mindset on your results and create a mind-shift for success.
- And finally, understand emotional intelligence and cultivate it within.
8. Continue to follow industry advancements
- It is important to keep up with your industry’s advancements.
- Continue to read trade journals, participate in webinars and keep in touch with the industry leaders.
9. Maintain your professional online presence
Kim Neeson, Kim Neeson Consultancy –
- Comment on your network’s posts on LinkedIn, Twitter and so on.
- Don’t be afraid to chime in when you have something to add to the conversation.
- Additionally, you’ll keep up with your profession’s goings-on and stay up to date.
10. Fine-tune your value proposition
Thomas Lim, Singapore Public Service, SportSG –
- Being “in-between” jobs is an important period for deeper self-reflection and preparation for the envisaged next job opportunity.
- It is certainly a period for fine-tuning one’s value proposition, closing off any gaps and staying relevant in knowledge, competencies and skills.
- It’s important to ensure positive-yielding routines during the period and not get derailed or demotivated.
11. Hone your skills in a volunteer position
John M. O’Connor, Career Pro Inc. –
- Investing your time in a meaningful pursuit or social cause may resonate with a potential employer.
- Employers would be interested, and this should give you an employment boost.
12. Take care of yourself
- Work on yourself — body, mind, and soul.
- Practise mindfulness and resilience techniques, and be proud of who you are.
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Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet?
How Resilient People Survive Stressful Situations Without Crumbling
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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