It can be challenging enough to find a job when we’re not in the middle of a global pandemic. But the COVID-19 outbreak has made landing a new position even more difficult. That’s why it’s crucial to take steps to stay employable and ensure you’re highly talented in your role, even if you aren’t currently in the market for a new job.

Use these strategies to make yourself more employable in the current job landscape:

1. Prepare a plan of action for your career. Take the time to think about exactly where you would like to go in your career. When you put together a step-by-step plan of action, it’s much easier to see the path you should take to reach your professional goals. Include in your plan the skills and experience you will need to acquire or strengthen and the people you will need in your network.

2. Participate in frequent professional development. Continuously working to improve your skills will play a big role in making you more employable. Consider attending EHS training courses and conferences to improve your expertise. Although most in-person events aren’t happening now, there are many virtual classes and conferences you can attend from the comfort of your own home or office.

Aarcher Institute offers virtual training courses to help you strengthen and expand your skills in a variety of EHS areas. They emulate the benefits of attending an in-person course. Unlike scripted and recorded online training, Aarcher Institute’s courses are presented in real time. Attendees view a streaming image of the instructor, follow a clear image of the slides as they are presented, and can ask the instructor questions. View our schedule of upcoming training courses.

3. Grow your professional network. Building a strong network of professionals in the EHS industry can increase your chances of hearing about and obtaining new career opportunities. LinkedIn is a great place to network and connect with people in your field and gain access to resources and training from industry experts.

4. Track your career accomplishments. It’s important to have examples of your professional achievements on hand, so make a practice of recording your accomplishments when they happen. If a potential employer contacts you, you will already have them ready to share before your interview. Your LinkedIn profile is also a great place to showcase your achievements.

Making yourself more marketable to employers will open you up to better career opportunities and even increase your chances of securing a promotion or raise in your current job. Implement these strategies to help you stay employable as the job landscape continues to shift amid the pandemic.

Resource:

Invest in yourself and your career, Dave Denaro, EHSCareers.