The year 2020 has brought significant career challenges for many Canadian professionals. Not just those who experienced temporary/permanent layoffs or reduced work hours, but also professionals who were looking for better opportunities in 2020 were forced to settle for a lesser job or a compromised job role, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thankfully, the onset of 2021 has better news for Canadian job seekers. Statista reports that the Canadian economy shows early signs of bouncing back from the crisis. According to this report, the unemployment rate is gradually decreasing, and gross domestic product / GDP in Canada has been increasing steadily since the crises.
As the market is bouncing back, professionals are back in the job market looking for a better opportunity, a new role or advancement in their existing role. If you are a professional looking for a change this year, here are five tips to help you find a job in 2021:
1) Identify your passion:
‘A passion gives you a reason to keep learning and to work toward mastery.’- Gretchen Rubin
This is true even when it comes to finding a job. In fact, according to a study by Deloitte , 87.7 percent of America’s workforce is not able to contribute to their full potential because they don’t have passion for their work.
It is important to identify what really piques your interest when choosing a career or job. What excites you? What do you immerse yourself in and you don’t notice the time go by?
Having a genuine interest for your work can help you feel motivated to deliver a result-oriented performance. You are likely to be more productive and bring greater success to your role if you are truly care about it. Choosing a company’s vision and culture that reflects your own objectives and work style will keep you engaged and motivated.
Find a Job You Love and You’ll Never Work a Day in Your Life – Confucius
2) Identify & connect with people who share your passion
Networking & connecting with like-minded people can do wonders for your job search in 2021. Especially during these times when everyone is going through challenges, it is imperative to seek advice and stay in touch with people in your professional network. This also gives you a chance to stay connected with people who are presently working in your field and stay abreast of any new developments, tools and trends in your profession. Send ‘Inmails’ or messages over LinkedIn to people who may be able to help you find an opportunity. It may be impossible to meet anyone due to the pandemic, but you can still request a quick check in through a call or a zoom meeting to establish a deeper connection.
3) Establish yourself as a ‘committed professional’
According to the article “Passion at work”, in today’s rapidly changing business environment, companies need passionate workers because such workers can drive extreme and sustained performance improvement—more than the one-time performance “bump” that follows a bonus or the implementation of a worker engagement initiative.
One of the key ways to find a great opportunity is showcasing your ability to potential employers. Harness the power of professional social networks like LinkedIn to speak about your knowledge pertaining to your profession. Volunteer for professional associations that work in your domain. Social media is a great avenue to present yourself as a thought-leader and an expert in a skill and thus improve your chances of finding a great opportunity with employers that value your potential. Write a blog, comment on a post, share relevant articles and videos with others to showcase your commitment to a skill or profession.
4) Reach out to people you already know
There is no harm in reaching out to people you already know, whether it is to enquire about a possible opportunity, asking for a referral or simply letting them know that you are looking for a new role. It is a great idea to strategically and proactively reach out to your friends and family or even your past co-workers to let them know that you are looking for a new role. Remember they will be probably more inclined to support you than an unknown set of people, as they know you personally.
5) Research about your role
To prepare for the role you have in mind, make sure to get a deep understanding of the job responsibilities and the career that you are interested in. Finding a new role in this pandemic can mean you may have fewer opportunities to meet with the team or manager during the interview process. It can also mean that success relies on you being a self starter and are expected to get the ball rolling at the outset. Consider if you have sufficient skills to make that happen and think about upskilling if needed. Ensure that you research all these aspects of a new role and make an informed decision.
After a tough 2020, finding a new dream role in 2021 can seem like a daunting task. Even though it may not seem like the best time to make a change, the job market is heating up and there are a lot of candidates out there. Make it a habit to be proactive and follow the above strategies. After all, opportunity often knocks when it's least expected. So it is best to be prepared. Happy job searching in 2021!
