So it’s a new year… how have you been feeling? I know 2020 may have been a bit rough with everything that has been going on. However, it was an experience for everyone around, and I want to say that my heart goes out to everyone and all your loved ones. Here is my positive note for 2021, it’s the year of success.

You might be thinking, why are you even saying that? Well, because I feel it. Things are so much better than it was a year ago (last march) and I see continuous reports on job market increases. So, more opportunities for you out there!

Hurray! This leads to a different method of job searching. Yes, the 2020 and past methods are no longer the way to go, and we stand out so much differently now.

As the leader you are, you need to take charge of your career, which means taking a stand to be open to new methods of your job search if you actually want to receive success.

I want you to know that your dream path, career, and the growth that you desire are meant for you. You are destined for it. We all are destined, but it takes knowing the truth about the reality of how to get there.

Before I dive into this discussion on how to get hired in 2021 even further, I just wanted to take a moment to welcome you to join my
1:1 Coaching Program. If you feel called to get support for you to grow, then I welcome you to apply!

So now let’s dive into this topic on getting hired in 2021, shall we?

Look for industries that are growing.

Even in the face of a pandemic, some companies are actually performing VERY well.  I want to grow through some of these industries with you so you can carry an understanding of where you might want to gravitate to your career growth.

E-commerce

Yes, they have been performing VERY well despite some retailers where the in-person shopping did affect them. In addition, many retailers have received a tremendous amount of sales growth because of the importance of online shopping. What’s so great about this industry is that there is so much opportunity available within it. It can teach you a great perspective on business, AND there is a place for you if you’re entry-level OR a leader growing in their career.

Healthcare

Ah, the healthcare sector. Such an important industry where there is a need of front-line workers and professionals. This is an excellent opportunity for people that even want to transition to this field. I have clients that went from their current industry to healthcare (opposite), and it was so smooth for them. Don’t think that this isn’t possible for you because maybe you’re in a completely different field.

Telecommunications

Yes, my customer service lovers! This is your time to shine if this is an industry of interest to you. With tech companies and other sectors even not having the proper amount of staff available, there is a high demand and need. Speaking of IT, since this can kind of go hand and hand… I see a considerable growth within the IT field as well. As we are all working from home and then there is the emerging artificial intelligence and cloud computing. It brings an opportunity for you to contribute your ideas and even grow more of your skill sets.

Don’t wait to Job Search if you’re Desiring New Opportunities

It hurts me when I hear people wanting to wait a few months because they don’t see any available opportunities. There is fear installed because some employers have been impacted, but it doesn’t mean that you won’t find your dream role. I believe that this IS the best time to job search.

Think about it! Things are making their way back to normal. Although more postings are coming up, within the next few months, everything will significantly increase.  We’ve come a long way since March 2020.

With things coming back to normal, now is your time to venture in.

Now is your time to network. Send messages to your desired dream employers, connect with them. 

Even if you don’t see any postings available, I recommend scheduling some informational interviews.

It’s really important because with a whole year of change, this also impacts employee culture, practices, job descriptions. So this is your time to search and learn. Hey, that informational interview might lead to a nifty job offer.

ESTABLISH YOUR CONFIDENCE

Confidence is key. Enthusiasm shows you know what you’re talking about. Employers like to see candidates that believe in themselves and their work. Listen, I get it! my shy introvert peeps... it may be super nerve-wracking to be “confident,” I’ve gotten away with this shy personality that many employers liked at the beginning of my career. But, as I grew, I needed more confidence to obtain leadership opportunities and higher-level roles.

Here are some tips if you want to break free of this shy behavior:

First off, we want to recognize this because this is a mindset thing. Don’t think first and foremost that you can’t apply to a job because it’s out of your reach, or you don’t have XYZ skill that’s complete and utter nonsense.

Write down some of your thoughts, desires, dreams; just journal upon it. This has helped me become confident and get rid of most of my nervous behaviors.

It opened me to a new level, and I wanted to show up for what I wanted to be in the next 5 years.

Practice. Practice makes perfect it does. Practice your interview skills and questions. ESPECIALLY video interviews. Don’t also be afraid to go through a few interviews. In many of my client’s, experiences multiple interviews have helped them perfect themselves to where they landed roles they truly desired.

We are divinely guided within our career path, and sometimes we need to go through the developmental stage of the job search process to when the right opportunity is presented to us, we nail it.

Find your purpose. Sometimes our lack of confidence comes from us not knowing what we want. So we have to fear any opportunity because we‘re unsure. Finding your purpose will guide you towards the right career for you. Your life purpose is related to your career purpose.

YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE IS IMPORTANT

I think I’ve spoken about LinkedIn a thousand times, and that’s because, as leaders, we all need a good LinkedIn profile. In my podcast Confident Clear & Hired: Made for Leaders Navigating Career Paths I speak about optimizing your LinkedIn profile in episode 4.

How you stand out in your LinkedIn profile is important. How you also stand out on your social platforms is also essential.

Your hiring managers and colleagues will search for you, and I can promise you that. A lot of the time, it’s mostly a curiosity about understanding who you are as a person, but it doesn’t mean that there won’t be judgment.

If you have anything unprofessional in your online blogs, photos, etc., clean it up before beginning your interview process.

Oh, and when your online presence is set up then it gives you the confidence to know you can network because networking is where it’s at, to be honest.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

I foresee massive changes coming through in 2021-2022 because we now are eyes wide open to what we desire. So maybe there is more clarity that you’ve established.

Maybe you see yourself in different work culture.

Employers have to keep up if they don’t want employee turnover, and in that case, it gives you a new layer of opportunity to be presented to you as the growth seeker.

So research the company. Make sure that it’s going to be a company

Even if you have a scheduled interview and you feel funky about the position.

At this time, we don’t want to have a job just to have one.

We don’t want to be desperate; we want what’s suitable for us to grow.

ALWAYS UPDATE YOUR RESUME

This is very important. I always tell my clients that your resume needs to be updated for each job posting. Therefore, always refer to the job posting to reflect any minor updates and changes you can adjust in your resume.

Not every single job will be similar, so you want to make sure that this is going to reflect what the employer needs and how you're going to fill that gap. Plus, it does help you pass that dreaded ATS (Applicant Tracking System) software.

Here’s an excellent tip for you, for each job you apply for and customize your resume to create folders on your computer, so for example, let’s say you apply to Macy’s. Create that on your computer, then have your resume and cover letter saved in that folder.

You never want to save over this because, let’s say, you want to also apply to Ralph Lauren, and they have a similar job description. Then you can go to other resumes that would target similarly, and it saves a bit of the updating work.

Ultimately you want to dive into your job search with consistency. Something that will never go away is the opportunities that character builds. If you work on your job search strategies and personal growth consistently and not just once a week, then I promise you you’ll see so much opportunity for success. I want you to know that I believe in you, and I’m your cheerleader standing right in your corner at all times.

I also would like to share with you another free resource that can definitely help you stay organized and on track as you explore new opportunities. Please see below.