It’s time to go after a job or internship. Your educational background is solid and the resume is clear and well-written. You’re good to go, right?
Wrong.
You are entering a job market unlike any other. While certainly, the coronavirus is the biggest factor, widespread civil unrest has also impacted business owners’ response to current issues and their effect on employees and customers.
The workplace, as we know it, has changed and your success requires a deeper understanding of how current events affect you and the new opportunities a time of change brings. To improve your chances at landing the gig you want, here are 4 things to consider during a time of uncertainty.
1. Don’t be afraid to fail
Invariably, you will have “fails”, so consider using the unusual times we live to fail spectacularly & take big risks. For industries (like music & tech) failure is actually rewarded. In Silicon Valley, for instance, some Venture Capitalists will refuse to finance your business until you’ve already failed at 3-4 prior businesses.
The point: during times of uncertainty, the search for answers and opportunities increases, and if you have an idea or process that can solve a problem – now more than ever is the time to bring it to market. As Bruce Arians, coach of the Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers says, “No risk it, no biscuit”
2. Read the reality of today’s job market - and take advantage of it
You are living in a time of major economic disruption, but that’s also when creative energies and innovation are released. For you, that means taking a closer look at the current needs of an evolving job market with a special eye towards new opportunities. In the music industry (my area of expertise) gear manufacturers have seen a spike in sales during the pandemic. Artists are finding new ways to produce and profit from virtual performances.
Taking advantage of today’s challenging job market starts with asking yourself about the current needs of the day. What employers have been shuttered by Covid that now might be opening up? Working remotely in some form or another is probably here to stay – what new jobs or services will this require?
Understand that living in a time of economic disruption means refraining from self-limiting your options based on rules that may now be outdated. Success will increasingly go to those who are aware (and can respond to) new, emerging opportunities.
3. Remove “I can’t” from your lifestyle choices
Many of you COULD travel to a new city to check out a great opportunity, or give a public presentation on a challenging topic, but you WON’T because it’s uncomfortable, uncertain, and involves risk. We may still be living under Covid-19, but consider adopting the mental attitude that you are not in a pandemic and instead, shift to a positive mental attitude about your future.
Opportunities don’t necessarily go to the most qualified, but rather to the first person that’s ready, optimistic, and 1st in line outside the door. A sluggish attitude puts you at the end of the line. Now more than ever, you cannot afford to be lax and must shift this paradigm ASAP to compete in today’s world.
4. Social Media matters now more than ever
Some people forget that your pictures and words last virtually forever in the digital world. Bold or controversial opinions on social media may get clicks and ego satisfaction but could turn off potential employers. While it may be unlikely you’ll run into situations where your personal values will conflict with an employer’s opinions, always remember… they could.
Now more than ever, you need to understand the unique environment of today’s job market. While some jobs are on hold (or going away) new ones are coming online. Being willing to fail, understanding the reality of today’s job market, removing “I can’t” from your vocabulary and being mindful of how you use Social Media can be vital considerations in landing the job or internship you want.
Someone’s gonna win despite the climate of uncertainty we’re living under – why not you?
Organiksol Marketing is an accomplished, collaborative & innovative marketing team recognized for driving sales and engagement. Using our experience with musical instrument manufacturers, record labels, non-profits, artists and entrepreneurs, we “speak” the customer’s language like few can. By focusing on their values, likes & dislikes, we implement strategies, campaigns and content that emotionally connects with customers to get results. Read more on What we do.
Organiksol Marketing – we naturally grow business
