Preparing for job opportunities

Over the last three months, unemployment claims totaled a staggering 45.7 million in the U.S. Covid-19 shuttered businesses and left many without work or with reduced salaries. As parts of the country reopen, job opportunities will present themselves. Are you prepared for an interview? Have you updated your resume? When construction needs start rolling in, are you ready? Here are some useful suggestions to get you on track – and ahead of the pack.

Update your resume

Dust off your keyboard and get to typing; your resume should be as up-to-date as possible. Companies might inquire as to why you aren’t employed. By showcasing a productive and timely employment history, in relation to explaining a lay-off or furlough, employers will take note you’ve gone the extra mile. Make sure your resume reflects where you are or were in 2020.

Contact your friends

Sure, your friends know of your situation, but that doesn’t necessarily amount to them remembering to mention a job opening. Ask around, especially to previous coworkers on construction sites; they might know of an opportunity. The grapevine stretches far, so gently ask if they can keep you in mind, and pass the word around that you’re actively looking for employment. It might be something part-time, but it could be the best chance to get your foot in the door with a company, hopefully leading to long-term employment.

Learn a new skill

Diversification is a surefire way to stand out amongst the crowd. By learning a new skill, you have an extra tool in your box, making you more valuable to a company. For example, you might have OSHA 10-Hour training, but you could learn supporting skills? Why not go and take a first aid course such as learning how to perform CPR or use an AED? Anything that can give you a helping hand to start learning a new skill and broadening your horizons is worth exploring.

Invest in some training

When employers see recent certifications or completed training courses on your resume, they’ll be impressed by your ambition. For example, the new ANSI A92 suite of standards went into effect June 1. Why not get refreshed with the MEWP Operator 3a & 3b Online Training course? It can be conducted on a smartphone, tablet or computer – all at your own pace. There are a number of online safety and training courses available that will up your ante when it comes time to get back on the jobsite.

Get social on social media

From updating your LinkedIn to speaking out on social media about your availability, don’t be shy about letting the world know that you are looking for work. The more that you can do to try and raise awareness about your abilities and skills, the more likely it is that you can land a job in the position that you were hoping for.

It’s all about trying to push yourself out of your comfort zone and looking to add to your skill list at present. It won’t be easy, but the results can be rewarding if you are willing to invest the correct amount of time into the process.

Lockdown has been a major issue for all of us, but it does not mean you have to step back into an employment vacuum. Make conscious changes like those listed above, and it might help put your name at the top of the hiring pile.