The coronavirus outbreak has caused major career upheaval for millions of people.
From unexpected layoffs to navigating working from home, this is a time of transition for almost everyone. While we practice social distancing and face potential work changes, the present is an ideal time to take steps to advance your career. Many companies (us included!) are offering free materials to take advantage of right now. Below, we’ve outlined some free ideas and resources to help during this time of uncertainty.
Revise your resume and online profiles
Whether you’re getting ready to begin the job search or are simply looking to update your professional materials, take this time to perfect your resume or CV. We have a free quiz to help you understand which resume format you should move forward with and this free downloadable guide will walk you through creating a strong online presence. By making sure that your resume and online profiles are updated and reflective of your experience and skills, you’ll be ahead of the curve when hiring picks up again. When you're done with those, don't forget to update your LinkedIn profile, too.
Foster your network
While in-person networking is on an extended hiatus, reach out to people remotely. Request virtual informational interviews with people who are in industries or companies that you are interested in. This will help you learn more about the business and allow you to make potentially beneficial connections.
Make contact with recruiters through LinkedIn or their company’s site so that they become familiar with you and your skillset. Recruiters are a valuable resource since they often know of jobs that are coming available before they’re widely advertised. Keep track of the contact you’re making with this helpful tracker and follow-up as is appropriate. That way, when the Coronavirus outbreak passes and hiring increases, you’ll remain top of mind.
Expand your career expertise
There are tons of resources that can help you learn more skills or deal with career change during this time. We have currently made our entire library of webinars free so that you can access them while things are uncertain. We’ve got plenty to get you through this time:
- Debt, 401ks, and preparing your finances
- Addressing job loss during the Coronavirus
- "Ask Me Anything" with recruiters and career coaches
- How to manage your career changes (+ stress)
- Effectively manage remote meeting
- How to identify your strengths at work
These sites are also offering free career-centric webinars:
- eLearning Industry
- Hubspot
- Harvard Alumni Association
- Score.org
- Boston University Alumni Association
- LinkedIn Learning (free for one month)
Take a college course
Many ivy league universities offer free access to a selection of their remote classes in a wide variety of subjects. While you won’t earn actual credit for them, they’ll help you learn more about a specific subject or gain confidence in a new field. If you’re looking to pivot careers or advance your knowledge, take advantage! You can find these through:
- Coursera (Duke, Stanford, and more)
- edX (Harvard, Berkeley, MIT, Boston University, and more)
- Class Central (Columbia, Princeton, Yale)
Teach an online class
Teaching your own course can also be a strategic career move as it can prove to potential employers that you are an expert in your field. As a bonus, it could generate some extra income. Sites like Skillshare and Udemy offer the opportunity to teach as well as to learn.
Earn a certification
There are countless options for earning certificates for free online. The extended pause we’re all going through may provide the time you need to become certified in an area that would benefit your career. Options for free online certifications in a variety of fields include:
While the time we’re in is certainly stressful, there are steps you can take to better prepare yourself for life after the outbreak. Work through some of the free resources currently offered as a means to maintain your sanity and give your professional life a boost. If you have other concerns surrounding navigating work during the coronavirus, we’ve got you covered here.
