What are you doing to stay valuable in the job market?
Employers and business owners now juggle between laying off staff or cutting down employees’ salaries to remain in business due to COVID-19.
Although this crisis will eventually fade away, the effects will likely linger, especially in the job market.
According to Nairametrics.com, the current unemployment rate in Nigeria is 27.1%, indicating that 21.7 million people are currently unemployed in the country.
If you’re currently out of a job, or underpaid as a result of the pandemic, you should consider revamping and upskilling to remain relevant and valuable in the job market.
Here are some steps you can explore to remain valuable amid the current crises.
Transition to Virtual Work
The pandemic has necessitated virtual engagements. Thus, employees must be digitally savvy to keep up with the current demands in the workplace.
Depending on the industry, the individual must keep tabs with the latest technology. For example, a human resource personnel should know how to use the latest payroll software.
Also, remote work has necessitated new tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, to collaborate with team members and managers online. Therefore, workers must stay abreast with trending technologies.
So, if you feel left out in the digital sphere, invest in computer training programs online to enable you to work effectively in the virtual environment.
Gain New Skills
Whether you’re just entering the workforce, or hoping to change careers, developing new skills will distinguish you in the job market.
According to LinkedIn, the relevant soft skills employers seek after including creativity, collaboration, persuasion, and emotional intelligence.
These skills will not only secure or keep you on the job, but also make you more valuable as well as propel you to a positive career progression.
On the other hand, some jobs require skills related to technical or digital tools like programming, software development, project management, data analysis, etc. You must learn these technical skills based on your industry to qualify for a job.
To get started, upskill by taking online courses, volunteer for projects or enroll for internship programs.
We recommend that you take this free course facilitated by an HR Manager/Career Coach – Isiwat Olajiga, titled “How to Change Career During and Post-COVID-19.”
If you’re interested in acquiring the latest skills in customer service, enroll for our Virtual Customer Service Course and get certified.