2020 has been a year for the books indeed. If you like to travel, chances are this year you did not get to travel as much. Or perhaps there were loved ones you wanted to see that you have been cut off for months now because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps your job search did not quite pan out the way you expected because of everything that has gone on this year.
There are still 4 months in 2020 and it is possible for you to still make the most of this year! It is still possible to land a new job, get fit, and spend more time with your family.
In this post, we talk about some of the ways you can still get traction out of 2020.
Tips To Still Get The Most Out Of 2020
Dress up your LinkedIn profile for the job you want
Recruiters and decision-makers are still looking on LinkedIn for prospects they can bring into their companies even though we live in a difficult hiring environment. This is an excellent time to revamp your LinkedIn profile so you can get found by recruiters and decision-makers.
In addition to being found, you can connect directly with these recruiters and decision-makers and begin a discussion with them. LinkedIn is the perfect platform for this. It is well-known that people will hire individuals they know and like. Building that relationship on LinkedIn can open you up to job opportunities before they are even posted online.
Use the 4 tips below to get more attention on your LinkedIn profile.
- Make sure to have a professional photo on your LinkedIn profile. You don’t have to wear a suit if you don’t like wearing suits. But it should look like you are ready to impress your future employer. Don’t leave this blank!
- Fill out your educational history and include every relevant certification you have.
- In the “title” section of your LinkedIn profile, make sure to state what kind of position you are looking for and/or state what skills you have so you can be found by the right recruiters.
- Don’t be silent on LinkedIn. Connect with and learn from people who can help you reach your goals.
Attend virtual networking events
One of the advantages of this season has been that many in-person events have been converted to virtual events. These virtual events are not as expensive an in-person would be and many are free.
This is another way to connect with and get to know other people in your field. And these networks become crucial for everything including finding new business relationships as well as job opportunities.
These networking opportunities have the added benefit of reducing the loneliness that so many have felt during this time.
Further your skills by attending online webinars/taking online courses
Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare and Coursera have tens of thousands of courses between them and on every topic imaginable.
If you find yourself with more time on your hands than you expected, it is still a great time to learn a new skill that enriches your life and career.
Exercise
Your exercise and fitness goals don’t have to fall by the wayside now that you are spending more time at home. Check out this post we wrote on workout ideas for while you’re at home.
Continue to take care of your mental health
During the pandemic, people have found it helpful to shut off the constant barrage of news that we get from television and social media. Research studies on social media continue to link excessive use of social media with depression, anxiety and lower self-esteem.
In addition to taking care of yourself in this manner, it helps to speak to a mental health professional who can provide tools (and sometimes prescribe medication) that can help you take control of your mental health.
Journal
Journaling is a well-researched way researchers have found to help people cope with trauma. In a year where many have faced traumatic situations, one of the ways to cope is to write down your feelings and thoughts.
You can also journal your accomplishments and make plans. And it can be satisfying to go back to reflect on those to see how far you have come.
Engage in more “home-based” and family-engaging activities
There is no time like the present to build relationships with family members and friends. On top of that, although most of us work to pay the rent or mortgage, most people don’t get to enjoy their homes and the people who live in them.
So although the lines may have been blurred between your bedroom, living room and workspace, this is still a time to really enjoy your home and engage in home-based activities you otherwise would not have.
Individuals have found a love for gardening, home repairs, and DIY (do-it-yourself) projects at home.
