Preparing for the unexpected future is a prudent strategy one has to follow throughout their career life. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a serious threat to public health, a deep sense of risk to social and economic stability, and a lot of jobs at stake.
The COVID-19 coronavirus is accelerating the workplace transformations where we all are working exclusively from our homes. In the course, we are juggling with homeschooling and family time. For those in human resources (HR), it is more challenging as they need to transform the work processes.
On the brighter side, this could be a better time to increase skills and make a next career move. Whether you want to transform your organization, become more visible, secure a promotion, or gain leadership experience, in a way, this is the time to look for proactive ways and advance your HR career.
Though navigating the pandemic world for career advancement is intimidating, you will have control over your path. Launch your HR career to new heights by gathering the resources around you and the new ones. Let’s see how HR professionals can navigate through this pandemic and endeavor to advance their career journey.
Boost your qualification
One of the best-recommended ways and a first step to grow your career is to focus on your qualification. It is recommended to increase your post-secondary education with a master's in business administration and best HR certifications as well.
Certifications enable you to understand the career profile to its full extent and explore new avenues for HR administration and employee experience. It vouches for your understanding of the modern business environment to your employers. It increases the visibility of your resume on which you can bankify for new and challenging roles.
Develop your brand
Everyone is anxious and might feel this is not the right time for career management. However, it is time to take some soul-searching. Our changed routine has compelled us to multi-tasking and we are accommodating ourselves with this change successfully and also sparing a few hours. Use this time to determine your strengths, passions, skills, and value proposition.
Be proactive and rebuild your CV and ensure it defines you in the way you are. Personal branding is essential for credibility and authenticity and helps to advance in career. Career management is essential to maximize success and happiness at work and life.
It is a valuable time to chart out a broad action plan by listing your competencies and long-term action-oriented strategy.
Expand your network
Personal branding is similar to the branding of a product. If no one knows about your skills, then it is difficult to stay competitive and gain top positions. It is crucial to engage with your community of professionals and expand networking. Networking enables you to stay top of skills, meet potential clients, mentors, and employers. You can use professional network LinkedIn to start engagement. Start small and expand over gradually.
It is recommended to like or leave a comment on interesting and trending topics and stay on the limelight in the community. Get recognized by your community and stay in touch with higher authorities.
Stay updated
It is imperative to stay on track with new technologies and market trends. It is recommended to dedicate time to identify the most sought-after skills, self-assess, read, and make a long-term plan. you can attend to mentorship programs, webinars, podcasts, and online training to pick up new skills while working from home.
One of the best suggestions to advance your career in uncertain times is to become flexible. You may not get a dream position or a dream company. However, you should be open to switching industries, geographies, or companies as you get a better option.
Be creative
Successful HR professionals always come up with new ideas. New ideas drive improvements in the work environment that benefits employees and management as well. Find exciting ways to enliven the remote work environment filled with fun and vigor. Also, it is necessary to encourage employees to be creative. Foster collaboration in the workplace through workshops, planning day sessions, and be an active conduit for innovation.
To conclude…
Great HR professionals never get satisfied with their status quo. Keep connecting mentors and experienced colleagues who can help you set you on the right track for career development. Surround yourself with people who can guide you in the direction and encourage you to develop a passion for the industry.
Be proactive, advance your learnings, seek new solutions by being proactive while expanding your horizons. Think laterally, manage morale, upskill yourself to meet and manage changes in the business.
Challenge yourself to find new solutions for the prevailing crisis and change of work situation like a remote and inclusive workforce. Be the anchor who can guide through the employees amid coronavirus crisis. This would help your chance to climb up the career ladder at a faster rate.