We certainly are in unchartered waters with the changes in the world the past few years. The uncertainty of the economy and recovery from the shutdowns with virtually every industry being affected can be overwhelming.

I have experienced a couple of recessions that created a sort of reset in the economy, but every time, the United States recovered stronger than ever. So be encouraged that this time will not be different. We are a resilient nation and the human spirit is remarkable

My nature is to find the positives whenever I can in any situation. Sometimes that can be difficult, but the last few years has highlighted some things that over time will teach us a lot about ourselves, our relationships and what we value. I don’t think I need to go into each of these, but I would like to focus on time.

As a recruiter, I speak with people every day who are so busy in their careers that they haven’t even had the time to consider their future and career path. Having major shifts in the “way we work” has helped many to take a step back and evaluate their career path. Many people tell me that they are open to opportunities that could benefit them financially or professionally, but don’t feel well prepared to respond should that role come their way. This could be opportunities in their current company or other sources.

If this is you and you need some guidance and practical ways to make sure you are positioned for the next step in your career, here are some suggestions.

  • Always keep an updated resume on hand. A professionally crafted resume is KEY. Being not ready to react promptly with a current resume could result in delaying or missing a life changing opportunity
  • Become an expert in your field or at least be perceived as an expert. Share or write articles, volunteer to help with special projects, or continue education (professional certifications, courses). Being knowledgably current and aware of your competitors, the markets, economics of your region will make you a valuable prospect as well as a thought leader in your field.
  • Network with influencers in your industry via LinkedIn, industry events, or other social media outlets. By doing this, you not only are on their radar, but you are abreast of current information they are contributing or posting that could be of value to you.

This is a start and enough to at least set the wheels in motion. Stay safe and see you on the other side.

Terri Kosecki is a Senior Executive Recruiter and Career Coach with The McSweeney Group.