With 40 million jobless claims being filed since COVID-19 hit the U.S., now is probably a good time to create a solid strategy for your career and make sure you’re taking the right steps to leverage your experience post quarantine. Here’s where to start…

1. Keep track of your accomplishments (even the little ones).

It is easy to lose track of the great things you’re doing at work and just write it off as “that’s my job”, but the truth is, many of the things you do at work are beyond your job requirements. The things that require you to extend your expertise to colleagues above and beyond what you are “required” to do are the things you need to add to your list of accomplishments. When your boss asks you to train someone or work on a special project, they are in fact telling you that you are valuable and your information and skill-set are valuable, too. Leverage that for the future by taking note of it as soon as it happens and when you can document the results.

Tip: I used to keep a “results” list in my drawer at work and jot down dates/project names each time I was asked to do something that allowed me to use my leadership skills.

2. Build a valuable network, no matter what your position is.

Even if you’re thinking about starting your own business, if you do it the right way, the relationships you build now will help you in the future. Find the time to connect with people who you know can teach you the things you need to know to get to the next level. Be intentional about who you give your time to. Time is your most valuable resource, so be sure to extend it to those people and activities that will further your progress, not take from it. Don’t overlook the benefit of asking your connections to connect you with their connections, too. Someone you know may know someone else that can mentor you or guide you towards your desired career path.

3. Know what is working and what isn’t.

It is easy to point out what we don’t like about where we work or who we work with, but often we leave out the good stuff. Identify the things you like about what you do, and how you work. Maybe your boss sucks, but your company allows you to be flexible with your time. Maybe you don’t like your co-workers but there is an opportunity for you to advance within the company if you connect with the right people. If you don’t identify the things that are working for you, you may end up taking a role where you lose the things you love, even though you may like the change of scenery or co-workers.

4. Hire a professional.

Working with someone who can help you advance your career is necessary, especially if you are having a hard time doing it on your own or if you don’t have the time (or patience) to update your resume, revise your LinkedIn profile, or create a strategy to advance within your industry. You don’t have to do it on your own, but you do have to take control of your career sooner than later.

Set up a FREE 15-minute career coaching session with Mary here

5. Reflect on your career at least twice a year.

Don’t wait until your annual review, or after getting a disappointing bonus, or worse – getting laid off to start thinking about leaving your current role. Be as proactive as you can about taking the next steps to move yourself to the next level. Or, you may need to move laterally to acquire the skill set you’ll need, too. Sometimes we are pushed into our new career path, by termination or layoff, but that should not discourage you from being strategic about your next move.

Watch the video below!