There is no perfect time like the present. Yes, even during COVID-19.

The truth is that if you wait for a perfect time to change jobs you may wait a long time. The right time to change a job is the minute that you start thinking of doing so. The present time is always the best time. Chances are you have good reasons to want to make this transition and I am here to tell you that you shouldn’t wait.

I am well aware that more than 50 million Americans have filed for unemployment since the start of the pandemic and this is definitely something to be concerned about. However, the most recent US Department of Labor release shows that the weekly unemployment claims dropped below one million for the first time since March according to a Wall Street Journal article from Aug 13, 2020, and although the numbers are still high this should not hold you back from looking for your next opportunity.

Here is why this is the right time for you to start looking.

• Number one – Companies are still hiring!
• People are moving – many people have taken this time to re-evaluate their situations and have decided to relocate which means that jobs locally are starting to open up.
• Lack of happiness – people were not happy with their jobs before the pandemic and are still planning on changing jobs.
• Better opportunities – as humans our need for growth is still there and many are still searching for more money, more responsibility, better benefits, etc.
• Fulfillment – this pandemic has put things into perspective for many. More and more people are looking to change jobs that are no longer exciting for them. They have either outgrown their careers or they were in a career that they didn’t like and have taken this time to align themselves and their future.

As daunting as it may be to look for a new job during a global crisis, there are still opportunities to be found. Here are some reasons to consider changing jobs amid COVID-19.

• Excitement and Joy – do you wake up excited and ready for the day or do you wake up dreading your work? This is a huge indication that you may be ready for a change.
• Uninspired – do you leave work every night worn-out, deflated, and uninspired? Life is too short to hate your job.
• Purpose and Alignment – the pandemic gives you an invitation to reflect and align your career with your values and lifestyle. If you are like many of us, you’ve taken some of the downtimes to really evaluate where you are and where you want to go. For many, this includes their careers. Ask yourself if your current job aligns with your strengths and your purpose and if it doesn’t then that’s an indication that you are ready to move forward.

If you are lacking excitement, joy, purpose, and alignment and feel uninspired then the time is now. Here are some ways that you can prepare for your job search:

• Take an online class that may help you build on your transferrable skills.
• Get clear – really think about what you want to do next. Think about the lifestyle you want to have (work from home, travel, flexibility, etc). Think about what fulfills you. What is your expertise? What sets you apart from your competitors?
• Career Strategy – once you get clear, its time to create a career strategy. Identify companies of interest, job titles, and read job descriptions. Use the 80/20 rule – if you can do 80% of the work and it excites you then that’s a good fit.
• Network – The smartest way to transition is to connect with people in the field and organizations of interest. We are all craving connection so this is the best time to reconnect with old friends, friends of friends, old colleagues, and members of college alumni networks.
• LinkedIn – is the world’s largest professional network with 706+ million users in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find top-notch candidates.  Make sure that your profile is strategically updated and that your professional brand makes you stand out from the crowd.
• Resume – make sure your resume is updated and ATS friendly. Focus on your major accomplishments and make sure that the resume strategy is clear.
• Interview Preparation – most interviews are taking place over the phone and via video. Practice and make sure that your space at home if you are working from home is set up for good video and connectivity.

It’s time to get you out of paralysis analysis and into a thriving career. Do work that brings you excitement and fulfillment. Life is too short to hate your job. You will be happier, and your family, friends, and coworkers will be happier to be around you.

Do you have a personal experience with transitioning during the coronavirus you’d like to share? Please email [email protected]m and tell us your story.

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Challenges exist when you are in a job search. Nowadays with so many laid off or furloughed the competition is a little tighter which means that you have to be proactive in your job search.

Here are 10 proactive tactics that you can take:

1. Professional Branding Tools: Make sure your resume and LinkedIn are aligned and that the titles, skills, and accomplishments showcased are focused on the jobs that you are applying to. This is #1 – if you don’t already have this then get this step done before you do anything else.
2. Cover Letters: I cannot stress how important these are. Any recruiter or hiring manager can tell you how few cover letters they see. With cover letters being so rare this is a sure way to set yourself apart. Make sure you are adding value by telling them why you would be a good fit, what you love about their company or their mission, and list 3-5 things you would offer in the role you are interested in. Don’t forget to end strong and request a time to meet.
3. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Recruiters: Turn on this feature in LinkedIn and include the titles you are interested in to show recruiters that you are open to opportunities. 
4. Turn on Job Notifications on LinkedIn: These will come to you as soon as something is posted so that you can apply immediately.
5. Reach Out Directly: Research recruiters in your industry and reach out to them directly. You can do the same for an HR person or the actual hiring manager. If you cannot find an email then go the old fashioned way and mail them a letter with your resume.
6. Network: Tell at least 5 people a day that you are looking for a job. Enlist your network:
   1. Your family and friends – be clear on what you are looking for: title, companies, tasks
   2. Professional contacts – people you have worked with or know through the industry.
   3. Loose connections – people you are connected to but don’t really know.
7. Make a Short List: Identify companies you would want to work for, make a list, and target them directly even if they do not have an opening. 
8. Find an In: Research if you know anyone at your target companies or know anyone that does. Ask for an introduction. 
9. ATS systems: Complete the questions on the ATS systems even if you are uploading your resume.
10. Be Prepared: You must be ready at all times. Practice your interview with a friend or family member and record yourself if you can. Know what you are going to wear and have a printed copy of your resume. 

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