How can you drive your career during a time of uncertainty?

At this time of global change, and with many of us working remotely in response to sensible social distancing measures, it is important not to lose sight of your career goals. While it is natural that many will be cautious when it comes to considering a job change, there are ways that you can continue to drive your career forward.

There are three core elements of effective career building: networking, a strong LinkedIn profile, and a great resume. While the way we network is evolving, the fundamentals remain unchanged, so be sure you are taking the time to get them right.

Make the Most of Virtual Networking

A strong networking strategy should be at the heart of every executive's career plan. With social distancing measures in place, many live events are not taking place, but this does not mean networking stops. There is a plethora of virtual social networking opportunities and they are more accessible than ever. Opportunities for virtual networking include:

Webinars – Join to share challenges and ideas with third parties.

LinkedIn - Use this time to connect and reconnect with past and present colleagues.

Existing contacts - Utilize technology and time to reach out to your network.

Online conversations - Get involved with industry articles and relevant press.

Getting the Most Out of Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is not just a place to be noticed by recruiters, but also a powerful and important channel to help professionals generate deep insights into market conditions and trends, as well as share advice and expertise. Developing a professional, well-crafted profile is important.

1. Upload a Suitable Photograph

This may seem like an obvious start, however, it is important to understand that this will help potential employers recognize you as a friendly and approachable candidate from the outset of their search. The picture does not need to be taken by a photographer, it simply needs to be a good quality, professional image of you.

2. Keep Your Profile Updated

Updating your profile regularly is a great habit to get into. It may be just a small change, like adding in a published article. By keeping your profile as up to date as possible, you ensure that it most accurately highlights your organizational skills and demonstrates professional enthusiasm to potential employers.

3. Share Your Organization’s Content

Even if you are considering roles elsewhere, it is a good idea to share your current company’s content to your profile. This shows that you are active on your profile and that you are proud of your current organization's work.

4. Write and Publish Your Own Articles

Writing an article each month is a great way to highlight that you are invested in your industry and that you have your own mind when it comes to speaking on matters that are important to you. These articles can also spark up conversations with your network and allow you to begin build relationships through the platform.

5. Do Not Be Too Descriptive

People want to read a succinct overview of your professional history and personal interests. It makes sense to assume that your resume and LinkedIn profile should contain the same kind of information, and to a certain extent, they should. The way this information is conveyed via these two platforms, however, should be considerably different.

6. Request Recommendations From Colleagues

Endorsements from other professionals are a great tool to utilize on LinkedIn. It is not unusual for people to request recommendations from their colleagues, and it is a good idea to do so. Aim to request endorsements periodically throughout your career.