HRD explores how to support jobseekers during a global crisis
If 2020 threw your career into freefall, you’re not alone.
With 151,000 people unemployed in NZ during the September quarter, the pandemic has been devastating for those in sectors such as hospitality and tourism.
NZ has certainly turned the tide on COVID-19 but as businesses fight hard to bounce back, there’s no doubt more lay offs and redundancies lie ahead for some workers.
For HR professionals, dealing with the process of letting staff go can be extremely daunting, especially during a global pandemic when new opportunities may be few and far between.
Employment Hero CPO Alex Hattingh told HRD that while there’s no one-size-fits-all method to managing a pause in employment, there are several things jobseekers can do to stay motivated during the crisis recovery.
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Future-proof your skillset
It wasn’t all bad news during the pandemic as certain industries thrived on the increase in digitisation.
Sectors like cyber security, cloud computing and UX development experienced a boom in opportunity, but NZ currently has a skills gap in many of those skilled sectors.
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Upskilling while unemployed is a great way to expand a skillset and demonstrate initiative to a potential new employer.
“Some jobs will require tertiary retraining, however for job seekers with expanded experience or expertise, adding to your skill set could be as simple as finding the right course online,” Hattingh said.
Reach out to others
“Actively looking for a job takes strength and endless resilience, but you aren’t built or expected to maintain these all on your own,” Hattingh said.
Unemployment is always an isolating experience but no more so than during a global pandemic.
But if 2020 has shown us anything, it’s that human connection is incredibly powerful in keeping your head above water.
Reach out to friends, relatives, past colleagues and resources like Lifeline Aotearoa whenever you need support.
Remember jobhunting is a marathon, not a sprint, and like any long-distance runner you need a supportive crew to get to the finish line.
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Check-in with yourself
Hattingh said that while leaning on others is key, building your own mental health safety net is important too.
“Starts by implementing daily practices or habits that make you feel good,” she said.
“Exercise is a key part of general wellbeing, as endorphins are natural mood boosters, so aim to get outside every day, even if it’s for a fifteen-minute walk.
“Lastly, keep your sights set on long-term goals and exciting plans to maintain focus on the bigger picture.
“Keep in mind that these plans should be flexible, as employment opportunities can often present themselves when you least expect it.”