In a certain light, the coronavirus has put the job outlook for many American’s on pause. There is no denying the harsh truth that the economic slowdown has left millions across the country without jobs, or with reduced hours, making it more challenging than ever to stay afloat. In these times, we must look for silver linings. Americans are rich in the commodity of time, allowing us to expand our skill sets in ways our old lives simply did not permit before the outbreak. Instead of COVID-19 stalling your career, take the time to learn something new to enhance your resume when this unprecedented time passes. Here are a few ways to boost your job skills during quarantine.
Sign up for a webinar
Webinars are a great resource for learning a lot about a topic in a short period of time. Most videos are around 60 minutes long and are packed with information and insight from experts in a digital classroom-like setting. HubSpot.com and Career Contessa offer hundreds of guided courses on subjects that include branding, SEO management, sales coaching and more. Webinara.com is another resource that offers pre-recorded webinars on a host of topics. Many of your favorite celebrity authors and experts are also getting in on webinars to help educate and movative fans. Suze Orman, world-renowned motivational speaker, is one high-profile figure giving live personal finance advice.
Take a free online course
A world of education is at your fingertips. Websites, such as Udemy, offer more than 100,000 online video courses with new additions published every month. Starting at $10.99 per class, users can gain insight from experts on a number of topics, from video editing to financial analysis and even personal growth. Unsure where to start? Experts suggest reading job listings for positions you hope to land. Start by learning about the skills you come up short on. Sites like Skillshare are helping people unlock their creativity with classes in illustration, photography, design and more. Who knows? You might just discover a new passion or side hustle. Best the part, many of these sites are offering discounts to new students who are stuck at home.
Earn a certification
Webinars and online courses are a great way to make the most of your time at home, but earning a certification will take your career goals to the next level. It is more of a time commitment, as you must pass an exam administered by a certifying agency, but it is a valuable asset when applying for a new job, leveraging a raise and making yourself essential in the workforce. Certifications are available in IT, accounting, Google Analytics, Google Ads, project management, human resources, coding and more. LinkedIn Learning is a good place to start. The online platform for professionals has partnered with organizations to provide thousands of certifications and courses online.
