Since late March, I’ve spoken to executives in both Canada and the United States who are re-evaluating their current employment arrangement due to Covid-19.

Are they unhappy? No, most of them are satisfied in their current roles, but like many, they are creating a back-up plan to prepare for the worst, however unlikely that may be. I think that’s smart.  

Based on the insights from these individuals, we've pulled together a handful of tools for you. I hope you find them useful. 

Targeting a new geography. Some individuals are targeting opportunities in another city, state or province to be closer to family. Set a Google Alert to stay on top of economic activity in your targeted geography. Trigger events can indicate movement in your targeted industry. One of our clients targeted a new country (Canada) moving from Hong Kong to Toronto. Listen to Jay’s story. Using the principles of the hidden job market, he landed a job in a different industry in a new country. Although we’re undergoing a global pandemic, these same principles still apply.

Re-engage in professional associations. Professional associations are a great way to connect with influencers and decision-makers in other cities, states and provinces. Consider joining a special interest group, committee or board of directors.

Ensure your licenses and certifications are current. One of our clients fell back on a job function he had not worked at in more than 20 years as a stop gap after leaving a difficult work environment. Although not C-19 related, it worked beautifully for him. In less than 18 months he was in a new organization with a significant increase in job title and compensation. And he now sleeps at night.

Philanthropic efforts. Post C-19 consider joining a charitable organization that you’re interested in with the double benefit of networking with targeted decision-makers in your industry. The cost of the annual dinner plate will pale in comparison to the ROI of meeting the right decision-maker. And you get to support a great cause.

Become a brand ambassador for your current organization. Reinventing your current role can begin with a renewed interest in your organization’s mission. Consider authoring an article to demonstrate your commitment. This will raise your visibility internally and externally adding currency to your professional equity and personal brand.

Author a whitepaper and or case study. Consider writing a whitepaper in your area of expertise. Doing so will establish you as an authority and raise your visibility. These assets can easily be repurposed across platforms (LinkedIn, Intranet, professional association magazine or trade journal).

New at Westgate.

The Career Navigator Program is a turnkey executive-level personal branding and job search program with 6, 9 and 12 month engagements.

The Professions Package is a branded portfolio which includes a CV, networking letter, biography, social media strategy (including an optimized LinkedIn profile) and much more. All products are written by a certified executive resume writer.

Executive Performance Coaching for executives new to their roles, including onboarding coaching.

Career Transition Services for organizations that want to transition their executives with grace.

Curious if Westgate is an option for you? Contact us privately https://calendly.com/maureen-8.

Anchored in Halifax, Canada, we have served organizations across the globe since 2011.

Here is a beautiful photo of our capital city, Halifax (K'jipuktuk (Mi'kmaq). The population of Halifax is currently is 431,479 and is a major economic center on the east coast of North America. A large port city, Halifax welcomed 324,828 cruise ship passengers on 179 ships last year.