While unemployment remains an issue due to the pandemic, many companies are beginning to hire once again — and that includes AVI Systems. And as job seekers look at the possibilities, it’s important to stay flexible when considering career options.
It’s easy to pigeon-hole yourself based on past work experiences. But if you’re willing to move your talents to a new industry, the payoff can be exciting.
Some of the fastest growing industries in the world right now include technology businesses like online grocery sales, 3D printing, and technology systems integrators who provide clients with vast knowledge and access to vendors from around the world.
To find success in your job search, think about what you want to do as well as what you could do. Keep the door open so you’re prepared when opportunity knocks.
Here are a few tips to consider as you create your best career path.
Have you ever worked for an ESOP?
If you’ve never worked inside an employee-owned businesses, give it some consideration. Employees at employee-owned companies tend to enjoy much longer tenures than those at public companies. For example, many workers at Publix Super Markets, the largest employee-owned company in the United States, have served the company for 40 years or more.
Employee-owned businesses tend to:
- Have flatter structures resulting in flexibility and faster decision making
- Offer stock to employees each year
- Create a collaborative work culture
- Deliver on promises to ensure good work-life balance
- Instill a sense of pride and togetherness among employee owners
Keep Your LinkedIn Profile Updated to Stay Competitive
Studies show that 77% of talent recruiters rely on LinkedIn to find qualified candidates. This platform serves as both a job-search tool for you as well as one of many tools that talent recruiters use frequently to reach candidates. That’s why it’s so important to keep your LinkedIn profile up to date with your accomplishments.
If you hope to get noticed on LinkedIn, your profile needs to include your experiences and skills using all the appropriate keywords. More importantly, use the platform to stay connected with those in your network. Interact with your peers, share interesting and informative articles, ask questions, post stats relevant to the industries you are most interested in. In general, stay active on LinkedIn.
Apply Your Existing Skill Set to a New Industry
If you have a few industry-specific skills, that’s great (developing software or selling into new markets, for example). Build on and feature them in your cover letters and resumes. But also recognize that skills like writing, leadership and budgeting will translate perfectly to an industry you’ve not previously worked in.
One of the most important skills you can provide an employer is your willingness to learn and thrive on the job. Here are three important skills to sharpen throughout your career:
- Learn to communicate and interact
- Learn how to introduce and drive change
- Learn how to tap into creativity
Communicating well, driving change and knowing how to create in your role will take you far. Cultivate these skills and you’ll find greater purpose and meaning in your career.
Have you done your homework?
Before sending a cover letter and resume for a new job opportunity, do your homework on the business. Study up on the company’s track record.
Is it growing? Has it acquired other companies recently? If it’s a public entity, does the company profit quarter over quarter?
Dig further and identify the company’s vision, values and work ethic so you can relate to this in your application and interview. Knowing the company’s background will help you answer questions more specifically in an interview.
And speaking of interviewing: Virtual interviews are here to stay. You can expect to be asked to interview via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, so think about your home office set up and adjust everything from lighting to artwork that’s visible in your background to ensure you provide a professional environment.
Based in Minneapolis, AVI Systems serves clients across North America and around the world. The company is a leader in AV systems and works with clients in nearly every industry – helping them move their businesses forward. With more than 700 employees in the U.S., AVI continues to seek talented individuals to join our growing business. For information about careers at AVI, visit us at https://www.avisystems.com/company/careers
