Reinventing your career during a time of uncertainty and recession can be difficult. The onslaught of the coronavirus has got many people re-evaluating their career choices.

It has made people start thinking about what they want to do with their lives. Individuals and organizations alike are looking for new and innovative ways to live and survive the effects of the coronavirus.

Here are some tips to reinvent yourself during a recession and position yourself for opportunities:

1. Weigh all options

Don’t limit yourself by focusing on only one path; it can be tempting to want to do that.

During a recession, when job searching tends to be even more tasking, it would make sense to consider all options open to you.

Take some time to research all the options available to you and don’t get hung up on following one route.

2. Reconnect with former colleagues

Reach out to former colleagues and contacts you haven’t spoken to in a while and reconnect with them.

They are more likely to offer constructive advice that could help you further your goal. This can be more productive than seeking advice from closer friends and family.

3. Find out what you need

Once you can figure out what you want to achieve in your pursuit to reinvent your career, do a personal inventory to find out what you have and what you need to get there.

You can do this by imagining you are being interviewed for your dream job, what questions will you hate to be asked? Those are the areas that you need to focus on and work on.

4. Use social media

Build your network on social media. Platforms like LinkedIn are a good place to start. Find companies where you would like to work at and connect with their managers on LinkedIn.

You can also find people at companies where you want to work at, who you share common interests with you.

It’s easier to start a conversation with someone with whomyou have something in common such as attending the same schools.

Introduce and put yourself on their radar; this would make it easy for them to remember you when they are hiring.

5. Be flexible

Instead of being set in your ways, try to embrace new possibilities.

Think of the future as a fresh canvas to paint on.

Avoid doubting and underestimating yourself and abilities.

6. Take baby steps

If the big picture is too overwhelming, then try breaking it up into smaller bits. Focus on one small task a day.

It might be compiling a list of courses you want to take, companies you want to work for, or recruiters you think can help you achieve your goal.

It could also just be taking a day to figure out what exactly you like or dislike about your current job. The small steps will be sure to add up in the end.

7. Talk about it

One of the best ways to process what you are going through is to talk about it with somebody you trust.

Getting other people’s perspectives can be of great help. Talk with a friend you respect, a mentor, a career coach, or key people in your preferred industry.

8. Help others

Getting out of your head is a great way to energise yourself while doing good for others. If you’re not making any headway with your job search, find ways to help.

You could find somewhere to volunteer. You could use your skills to help local businesses in your community.