As COVID-19 spread, the job market was turned upside down. If you lost your job or were laid off, it may be hard to imagine a bright side to it all. But you could think of the extra time you have as an opportunity to learn new skills or build on your experience.
The changes to the job market have been complicated. But learning new skills could give you an edge as you look for work. It could even help you plot a new career path.
Here’s a look at some of the most in-demand skills in the Post-COVID job market that might be worth exploring;
1. Digital Marketing
From small local boutiques to big-box retailers, every business can benefit from positive exposure and visibility. And that’s where strategies like search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) come into play.
The two sound similar—and they often complement each other. But they’re separate specialties. Becoming an expert in one or both could give you skills that apply across industries.
SEO is all about showing up in online searches related to your business. SEM is all about the placement of paid ads on search engines, websites and social media. You can learn more from sites like SEO learning center and SEMrush Academy.
2. Content Writing and Online Publishing
If you’re a writer, your skills could be useful as companies try to craft messages and information related to several topics. Content writing can appear anywhere, including websites, blogs, articles, technical guides, ads socials and emails.
You might find it helpful to explore how to use a content management system. Called a CMS for short, it’s the kind of platform businesses use to publish content online. Learning how to use a CMS like WordPress.com could help you get started.
And using a CMS to create an online portfolio could be a win-win: You are able to learn a new platform while making yourself stand out as a job candidate.
3. Project Management
With remote work becoming the new normal for so many, project managers could play a key role in day-to-day operations. And having the ability to keep projects on schedule and within budget can be useful no matter where you’re located.
There are plenty of certifications and programs to explore. The project management courses at edX offer a good starting point, whether you’re interested in project management basics, software tools or advanced strategies.
4. Online Sales and E-Commerce
As people began to practice social distancing, many restaurants and businesses had to change how they operated. Part of that included creating a way for people to buy and order from them online. But having an e-commerce site can involve more than just throwing things on a website.
That presents an opportunity for people with skills in areas like product marketing, inventory management and payment platforms. Check out a site like Alison for an array of free courses to help you become an e-commerce pro.
5. Web Development and Design
Learning just a few web development and design basics can make you a real asset. Nearly every business has a website, and many need frequent updates, tweaks or fixes.
Being fluent in web technologies can make you competitive in nearly any field. And there are plenty of specific areas of expertise to focus on, whether you want to master a blogging platform or tackle a design language like JavaScript. You can also explore design fundamentals or learn your way around popular design programs.
6. Video Production and Editing
Video is a key part of business marketing. And video production can be used to support educational content, advertisements and other promotional material.
You don’t need a high-powered camera to get into this field. Techniques like motion graphics, whiteboard animation, screen capture video and 2D animation can all be done from a computer. Video production classes could help you decide whether it’s a career worth pursuing.
7. Software Programming and Engineering
If you’ve always wanted to learn programming, now is a great time. Software programmers can help businesses create digital products, including online customer portals, virtual help desks, dashboards and software offerings.
You can see which software engineering courses Coursera offers to get a better idea of what this broad field entails.
8. Sales and Marketing Automation
Many businesses are focusing on lead generation and digital marketing to drum up new customers and revenue. Finding customers could involve targeted email campaigns or using tools to identify prospects for sales and marketing teams.
Becoming a pro in a marketing automation platform could position you to help an organization find and reach customers. Popular platforms HubSpot and Salesforce Pardot each offer free online training.
9. Data Analysis and Business Intelligence
Data is no longer just for scientists and mathematicians. Companies now use it to make business decisions, learn more about their customers and more. But data and information aren’t worth as much if there’s no one to explain and interpret them.
If you have a mind for numbers, data analysis could be worth checking out. You can find both free and paid access to data analysis courses from top platforms. And free training for tools like Tableau could show you how you might put your new skills to work.
Conclusion
Adding new skills or certifications to your resume and online profiles may help you stand out in the job market. Even if you took a few courses just for fun or personal growth, adding them to your resume might lead to unexpected professional opportunities.
While taking classes can’t guarantee you’ll find a job immediately, it may help give you a competitive edge. As you consider where to apply for jobs, you can explore some places you might be able to find work.
