[Exclusive] What Are the Top Things To Consider For Job-Seekers In The Post-Pandemic Market? Jackie Potter Explains

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The COVID-19 pandemic has strained the global economy and disrupted labor markets
across all industries. The immediate consequences were evident, as millions of people
were furloughed or lost their jobs. According to a new Pew Research Center study,
roughly 9.6 million Americans lost jobs in the first three quarters of 2020. 

However, as the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, novel job opportunities
begin to emerge as, according to the US Department of Labor, the number of
unemployed people decreased slightly to 8.4 million in August, following a
significant decline in July. While businesses resume efforts to fill vacancies
and grow their teams, Jackie Potter, founder and CEO of the recruiting firm
JP Talent, points out that the post-COVID-19 job market is fundamentally
different from before the pandemic. She adds that the new market offers a
plethora of benefits to job seekers, but before making a final decision to
return to the post-COVID-19 market, they must
consider the following three things.

Remote Working Is Now Expected, Not a Bonus

The days when remote work was a perk offered by a select few companies to an even
smaller number of employees are long gone. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 17%
of US employees worked five days or more per week from home, a percentage that
increased to 44% during the pandemic, according to Statista. Even though this
change was forced at first, a Pew Research Center survey found that over 54%
of remote workers intend to continue working from home after
the corona virus pandemic ends.

"As more and more studies show the benefits of remote work for companies,
remote work offers numerous benefits to employees, too," says Potter.
"Personally, one of the most important benefits that remote work offers
is the more free time that it allows, which people can use to work toward
professional development."

Employer's Market Became Worker's Market 

For several decades, the job market was reasonably straightforward; employers
held the upper hand. People were cautious about leaving their current jobs
solely out of fear—fear of instability, fear of losing their job, fear of not
being able to find another job. As Jackie Potter points out, those days
are over, as a recent survey indicates that 52% of US workers are
considering changing jobs this year, with up to 44% having
concrete plans to do so.

"Times have changed, employees have evolved, and new markets have
responded by allowing every employee to find a job that truly fulfills
them," Potter explains. "However, job seekers should always consider
their options carefully, as a significant number of employers continue
to operate under the old set of rules." 

Career Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
 
As Jackie Potter explains, employees should view their careers as a marathon
rather than a sprint to the next best option. She continues by advising job
seekers to ask themselves one vital question: "Am I happy?"

"Take a good look at yourself and ask yourself if you are content with where
you are," she says. "If you are truly happy where you are and feel well cared
for, it makes sense to stay. If not, now is the time to make a change."

Nonetheless, she emphasizes that regardless of the answer, employees should
always be on the lookout for new opportunities, communicate with recruiters
who will notify them when a suitable position becomes available, and network
on a regular basis.

"We are living in a new era of limitless opportunity," Jackie Potter explains. "And
always remember that you are in control of your career advancement, and more
importantly, that the sky is the limit if you know where you want to go."