Reentering the workforce? Follow these tips.

Construction was one of the industries hit the hardest by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, according to AARP. The unemployment rate for 2020 was 9.6% compared to 5% percent a year prior. That’s a year-over-year increase of 4.6 percentage points!

Construction projects around office buildings significantly slowed as a majority of companies made the shift to remote work. Other projects throughout the nation were put on pause.

If you were one of the people laid off in 2020 and are still looking for a job, we can help you out. The economy is starting to rebound a d a growing number of employers are hiring. Here are a few tips to make your transition back to the workforce easy and hassle-free.

Acknowledge the resume gap

When applying for jobs, it’s natural to think about the gap on your resume.

Instead of overanalyzing the situation, recognize that most employers are understanding, especially during an economic crisis. Experts recommend highlighting the positives on your resume and owning your situation.

“Best to rip the Band-Aid off [and] own the fact you aren’t currently employed due to COVID,” Lisa Rangel, owner of Chameleon Resumes and former executive recruiter, told The MUSE. “When a job seeker isn’t upfront, it can make an interviewer wonder what else the job seeker isn’t being upfront about.”

Practice your virtual interview skills

Although some workplaces are conducting in-person interviews again, many are still working from home or plan to permanently.

Therefore, you’ll need to practice your virtual interviewing skills. It’s much harder to read a person or a situation from behind a screen. We suggest recording yourself, doing a mock interview on Zoom, or practicing with a friend, family member, or life coach. Start by practicing your response to the question, “tell me about yourself.” You’ll want your response to sound authentic instead of robotic.

Get creative

While you’re waiting to interview for the right position, don’t be afraid to get creative. Start that home project you never got around to or check some self-care items off your to-do list.

You can also look for a part-time job or build that side hustle you’ve always wanted to try. Though it’s not realistic to be happy all of the time, there are steps you can take to minimize negative thoughts of feelings brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We hope you find these suggestions helpful. If you arent’ already, consider becoming an ACEC Utah member to gain access to exclusive networking and job opportunities.