2021 Pinstripe career checklist

Navigating outplacement, transition services and government support

Redundant, stood down, terminated or trial employment cancelled. Whatever situation has impacted you it is crucial you get the right information or are directed to the correct seat of knowledge for the particular event you are experiencing. Monitor the initiatives around staying current and what your industry representatives are doing to secure your future and your current career status and entitlements. I know that without Jobkeeper and getting the right financial advice Pinstripe Solutions’ 20-year reign would have struggled to continue during this downturn. Remaining informed around my business entitlements has been critical to remaining active in the industry and preparing for the rebound.

Staying connected – A lesson from cabin crew

As people people, you, more than most, know how important staying connected is. Earlier this year I spent time with a wonderful group of around 20 cabin crew all currently stood down. We walked the Sydney shoreline, we talked and listened. All of their stories differed, what mattered was the shared experience of redundancy or an unfamiliar future. Thank you for sharing your time and your stories with me, a great reminder of the power of connection in these unusual times.

Financial plan and tax review

Take the time; formulate a plan, or several. Include a redundancy plan (don’t forget to use any and all outplacement funding), taxation overhaul and a mortgage rates review.
“You must gain control over your money or the lack of it will forever control you.” – Dave Ramsey

Identify your ‘relatable’ or ‘transferable skills’

Fifty per cent of hiring criteria is attitude and cultural fit, developing your own language around this is a powerful tool in approaching new industries or alternate aviation roles. Your level of self-knowledge, management and team ‘work style’, your communication adeptness and professional values are extremely valuable, but only if you know how to articulate them.

Prepare targeted industry and non-industry resumes

When you start a relationship with anyone, including a potential employer, speaking their language or addressing their concerns or issues is crucial in creating a connection and rapport. Generalist documentation rarely if ever achieves this, as it is not targeted to your audience. Consider two tailored documents, one ready for when aviation reopens and the other targeting non-industry positions (keep in mind for each employer you will need to update and re-position this document).

Staying in touch with people who hire and opportunities

Think LinkedIn, peer groups, industry catch ups and touch base with Pinstripe and the AFAP Crewroom. This is the perfect time to dive in to networking and creating more professional relationships. You never know what opportunities are born out of this process. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile then this professional site is key to staying in touch, monitoring trends and jobs (often not listed elsewhere). It is an opportunity for you to ‘soft market’ yourself and for employers to find you. I’ve been hearing a lot this year that ‘I’m not in to social media’ and those same people lump LinkedIn into that category. If you consider that you are in charge of the content that people see about you, then managing a social media presence as a tool is one that can stay within your control. Not being on a professional networking platform with the enormous reach such as LinkedIn means limiting access to your wonderfulness!

The future of work is always changing – it’s just sped up a little. Anticipate and prepare now to be ready for opportunities as they evolve.