COVID-19 has transformed the work landscape, but we’re still acquiring valuable skills from home.

With in-person collaboration becoming challenging, it’s common to feel somewhat disconnected from work. However, this period is still filled with opportunities for growth that can enhance your career.

In discussions with potential employers or during interviews, focus on the skills you've developed during this time, suggests a research economist from Georgetown University. Authenticity is key; candidates should share how they’ve navigated these challenges and emerged stronger, according to a career services director at NC State University.

Below are some practical skills that you may have strengthened while working remotely.

Communication

“Communication remains essential,” states the economist. “It’s the top skill needed, especially now.” As face-to-face interactions have declined, individuals have improved their communication abilities in areas like timely email responses and virtual meeting protocols. In a traditional office, communication dynamics vary; you can engage directly with colleagues. During this pandemic, mastering verbal and written communication has become even more crucial.

Moreover, client-facing roles have required professionals to innovate ways to connect and persuade without the usual methods. “These skills are applicable across diverse fields,” the economist adds. For instance, health care workers have adapted to virtual consultations, necessitating a new level of communication expertise.

Job seekers should highlight their refined communication skills in cover letters and interviews, demonstrating how their strategies developed during this time will be beneficial in their industries. “Every profession values effective communication,” the director emphasizes.

Time Management

A major concern for those working remotely is managing time effectively. The pandemic has brought unique stressors, making time management more challenging for many. If you’re in this boat, you can turn these experiences into valuable lessons for your future.

Assess your current work-from-home scenario. Are you balancing child care with work? Are you responsible for family members? Caregivers, in particular, can utilize the skills acquired during this period in their ongoing careers.

Reflect on how you've structured your day, maintained focus, and adapted your work habits. “Many of us were in survival mode for so long that we didn’t realize we were developing our skills,” the director says.

Productivity

In your next cover letter or interview, share how you discovered your own work-from-home rhythm—prioritizing tasks, separating personal and work time, and solving daily challenges. Highlight how you learned to achieve organizational goals efficiently, despite the distractions of home life.

Provide concrete examples of how you managed various projects during lockdown while handling personal responsibilities. For instance, candidates can emphasize their productivity even while managing family duties, showcasing their potential to excel when fully focused on their roles.

Consider asking insightful questions in interviews about work policies. Inquire about flexibility for remote work and the work-life balance within the organization.

Conscientiousness

While it may not be the first skill that springs to mind, conscientiousness has always been vital in the workplace. Now, it’s more crucial than ever.

“You’re often hired for being outgoing, but raises come from being conscientious,” the economist remarks. Research shows a link between extraversion and initial salary, but conscientiousness is more closely tied to long-term salary growth. Demonstrating this quality in interviews can be tricky yet advantageous.

Break down what conscientiousness means to you. It may involve qualities like empathy, focus, and determination. Instead of merely stating that you’re conscientious, illustrate it with specific examples. For instance, during the pandemic, if you focused on genuine communication rather than formalities, highlight how this empathy shaped your interactions.