This has no doubt been a challenging time.
Health scares, layoffs, quarantine and many people reporting unemployment across the globe.
With such depressing news, many jobseekers are left wondering, “How can I successfully land a job during these tough times?”.
Believe it or not, global pandemics do not necessarily means the entire world is crashing to a complete halt and we will spend the rest of our days in perpetual darkness and misery.
Instead, these times signal an opportunity for change. Change in the way we conduct business, our daily lives and yes, even find a job. When it comes to job hunting, essential changes have to be made in order to find employment is an already competitive environment.
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Tips for job hunting during a global pandemic
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Get down to the basic level
You would have realized that at this time, a lot of companies are either only employing their essential staff, ceased hiring or have temporarily closed altogether. Therefore, it would be in your best interest to be realistic. Your dream job or career may be farther off due to this crisis. The positions available may not be something you’re interested or specialised in.
As only ‘essential businesses’ are currently offering services, you may have to apply for positions that do not match your qualifications, liking or salary expectations. Keep in mind this is a temporary phase, but ultimately, if you’re truly serious about landing a job, you may have to put practical before passion.
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Networking online
Fortunately with 21st century technology, we have the privilege of moving our lives online. With team members working remotely, virtual conferencing becoming the norm and social distancing in effect, your job hunting activities have to follow where the conversation is – online!
Various social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram and particularly LinkedIn are extremely useful for engaging with various companies. Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is fully updated. Your work history, skills, qualifications and contact should be up-to-date in the event a potential employer has to contact you.
However, networking online is more than just occasionally posting and liking random pictures. It’s called social media for a reason – you have to be social and engage! Increase your network, share your comments and post thought-provoking content. You can also compile a list of companies you’re willing to work for and take a look at their online activity. Did they have any openings before this pandemic? Are they optimistic about this current situation? Do they offer remote work? Do they plan on reopening once government approves?
LinkedIn for example, offers the ability to find people based on which companies they work. You can connect with them and ask about their current status and future plans. If they’re not hiring at the moment, they may at least take a look at your profile and potentially spot an opportunity for future collaborations.
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Update your CV
Global pandemics require a global proactivity. Don’t let that CV sit on your shelf. Use this time to acquire a new skill or work experience. Set yourself apart from other jobseekers by building up your CV with online courses or volunteer work. Employers want to see a CV that demonstrates a candidate who can make productive use of his or her time and take a proactive approach during a pandemic.
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Stay updated with relevant news
As jobseekers, you should be paying close attention to news, updates and press releases from various companies. These can give you insights into the job market, what hiring managers are expecting once this pandemic diminishes. Remember, the internet is your closest friend at this time for information and entertainment. Visit company web pages, business blogs, newsletters, recruitment sites and job forums to gain insights and prepare yourself for the new job market post-COVID-19.
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Perfect your strategy
When attending an interview in the short-term or medium term future, employers will undoubtedly want to know, what kept you preoccupied during the quarantine period? Hiring managers are looking forward to hearing a story where you were able to make productive use of your time to achieve or create something. As such, you have to be ready with a perfect, post-COVID19 pitching strategy.
What can you boast of that you accomplished? Home projects, online coursework, remote freelance jobs, enhancing your CV, staying fit and online networking can work in your favour. Remember, interviewers are always seeking the most productive and self-motivated people who know how to create value. Your interviewing strategy should be one of optimism, where you can confidently prove to the hiring managers that you managed to stay productive during this pandemic and you will be contributing this mentality and quality to their organisation.
Job hunting tips during a pandemic
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Practice Persistence
Prospects may be lean at this point but continue to stay optimistic in your search. Optimism will fuel your persistence which will eventually pay off.
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Be Prepared
The interview is a place you should always be prepared. Beyond this pandemic, there will likely be an increase in job seekers. As such, keep your CV updated, perfect your selling pitch as to how you made the most of these challenging times.
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Upgrade those technical skills
Technical skills are a priority given business has shifted online. Post-COVID-19, these skills are likely to remain in high demand as some companies could potentially maintain some aspects of their current online operations to save cost. Furthermore, capabilities such as virtual conferencing and experience in managing remote teams will be valuable assets to your post-pandemic CV.
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Stay connected and updated
Social distancing does not mean to be social distant. Despite the lack of congregation, you have access to a wealth of information and resources online. Maintain your online presence and stay connected with family and friends for support. Remind them you are still job hunting despite the situation and be on the lookout for opportunities for you.
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Do not get pessimistic
During these uncertain times, it is very easy to lose hope. Negative thoughts can infiltrate your mind and reduce your motivation. Bear in mind everything is temporary. Times will change, things will get better. We will overcome this.
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Do not get complacent
It’s true while you’re home, you will likely gain more sleep and recreation than the average workday. However, do not let this become your new reality. Pandemic or not, this is not the occasion to adopt an idle mindset. Use this time to better yourself and prepare for a brighter future.
