The Covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to not only everyday life but many professional interactions as well. One such endeavor is the job search process. The forced closures of numerous companies coupled with shelter at home and social distancing orders mandated by municipal and federal government entities have made landing a new job an even more challenging process.
That said, recruiting agencies to want prospective job seekers to realize this ultimate aim is not impossible. However, said individuals might need to change previously adopted strategies and practice the following tips:
Build Online Networks
In all likelihood, in-person networking events will not reconvene for many months or longer. Therefore, those on the job hunt must build an online network of potential contacts. Said individuals should create accounts with several professional networking sites and, whenever time permits, attend virtual events like job fairs, human resources seminars, or networking gatherings.
Remain In Touch With Past Personal Contacts
Individual professional contacts are always worth their weight in gold. During the pandemic, said subjects are akin to winning lottery tickets for job seekers. Those fortunate enough to enjoy personal or professional relationships with persons of influence should not hesitate to reconnect with them. Everyone has heard the expression that it is not what you know but who you know. In truth, this noted cliché often applies to land a job.
Engage In Personal Evaluation
Recruiting agencies stress that pandemic-related shutdowns are the perfect occasion for individuals to evaluate their current professional circumstances. Said subjects are urged to carefully examine the field they’re in, their skills, and their goals. Obtaining a clearer picture will help job hunters sharpen their focus and narrow their search.
Increase Marketability
Coronavirus-sponsored downtime is an optimal opportunity for prospective employees to increase their marketability. Marketability often proves crucial to landing a position and typically sets one candidate apart from others.
Marketability can be achieved through several avenues. The most obvious way individuals heighten their professional viability is by gaining pertinent skills such as learning a new language or computer application. That said, mastering other skills like time management or becoming better organized might also be paramount to certain positions and viewed highly be specific employers.
Research Industries Hiring
Some people might not realize that they are not bound to one specific industry. Granted, those with experience in a given field likely stand a better chance of finding meaningful work in a similar realm. However, under the current circumstances, you must learn to survive job loss in this pandemic not all industries are hiring. Should a prospective job seeker’s skills or experience level be a relatively decent match for an industry currently hiring new employees, said opportunity might be worth pursuing.
Maintain High Level Of Professionalism
Those fortunate enough to be granted interviews or networking meetings should always maintain the highest possible degree of professionalism. Potential employers do not care that a prospective candidate is homebound. Virtual interviews should be conducted in a room with a clean background. Moreover, the job seeker should dress appropriately for the occasion.
Set realistic Goals
The plain truth is finding the dream job during the pandemic can prove quite challenging. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to set realistic goals. Said subjects are cautioned to not define success as landing their dream job or garnering a specific number of interviews in a given period. Instead, such individuals should set smaller but steady aims and work towards achieving them.
Demonstrate Patience
The job search process can grow frustrating during the most normal periods. As difficult as it might be, applicants must demonstrate a great deal of patience and perseverance. Their ideal position may not land in their laps overnight but should eventually materialize through consistent effort.
Delay Search
Certain recruiting professionals urge employment contenders fortunate enough to possess a certain degree of economic stability to put their search on hold for several months. Covid-19 restrictions are beginning to get lifted, resulting in greater opportunity within the coming weeks and months.
