It’s no secret that staying afloat during the current global situation has been difficult for many. The pandemic has forced many to look for new employment, and that’s not always easy, particularly when the world is going through such a monumental crisis as Covid-19.
So we thought we might discuss a few tips to keep in mind as you search for a new job in the current coronavirus climate.
1. Don’t let rejection discourage you
We’ve all been there. You apply for three positions and get a resounding “no” from each of them, then you’re in no mood for trying. This disappointment, coupled with the anxiety caused by the pandemic, makes it very easy to fall into a job slump and just stop trying. Well, you shouldn’t.
Remember that rejection is normal, and right now, by not applying anywhere new, you’re sabotaging your own chances. Rather than allowing rejection to get you down, keep applying. Maybe your three applications got rejected, but have you ever considered that thirty are much harder to reject than three? The number one step to getting a job in the current situation is keeping hope alive.
2. Polish your CV
Have you been employed for the past X years and now find yourself in need of a new job? Well, it might be a good time to focus a little on your CV and resume. It might’ve been stellar last time you applied for a job, but a regular polish is in order, so as to keep your CV updated along with the current job market.
So take a moment to read what employers want and don’t want, and make sure your resume serves the best possible picture of yourself, in order to maximize those job options!
3. Re-evaluate
While it may not seem like it, this current crisis may actually serve as a wonderful opportunity to re-assess your life and make sure you’re steering it in the right direction. You know how sometimes, you’re so involved with what you’re doing that you just can’t seem to see ahead? Well, Covid-19 and the many issues it has created can actually help with that, in the sense that it gives you a much-needed breather.
Who knows, maybe you were happy with your job, but now you’re not. There’s nothing to be ashamed of in that, but that’s no reason to stick to it if it doesn’t satisfy anymore. So rather than seeing this as a roadblock, view it as an opportunity to reassess.
4. Learn something new
Like it or not, the coronavirus pandemic has left us all with quite a bit of spare time on our hands, most of it spent indoors in front of the computer. Take advantage of that. There are lots of great online courses that might come in handy at your next job. So, identify some skills that need polishing and take advantage of this free time to polish them!
Remember, the more you’re offering, the less likely you are to be rejected!
5. Become a pro with your webcam
The sad reality is, you’re most likely to do a remote job interview, and as always with interviews, you want to impress. And in order to do that, you need to become skilled with your webcam. Make sure you’re not looking in an awkward direction, and that there isn’t a stack of dirty laundry behind you.
It might be a good idea to look directly at the webcam, to feign eye contact in this digital world. Using your hands might also help establish a firmer connection with your interviewer.
6. Figure out a side hustle
Money’s a bit tight? Then why not apply for a side gig (either a part-time job or even something remote) to supplement your income and keep you afloat while you look for your next job? While many are reluctant to take on side gigs, these can actually be really useful in getting you some new skills and keeping the spirit alive (when you have to focus on the job at hand, you have less time to fall into that job slump!).
7. Set up a schedule
And make sure you stick to it! We know it can be difficult to keep to a set schedule when you’re at home all day, but if you want to succeed in your job search, you will need to get organized. For example, set aside a couple of hours each morning for researching potential job offers and sending in your application. It doesn’t need to be a lot, but an organized effort can really make a difference.
8. Touch up your LinkedIn account
Not everyone’s a fan of LinkedIn, we get it. But in this current digitally dominated climate, it’s an employer’s best friend in gathering information on a potential employee. So spend at least the same amount of time on your LinkedIn as you did on your CV. Remember, a good first (digital) impression can be half the battle!
9. Score extra credit!
It’s quite likely that, during your interview, the interviewer will ask what you’ve been doing recently. If you lost your job recently, there’s likely to be a gap in time, and your interviewer will want to know how you filled that gap, so make sure you do it wisely. Anything from online perfecting courses to volunteer work is likely to recommend you as a reliable employee!
10. Keep in touch!
Just as you might send a quick, casual follow-up after an in-person interview, don’t forget to do that now. IN fact, the whole digital setting makes it seem even more natural, and it’s always a good idea to showcase your networking skills. In this current (strange) situation, one thing that you shouldn’t do is forget all your good interview habits and pointers that you would’ve used in a normal setting. Keep to good interview etiquette (from smart dressing to openness, to a strong networking game), and you will score a new job in no time at all!