Tips for Job Hunting During Covid-19

Show:

August 10, 2020 Career

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many people are finding themselves out of work. Some industries have been hit hard, while others are booming with growth and opportunities. Finding a new job as you navigate the new normal may be difficult, but it can also be the perfect time for a career change or to try something new. Don’t hold back: here are some tips for job hunting during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Networking at a Distance

You may not be going to networking mixers or employment fairs in person anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean there are no opportunities to network. Online platforms such as LinkedIn can help you connect with potential contacts in your industry, and it is easy to set up a Zoom call to chat about job openings or career advice.

Look for new contacts in your LinkedIn network by searching your current contact list, and note if they are connected to anyone in your chosen industry or at your ideal company. Then, you can reach out to those new contacts and start a dialogue.

You may not be able to meet for a coffee and chat, but you can exchange messages and emails to begin the process.

Expect Video Job Interviews

If your networking does pay off and you find yourself being contacted for an interview, it will likely be over the phone or through a video call. These can be relatively similar to an in-person interview, but there are still adjustments you should make.

Make sure you’re able to have your interview in a quiet environment. If you are at home with children or multiple family members, try to find an isolated spot where you can talk without distractions or background noise. Take some time to make sure your space is clutter-free and looks presentable on video.

You should also test your video software ahead of time to make sure it is working properly on your computer, and to see how you will appear on the screen. Adjust your lighting and angles to get the most flattering appearance.

And remember, you still need to dress like you would for an in-person interview! Wear something appropriate for the position you are applying for, and put your best foot forward in your appearance to make a great impression.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Everything has moved online in the age of Covid-19, and your hunting for job should, too. Websites such as LinkedIn and monster.com help you search for jobs, while word processing applications such as Grammarly can help you proofread your resume and cover letter.

Email is a common communication tool for initial and follow-up conversations with hiring managers. There are apps and software programs you can take advantage of at every step of the employment process.

You can even sign contracts digitally, scan paperwork with your phone and send a fax online to complete all the necessary paperwork, all tasks that normally would have occurred in person.

Be Patient

It may take longer than you would like to find employment in today’s market, depending on the industry and role to which you are applying. Many companies may be rapidly hiring part-time or temporary staff to meet current demands, but there may not be that sense of urgency for longer-term roles.

Some companies have had to furlough employees due to the pandemic, or have announced hiring freezes for non-essential roles. Companies in this position will not likely be hiring anytime soon, which will reduce the number of potential jobs available to you.

Even the companies that are still hiring will likely be moving more slowly as HR departments adjust to new processes for recruitment and on-boarding.

Learn New Skills in This Time

As the world entered quarantine in March 2020, many people began the process of adjusting to life at home, whether it was homeschooling children or caring for loved ones.

However, this is the perfect time to learn a new, marketable skill for future employment purposes. Or, perhaps you could take this opportunity to brush up on old skills that could help bolster your career.

Take a look at the job descriptions for your dream roles, and see which skills you need. Look for online courses that can help you achieve those goals, or even teach yourself through online tutorials and videos. If you can get an official certification, it will help boost your resume in the job market today.

While job hunting during the Covid-19 pandemic is not an easy task, it is still possible to find meaningful work in this environment. With some determination, creativity and patience, you can find a new job, and potentially a new career.