This coronavirus health crisis has seemed to rock the job market overnight. Businesses are laying off workers, folks are worried about paying their mortgage and their bills, and about six and half million people have filed for unemployment. So what is this mean for folks that may have already started looking for jobs?
Those already on the hunt may want to put their job search on hold but others may have no choice. There are ways to look for jobs and tips to getting the right job during a pandemic. According to MSN Money, here are 20 tips for getting a job during the coronavirus pandemic.
#1. Review your online resume and profiles.
Double-check that all of your online resumes and profiles are up-to-date and that they all match. You want to ensure consistent messaging across the board.
#2. Update that LinkedIn profile with your accomplishments.
Get as many endorsements as possible and make sure that your linked in profile has the presence that you want spotlighting all of your achievements and accomplishments.
#3. Create a master resume and then trim when necessary.
Not every job application needs to have everything on it so have one master resume with everything and then scale it down when necessary depending on what the job is looking for.
#4. Update your resume and cover letter to reflect the current state.
It’s okay to pay attention to industry trends and update and adapt your cover letter based on things that are currently happening as well is the job that you are applying for. Are you able to adapt to the current state and quickly learn new ways of doing the job?
#5. Emphasize remote work skills.
Can you do your job completely remotely? Consider adapting the resume to highlight any previous remote work experience if possible.
#6. Consider a video resume.
A video resume can make you stand out from the competition and it should be less than a minute featuring you looking happy, professional, and talking about points in your resume that directly affect the job you are applying for.
#7. Consider an online course.
Simply by taking and completing some online courses it can give you the edge over the competition. Sharpen your skills or re-skill for a career change.
#8. Research the jobs that are in high demand.
You have to get strategic during this time. There’s a huge demand for delivery and healthcare workers as well as grocery store attendance and warehouse attendance. They may not be your ultimate dream job, but they are in high demand right now and you’re likely to get a job sooner rather than later.
#9. Stick to applications on companies that are actually hiring.
It may be difficult to get your dream job right now but stick to applications on companies that are actually hiring.
#10. Apply to 10 jobs every day.
Set aside time to apply to at least 10 jobs per day.
#11. Apply directly to a company website.
Off-site companies that post your resume such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Zip Recruiter, and Monster may be inundated with so many resumes that it’s a blur to potential employers. If you can go directly to the website, do it.
#12. Be flexible and open-minded.
If you’re serious about getting a job you need to keep an open mind about the opportunities you might find. You may not find a chance of a lifetime or you might… Your open mind can make the difference. You never know where an interest job may lead in the future, and maybe a more immediate future at that.
#13. Create a pitch deck.
Don’t focus on the past but focus on creating value immediately. This quick 3 to 4 slide presentation can outline what you may be able to accomplish in the first 30 days. This will really set yourself apart if you accompany it with your resume.
#14. Always be networking.
Even though you can’t meet with people face-to-face it doesn’t mean that you should stop actively networking. Set up 15 minute calls, Skype or Zoom at meetings, message people on LinkedIn, and build relationships. Someone is always hiring.
#15. Engage with potential companies on social media.
If you know what kind of job you want, zero in on the company’s leaders on social media without being annoying. You want to establish a good rapport by following them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media to become a member of their inner circle and social media tribe.
#16. Practice your video interview.
Most interviews will be done over the phone or over video so you might need to practice before that phone call comes in.
#17. Don’t lead with the reason you’ve been laid off.
Try not to focus on negative circumstances surrounding your last job. Employers obviously know you’re looking for a job and whether that means you’ve been fired, laid off, you’ve quit, or you currently have a job, may not be as important as why they need to hire you now.
#18. Don’t get greedy.
Many companies are on a tight budget right now so it’s important to be realistic. If you are aggressively negotiating or using the crisis for financial gain, employers will quickly shoot you down. You want to address your compensation needs, not wants early in the process.
#19. There may be a delay in correspondence… And that’s okay.
Companies may not get to you right away because of the current hiring climate but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t actively keep applying for jobs. As I mentioned before, apply to about 10 jobs a day and keep them organized in a spreadsheet so you know who you’ve applied to, when, and if there’s any correspondence in return.
#20. Be patient and stay positive.
There may be setbacks and disappointment because these uncertain times can leave a lot of things up in the air but have some grace, go easy on yourself, and take this opportunity to learn and grow to the process.
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