Posted

Maneuvering Your Job Search Through COVID-19

Right now times are very uncertain, very stressful and even a bit frightening. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused a health crisis but has also caused an economic crisis. In a matter of days, millions of people found themselves out of work and many more have been left uncertain about their company’s ability to endure this crisis.

While the unemployment numbers are bleak and you may be anxious, there is good news. Companies across the country are hiring and many more have long-term plans to hire throughout the year. That means the best thing for you to do right now is to continue your job search and follow these tips to keep your search on track.

Remember, This is Temporary

While no one can say for sure how long this health crisis will last, the one thing they can say for certain is it is temporary.  We are seeing businesses take steps to reopen and the economy is showing signs of improvement.  It will be the candidates who kept their nose to the grindstone and kept their search active throughout the pandemic who will successfully complete their job search.

Search Every Day

If you have lost your job or feel you are in danger of losing your job, make sure you are conducting job search-related activities for a few hours every day. You do not need to search for an entire day, which can be daunting, but you should search a few hours per day. Then, spend the remainder of your time decompressing with your family, taking a walk outside and looking for silver linings where you can find them.

Be Smart, Be Safe

Many employers are making use of video chats for interviews, but some are still holding in-person interviews. If you do go to an employer, make sure you dress professionally, bring a mask or face covering, stay six feet away from other people, do not shake hands, try to avoid touching metal or glass surfaces, wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.

Be Reachable

Now is not the time to screen calls. If an employer cannot reach you, they will move on to another candidate. Make sure to check your email multiple times a day and respond to any potential employer’s outreach in less than 24 hours.  Always keep your phone on and with you and answer calls from unknown numbers.

Be Reliable

Even being a few seconds late to a phone or video interview can cost you a job. Make sure you have the correct date and time and test links to video chats at least an hour before the meeting so you can notify the employer if there is a problem. Finally, just as you would arrive early to an interview, sign in or dial in a few minutes early – unless you are instructed otherwise.

Insist on Quiet

If you have friends or a family sharing one space, it can be difficult to find a quiet place for an interview. Luckily, everyone is in the same situation and employers will likely understand if a baby cries or a child comes bursting in the room during an interview, but try to find a quiet place to hold the interview so you can concentrate and put your best foot forward. Send your friends or family on a walk or bike ride, or if you cannot find quiet, sit in your car.

Use Your Downtime Wisely

If you have lost your job, it’s important to keep busy. Being in isolation in addition to being unemployed can be a recipe for depression. Just as you block off time every day to search for jobs, block off time to learn a new skill or hone an existing one. There are a myriad of free resources online and many formerly-paid programs are being offered for free to help people struggling with the economic impact of COVID-19. Learning something new will not only pass the time in a constructive way, but it will also help you enhance your resume.

Be Visible On Social Media

Social distancing is a great excuse to forego in-person networking for social networking. So get visible on social media sites such as LinkedIn by participating in groups and getting in touch with contacts you haven’t spoken with in a while. This is also a great time to make professional Facebook and Twitter profiles to share industry-related posts and information.

Work With A Staffing Firm

A job search can be incredibly overwhelming at any time, let alone in these uncertain and stressful times. Working with a staffing firm can help ease your stress while increasing the chances of finding a good job. If you are looking for a job, please browse Kinect’s open jobs and apply online today or contact one of our team members to learn more ways we can help you get working.

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *