The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the working world to a screeching halt. As a global community, we have been staying at home and operating in make-shift office spaces. Frontline and essential employees are working tirelessly to keep populations safe and functioning to some degree.
The tragedy of the virus goes beyond a health perspective. Unemployment rates have skyrocketed, with record numbers being reached in most countries. Millions of people have lost jobs, and millions more are likely to in the near future. Businesses have been forced to shut down, and many others are on the brink of closure. This has left people in very tricky financial predicaments.
The good news is that we are now starting to see a way out of this mess. The world is taking steps toward some degree of normality as industries begin to open back up slowly. Although times are tough, we must look on the bright side. Hard times bring about opportunities to improve for those who seek to.
Whether you’ve been let go from your place of work during the pandemic, or you were searching for a new job before the virus hit, you may be stressed about your career and work options at present. Although finding a job in the current climate will undoubtedly be difficult, it is your responsibility to do everything you can to give yourself the best chance of being hired. There are jobs available.
Here are seven pointers to help you get hired during and after this Coronavirus pandemic.
1) Organize your admin
Use the current downtime to put some work into your career based documents. Update your resume, your LinkedIn profile, or your portfolio. If there is something you’d meant to add to or enhance, now is a perfect time.
Ensure that you highlight any remote skills, abilities, or experience that you may have.
2) Upskill
Most people will admit that they lack in a particular area of their profession, but in the same breath will tell you that they don’t have time to work on that weakness. This excuse is no longer valid.
Every unemployed person should now be upskilling. We live in a world that is continually changing. Industries can become obsolete overnight due to emerging technologies. Nothing is guaranteed, and you should be expanding your potential where possible.
The best areas to upskill are those in which your weakest, or where you see potential opportunities. If you are looking for a management position, research leadership qualities, and work on this aspect of your career.
3) Be open to a new industry
Certain industries have been affected much more severely than others. Although the worst effected industries may return at some point, this date might be quite far down the line.
In the current climate, it's important to be adaptable. Thus, you should consider working in a new industry.
If you can drive a truck or van, consider applying for a delivery job. Shipment and delivery warehouses are still extremely busy and will have job openings. Grocery stores have been open throughout the pandemic, so they may have positions available.
If you have a background in business, tech, admin, or communications, research jobs in the remote office and communications industry. Companies like Zoom have seen a considerable uptake in business and are hiring new staff.
4) Optimize your remote set-up
With a large amount of the workforce operating from home, it’s more important than ever to have a remote work set-up.
A home office doesn’t have to be overly complicated, just make sure to have a dedicated space with an internet connection. It would be useful to have Zoom, Skype, or other video conferencing programs downloaded should you need them.
If your computer isn’t equipped with a built-in mic, invest in a headset.
5) Utilize online job boards
Familiarize yourself with online job platforms such as Flex Jobs, Fiver, We Work Remotely, and Up Work. The remote working industry is currently thriving. Do your research and get to know the websites and job boards that advertise work in your areas of expertise.
6) Prepare for unusual interviews
If you do find some success in applying for a job, you might be required to attend an unorthodox interview. People must still comply with social distancing regulations, so there is a strong likelihood that you’ll have to interview via video conference, phone call, or at a safe distance from a recruiter.
Do your best to prepare yourself for this type of interview. Rehearse all potential scenarios and have a practice run-through using any software that you might be required to use.
7) Have patience
All companies are under tremendous pressure currently, and business functions may be at a go slow. Have patience and understand that they will get back to you in due course.