Looking for a job during a pandemic

Business closures and the uncertain future due to the current pandemic could delay your quest for a new career. If other priorities have placed your job search on hold during the during the coronavirus outbreak, you should consider resuming your search. Many industries, particularly in the healthcare field, logistics, online and remote services, are actively seeking employees and the remaining industries are planning staffing needs when the situation returns to normal. 

You could miss out on the job you really want when other people continue their job search and land the job that could have jumpstarted your career. You may wish to change your approach and focus your job search on a new industry that you may not have considered before. Human Resources is still open for business at many companies. Recruiters are working from home, conducting phone interviews from home and video conferencing has taken the place of an in person visit to Human Resources..

While the employment outlook is gloomy and companies are laying off and furloughing employees, is this the best time to spend your energy on a new career? The general consensus among career experts is that it is in your best interest to keep networking and applying. The coronavirus will end at some point, and companies will resume hiring. You can still actively pursue your search for a new career. Continue to build relationships and you will be in a better position when companies start hiring.

Regardless of the economic environment, it is always in your best interest to stay in contact with supervisors, peers, and the employees of customers or vendors with whom you worked in the past. Not only could they have a lead on another job for you, these individuals can act as references that can confirm your experience, abilities, and value to another employer. If you and one or two other candidates are finalists for a position, who will get the job? The candidate with references that can confirm their experience or the individual that does not have anyone that can vouch for their abilities. No time is a better time than the present to reach out to these sources.

These tips will help you navigate the process during the pandemic and the accompanying economic slowdown. Traditional in person job fairs are a thing of the past for now. However, there is a growing virtual online job fair industry. If you attended college, check with your college career center. Colleges have networked with business partners to hire recent graduates and alumni. Career centers often have online job fairs scheduled to assist in your search.

Use the down time to explore additional networking opportunities. Industries and professional groups also have job fairs and job boards. If you are not already a member of a professional group, seek out a group or groups that meet your career goals. Become a member, actively search the group’s website, look for networking opportunities and trends in your profession. Utilize professional groups on LinkedIn and other social media venues to network with other like-minded professionals. Don’t be invisible, take steps to be seen. Join in on conversations and discussion boards and become visible. 

It may be hard to believe, but surveys consistently show that between 50 and 70% of all jobs are filled without ever being posted online. They are filled through networking and referrals. Remember, recruiters search LinkedIn, social media and professional groups for qualified candidates.

Now is the time for a proactive approach. Follow up with recruiters and hiring managers with whom you have been in contact by email or on LinkedIn. Don’t let a promising interview in the past had lost in the shuffle. Follow recruiters and hiring managers at companies where you applied and provide insightful contributions to their posts.

Research companies and industries in your field and develop specific knowledge about the concerns that face these employers. This can be used to show your understanding of the business outlook during the recruiter and hiring manager interviews and how you can help the company achieve its goals.

Take the time to analyze job descriptions in your field and determine the required skills and experience that is required. If you do not have those skills, or your skills are outdated, a search will develop many online courses which will help you develop skill sets and obtain certifications that will impress employers. Many colleges offer free online courses and certifications. Microsoft has numerous free training and tutorials Professional organizations also have certifications upon completion of courses, webinars and local professional training.