6 Tips for Your Job Search During the Coronavirus Outbreak

New developments continue to pour in each day surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 outbreak has drastically changed nearly every aspect of life for millions of people, and the workforce in particular has been hit hard. Businesses, employees, and job seekers are all scrambling to identify what exactly “normal” will look like in the coming months. Many employers are questioning how to continue business as usual, and people seeking new employment are left with an equally tough question: How do I get a job during this pandemic?

While things are changing every day, it’s important to know there are plenty of businesses still actively hiring new employees. Your job search may look a bit different than it did in the past, but rest assured that there are still opportunities ripe for the taking if you make a few adjustments to your overall job search strategy.

Look Specifically for Remote Jobs

Many businesses have been deemed “nonessential” and legally ordered to shut their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. With office buildings closing up shop for the time being, it’s a great idea to focus your job-hunting efforts on remote work.

Work-from-home opportunities have recently seen an exponential growth in popularity, and the coronavirus crisis has forced even more businesses to rely on remote work to keep things operational. As you begin your search, keep a closer eye out than usual for remote job opportunities related to your field and expertise.

Specifically, come up with a plan for yourself should you land an interview for a remote job. Be prepared for a virtual interview and have a game plan for discussing how you would manage a balanced work-from-home routine. If you have prior experience working remotely, emphasize this on your resume. Once you have a plan in place, start your search by browsing a job board focused on remote employment such as FlexJobs.

Embrace Online Networking

Your professional network is more important now than ever before. If you haven’t logged into your LinkedIn account recently, this is the time to start embracing the power of online networking.

In addition to browsing available jobs on the platform, make sure you’re interacting with your connections, sharing articles, and keeping your profile in tip-top shape. After all, your LinkedIn profile can catch the eye of a recruiter and become a deciding factor in whether you are chosen for a job.

Even further, according to a field experiment conducted by ResumeGo, job seekers with an active and comprehensive LinkedIn profile had a 71% higher chance of getting an initial job interview. In short, now is your time to shine on LinkedIn!

Broaden Your Job Scope and Your Resume

If you’ve been job hunting during the current pandemic and simply haven’t found many jobs you consider an ideal fit for you, it might be time to broaden your horizons—even if it’s just a little.

Remember to keep an open mind as you browse openings and realize that current opportunities are a reflection of these trying times. With companies implementing hiring freezes and others struggling to adjust to remote work, your dream job simply may not be feasible at the time, and that’s okay!

Reevaluate your best skills and ask yourself how else they could be useful to a company. Are there similar jobs for which you’d make a great fit? Can you tap into any other skills that may not be listed on your resume? Do your best to stay open-minded and have more jobs to consider.

Stay in Touch with Your Old Employer

If you were recently laid off due to the coronavirus, rest assured you’re not alone. Many employees lost their jobs and were left scrambling to file for unemployment or seek out other work opportunities.

However, before you cut ties with your previous employer, consider keeping the lines of communication open as they may plan to bring their previous staff back into the business once the dust settles. This is an uncertain time for everyone, so keep all your options on the table.

Take the Opportunity to Learn New Skills

Whether you’re a pro in your field or just beginning to learn the ropes, there’s always room for anyone to acquire new skills that can take their abilities to greater heights.

If you’re not in financial stress and don’t need to find a new job in a hurry, this can be the perfect time to invest in your professional skills and learn something new. Browse the internet for courses or tutorials to help you earn a new certification to add to your resume.

Additionally, be sure to check your local colleges and universities, as many schools are offering free or discounted courses for people to take during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about anything, now is the perfect time to do so!

Pay Attention to the News

New developments to the coronavirus and related relief efforts are announced daily. As medical professionals and government officials continue to learn more about the virus and adjust our precautions, you can expect a new norm for many weeks to come.

While cases have been escalating at an alarming rate, keep in mind that things will get better. Stay up-to-date on the latest developments by tuning in to a reputable news source so you can be one of the first to know if new opportunities become available. Nonessential businesses will eventually open up at some point, and when that moment comes, there will be an influx of new job opportunities for those who move quickly.

Conclusion

During such difficult times, it’s easy to become unmotivated when it comes to pursuing new employment. Circumstances are changing each day, but remember there is still plenty you can do to carry on with your job hunt.

Several businesses are actively hiring, and others are even urgently seeking new team members. While your job hunt may look different for the next couple months, keep your head up! Together, we will overcome this crisis.

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