I’m getting a lot of questions about how to job hunt during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s a really tough and uncertain time right now and I want to help others get back on their feet as quickly as possible. I also don’t want students to miss out on what they thought would be a summer full of valuable internship experience. Here are my top tips for how to job hunt during the coronavirus pandemic.
How to Job Hunt During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Use your network and the unpublished job market
You’ve probably heard the line, “It’s not always what you know, but who you know.” That is going to ring true in the coming months more than ever before. I know it can be tough to advertise that you are out of work, but that is no fault of your own. We are simply in a really tough economic season.
My best tip for using your network and the unpublished job market to job hunt during the coronavirus is to reach out to friends and family members with a clear, specific request. Don’t just say you have been laid off due to the pandemic. Specifically state the type of work you are looking for and if they can put you in touch with someone in their network. If you reach out to twenty people in your circle and they have twenty people in their circle, your reach is now quite far!
Consider how your skillset translates to in-demand fields
If you have work experience, even internship or part-time work experience, you have developed a transferrable skillset. Depending on your level of urgency for work, now might be the time to start looking to apply your skill sets in the in-demand fields.
Take my brother-in-law for example. He has valuable sales experience and proven results in hospitality and tourism. Unfortunately, that is one of the hardest-hit industries right now and it is going to be a while before the demand for workers rises again. So, he has refocused his search and recently interviewed with a medical supply company for a sales job. He is taking his existing skillset and exploring ways to market and use those in other industries.
The key to using existing skillsets in different industries is marketing them correctly on your resume.
You must make your experience relevant and valuable to the employer if you want a chance at an interview. If you need help marketing your existing skills and experience in a new way, I can help. I am currently offering live resume writing classes as well as individual resume writing and revision sessions. I’d love to help you stand out in a pool of applicants!
Get organized and track communication
If you aren’t already, start organizing your job search and tracking your efforts. A job hunt during the coronavirus pandemic will require intentional and somewhat-aggressive follow-up. For each job you apply, I recommend the following:
- Save each position description so you can use it to prepare for interviews and tailor follow-up communication.
- Put each job in a spreadsheet. Note the date you applied, any contact information, and special notes about your application and top selling points.
- Follow-up on job applications. Mark the date of each follow-up attempt in your spreadsheet so you can plan your next communication in an appropriate timeframe.
- Review your spreadsheet daily. This tip is especially important if you are submitting quite a few job applications. You want to remember what positions you applied for and with whom. This helps ensure you are able to recall positions and relevant details should you receive a call for an interview. You don’t want to have to ask the caller which position he/she is calling about!
Remain positive
Job searching is tough. A job hunt during the coronavirus pandemic is especially mentally draining. During this time, it is so important to remain positive. It is likely that you’ll submit applications for positions you are really excited about and never get a call to interview. It is also likely that you’ll have a great interview and still not get the job. The competition will be stiff. Don’t take it personally and understand that overqualified people are likely applying for the same job right now because of the economic condition.
A big part of staying positive will be the content you are consuming on a daily basis. If you are watching the news, reading economic reports, or constantly scrolling social media, it will take a toll on your mindset. Instead, try investing in yourself with positive material. Listen to a great podcast. Read a personal growth book (I have my favorites listed here!). Network with professionals in your field. Take actions that will both increase your morale and help you with your job hunt during the coronavirus pandemic.
Your Resume and Job Hunt During the Coronavirus Pandemic
As I mentioned above, a well-written resume is more important now than ever. If you have a generic resume that you are submitting to every job you are interested in, it is unlikely that you will get the results you are seeking. The tougher the job market, the more tailored your resume needs to be. If you don’t have multiple versions of your resume by now, let’s chat.
To help job applicants with the job hunt during the coronavirus pandemic, I am offering very affordable, live resume writing classes. The cost is $25 and seats are limited to eight per class to ensure you get individual questions answered. Reserve your seat now!
