Right now your Facebook and Instagram feeds are likely a stream of commentary on the coronavirus pandemic. The economic outlook is getting bleak.
Many jobs are on the line. Worse still, some companies have already retrenched their employees.
The big move is for companies to work remotely. How about some vacant positions that open up? Will it be a good move to apply?
There’s never a better time to apply. Yes, the overall hiring cycle will go slow but when an opportunity opens up, it’s wise to take your chance.
We’ve curated expert advice on the best ways to improve your job search in this season, so here goes!
1Focus On Your Personal Brand – Ariella Coombs, Work It Daily
Take this time to revamp your LinkedIn profile, resume, and cover letter strategy so it’s easy for an employer to see your value quickly. Also, get SUPER clear on your professional specialty (or the “service” you provide as an employee).
Create a 2-3 sentence personal branding statement that clearly outlines what you do, how you do it and why, and what you’re looking to do next. This will allow your brand to resonate with people in your network so they can pass along opportunities that are a great fit for you.
2Get Comfortable Networking Online – Lisa Rabasca Roepe, themuse
Events will be cancelled for a while, so you’ll need to find a new networking strategy. Seek out like-minded professionals online and ask about virtual events, Halpern says.
Look for professional groups to join on Facebook and LinkedIn. Both platforms offer a wide range of options with groups for every profession. For instance, if you’re looking for a job in marketing, you could join LinkedIn’s Global Marketing and Communications Professionals group. “Join in the conversation, post and comment, and make yourself visible,” Halpern says. Just be sure to keep the conversation professional by posting relevant articles and chiming in on topics that allow you to demonstrate your expertise.
Get ready to ace a virtual informational interview or networking chat by practicing with a friend, says Laura Labovich, CEO of The Career Strategy Group in Bethesda, MD. Have your friend ask questions and give you feedback on your delivery. Make sure you know how to angle the camera so the person you’re meeting with can see your entire face, not just your forehead or your left eye. Once you’ve mastered the technology, invite professional contacts to meet for a virtual coffee.
3Show that you can solve problems – Adunola Adeshola, Forbes
Jobs open because a company needs to solve a problem. Maybe an employee recently left and they need to fill the position as quickly as possible. Maybe they’re having trouble with a new product and need a fresh strategy. Maybe a specific team is overworked and they need more hands to get things done more efficiently. The list goes on and on.
But whatever the problem is, if you want to stand out in a slow job market, it’s important to show employers that you can alleviate their frustrations and tackle their challenges. Be the problem solver companies are looking for by consistently conveying, at every step of the hiring process, that you have the experience and expertise necessary to be successful in the role. But don’t just tell them, show them using clear and specific examples.
4Following up on applications: patience is a virtue – TARGET jobs
Be restrained with follow-up emails. The new advice is to work from home, if you can, and HR professionals and graduate recruiters are no exception. Conversations, paper sifting and decisions that may have taken place quickly in an office can take longer if done by video calling or email. There is nothing wrong with a polite enquiry as to the status of your application via email, but allow a longer time for replies and be aware that phone calls to usually manned company lines may now be redirected or even go unanswered.