Finding a Job During COVID-19

The once booming economy that we took for granted back in 2019 has taken a sudden hit due to the coronavirus pandemic. Job seekers used to have most, if not all, of the power in the job search game, but things have been flipped on its head over the past year and a half. The number of people unemployed and looking for a job far outweighs the number of jobs now available. The Department of Labor reported back in August of 2020, there are two unemployed people for every one job available on the market. In addition, back at the start of the pandemic, roughly 22.2 million positions were cut in just two short months, causing a nearly 15% unemployment rate. Since then, about half of those cut jobs have come back, but the economy is still nowhere near full recovery. Economic experts estimate that it may be another 2.5 years for the economy to return back to the way it was before the pandemic. The good news is that it is not all doom and gloom; there are measures that you can help yourself land a job in the type of job economy we are facing right now. This blog will explore some of these methods.

Make your application void of errors and show enthusiasm in your application.

As job recruiters are tackling an onslaught of job applications, it is more important now than ever to rise above the pack and make sure there are no mistakes in your application that give recruiters an excuse to discard it. Check and then double check your spelling and grammar in both your resume and your cover letter. Show the company you are applying for why you and you alone are the right match for the open position. You should also show them that you’ve done your research on the company and you’ve taken time to think why you are applying to your particular company over other similar companies. In addition, list as many relevant jobs or experiences in your application as possible. People who list more tend to have a higher call-back rate than those who list less.

Be flexible on pay and the type of job.

If you are unemployed and looking for a job, you are not in much of a position to bargain for a higher salary. You just have to pay the bills. Therefore, be flexible on your required pay rate when applying to your jobs. Consider your pay in light of the type of benefits you would potentially be receiving. Furthermore, note that a lower pay now does not mean it would necessarily stay this way forever. When the economy comes back some more, you can then ask for a higher salary at the job. Along the same lines, you should not wait for the perfect job to land on your laps, but you should rather be flexible on what job you apply to.

Network.

Make sure your Linkedin profile is current. You can use it to connect with recruiters or other employees in your industry. Ask them for a quick phone call or Zoom call to discuss the role they are working in and whether they would be open to suggesting you for a job. Most people understand how hard it is right now to find a job, so they will be very willing to lend a hand. Networking can even lead to employee referrals, which can get you through the door and land you a job offer. In addition, you can even tap into a hidden job market by networking because most jobs are not posted onto public websites like Linkedin or Glassdoor.

Be patient and never give up. Meanwhile, build up relevant skill sets.

Hard work, patience, and tenacity will eventually lead to success. Make sure you apply to at least a handful of jobs each day, and do not stop until you finally land a job. On average, people are applying to at least 100 jobs before they ultimately have a job offer. In the meantime, you should work to stay relevant by using websites such as Upwork to work freelance projects related to your industry. Doing this will give you substance for applications and interviews.

In conclusion, hope is not lost if you strategize and work at it daily. Prepare to spend at least a couple of months looking for a job, so make sure your finances are in order. Reduce optional spending so that you have money left for essential things such as food and rent. Good luck!

Works Cited

https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/how-to-find-new-job-after-coronavirus/