Looking for Work During COVID-19

How to prepare for a job search and increase your chances of success 

Looking for work during a global pandemic may not seem like an ideal time. But with the unemployment rate at 11.1%, many Americans are job hunting involuntarily. Others, however, are actively looking for a new opportunity to keep their options open or due to fears of a potential layoff. 

The coronavirus crisis has forced many people to reconsider their priorities and career path—and it has pushed companies to reevaluate which positions make sense to adapt to a changing economy. Whatever your reason for looking for work in a COVID-19 world, there are some things you can do to prepare and up the chances of landing a job.

Reflect and consider your options

According to an online survey conducted by The Harris Poll, 56% of professionals under the age of 44 say that working during this crisis has made them reconsider if they are in the right job. For those who have flexibility, take some time to reflect on your goals before jumping into something else.

This evaluation is critical because the level of preparation varies widely based on the extent of the change you’re looking to make. Switching roles within the same industry may require a little re-training and some light networking, but completely jumping sectors and career paths often calls for significant education and substantial networking.

It’s also important to consider your goals beyond a year from now. COVID-19 won’t be an emergency forever—though it will alter certain industries permanently—and you want this to be a fulfilling change for years to come. Where do you see yourself in one to five years? 

Consider freelance and contract work

Freelancing and contract work aren’t for everyone, but the arrangement certainly has its benefits—namely, flexibility and the ability to choose projects. Plus, with nearly half of all companies experiencing a hiring freeze, 47% of hiring managers are more likely to hire contract workers than before the COVID-19 crisis. 

If you’ve been thinking about contract work for a while, now may be the time to try it. Legal, finance, and eCommerce saw some of the biggest spikes in freelance job postings over the past few months. Even if it’s not something you want to do long-term, contract work could be a great interim solution that continues to add to your skillset and expands your professional network. And some reluctant contract workers may achieve enough business and flexibility to make it a long-term career path.

Network online

Networking should always be a priority, and this crisis illustrates its immense value. If you find yourself suddenly out of work or are in the hunt for a change, looking for opportunities within your network is far easier than applying to positions blind.

Given the current state of things, in-person networking events aren’t an option for many people. But there are plenty of online opportunities at your disposal. Here are a few simple but effective activities to make the most of your COVID-19 networking:

• Spruce up your profile: Your first stop on the networking path is likely going to be LinkedIn, and you’re not alone. The platform experienced a nearly 30% increase in sessions in recent months. Update your profile with recent experience, add skills and certifications, and clean up your summary and title. Profile views will rise as you network, so put your best foot forward.

• Join groups and discussions: Whatever industry or role you’re aiming for, join related groups and discussions to learn who the key players are and the latest trends. Employers want to see candidates who have a finger on the pulse of an industry, which positions you in a positive light. Participating in discussions also makes your presence known and encourages others to connect with you, expanding your network. 

• Share engaging content: Illustrate your expertise and involvement by sharing educational, relevant, and engaging content on your profile. Use hashtags, keywords, and tags to drive more attention and increase connections.

Reignite your skillset

Take this time to learn, train, and expand your skills. Candidates with more useful and relevant skills impress employers over those who solely rely on the “experience” section of a resume. Seek out webinars and courses from resources within your goal industry. LinkedIn groups are an excellent place for this information.

LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, and Udemy are just a few examples of online learning portals with videos and other tutorials for various disciplines. Specific roles, such as IT, may require more formal training and certifications, so be sure to research certifications, diplomas, licenses, and other requirements that may be required to stay competitive.

Make your presence known

It’s pretty straightforward to search for a position online from the comfort of your own home, but upping the odds of success requires more effort.

Job hunters need to make their presence known and expand their network and skills. Post on social media and engage in discussions within the industry to get your name out there. Seek out new connections with key players and thought leaders to learn more about specific trends and companies.

And don’t forget the value of “purely social” networking. Unexpected opportunities often arise from friends and acquaintances in non-professional settings. You may even consider volunteering virtually to give back to the community while enhancing your resume. There may be some job-specific opportunities available, and there are plenty of humanitarian and COVID-19 relief efforts that need help.

Consider where future opportunities lie and put in the effort to develop them

As you consider your next steps, be thoughtful about the future. The pandemic has changed the meaning of a valuable employee for many companies as they look for ways to stay viable. Choose a path that gives you options—one that allows you to demonstrate your clear value in a post-COVID-19 world.

At KARP HR Solutions, our creative approach has mastered the mix of finances and human resources. Call us at 954-684-3284 or complete our contact form to learn more.