5 Useful Tips to Boost Job Hunting Success During the Pandemic

kyerieurijah (40)in LifeStyle • 4 years ago (edited)

The ongoing onslaught of the COVID-19 has hampered and slowed down Global economic activities. Numerous industries are in survival mode and as a result, the number of workers that have been laid off is increasing. Although the situation seems dire, companies are slowly adapting to the situation and are establishing new systems to create pandemic-proof businesses.

There is a quote from Charles Darwin that goes "It is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives, but the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself." If businesses are adapting, so should you. If you are looking for a job in the midst of the pandemic but are struggling to even get to the interview phase, then this post might just help you. Here are 5 practical tips that have helped me land a job during the pandemic.

1. Create a LinkedIn account

If you don't know yet, LinkedIn is the world's biggest business-oriented social networking website specifically made for professionals. LinkedIn has 740 million members to date with over 55 million companies registered on the platform. It's a social network that allows you to connect with companies, colleagues, industry leaders, and recruiters while keeping you updated with the latest industry news.

LinkedIn gives you the platform to create an online professional brand where you can showcase your profile, connections, expertise, and achievements. This online visibility helps you gain exposure to recruiters and hiring managers, ultimately boosting your chances of landing a job.

2. Up your Networking game

Now that you have your LinkedIn account, it is time for you to interact with people both online and offline. Your odds of getting a job from a company become significantly higher when someone from that company recommends you. Not only does networking increase the likelihood of you advancing to the next steps of the hiring process, your network can also provide you with valuable information that will help you prepare for what's next.

Another benefit of networking is having the support of like-minded industry professionals and even high-profile individuals. A well-established network gives you more confidence as you advance in your career and gives you the opportunity to create long-lasting relationships.

3. Build a "Great" Resume

I'm sure that you have searched "how to write a great resume" on google at least once. There you will find plenty of articles that will help you build a well-structured, perfectly worded resume that comes with free templates and samples. Building a great resume is not impossible, it can be achieved through meticulous polishing of your grammar and choice of words, putting accurate and concise information about yourself, and numerous edits until you find a structure that highlights your credentials best. Your resume is your secret weapon when it comes to job hunting and it is the primary threshold for evaluation where candidates are filtered. But what makes a great resume that will stand out?

We all have to evolve with the times and submitting a great resume does not cut it anymore. What you need to do is to create multiple resumes that are custom-made for every employer you wish to apply to. Tailor your resume to the goals and specific needs of the employer to make your application stand out. You have a better chance of creating the impression of being a good fit by customizing your resume rather than submitting a generic version.

4. Upskill

It is uniquely difficult to find a job during the pandemic, and the job market has become even tougher. For you to compete with other job seekers, you must learn new marketable and in-demand skills in your domain. This increases your chances of employment and reduces chances of redundancy. Upskilling makes you well-rounded and well-equipped in responding to the market's rapidly changing needs.

5. Be extremely Patient

We live in unprecedented times and job hunting can feel endless but the key is to remain patient. When we succumb to the negativity around us, we feel as if all our efforts in finding a job are in vain but that is not the truth. The truth is, all your efforts and hard work will eventually pay off, it is just a question of when. So stay optimistic and focus on the things that you can control. You will land that job. 😊