More and more companies are moving to remote work-from-home as we continue our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. And as such, many people are also being furloughed or laid off. While it may seem like there are no jobs available for the unforeseeable future, that is not the case. Many companies are trying to understand how they can adapt to virtual business, and as the time comes, there will be more jobs available. If your job has been impacted by the economic hardships of COVID-19, here’s some advice you should follow to help navigate you in the right direction.
How urgent is your job search?
Depending on the unemployment benefits you are receiving, you might be able to hold off on searching for a job at this very moment. Many people are in the same boat as you, and as such, it can be difficult for hiring managers to connect with you. The more time businesses have to figure out how to navigate through the current economic recession, the more likely they will benign to hire. If you need to find work as soon as possible, you will have to just settle for any job you can find. Think of it as short term.
Start networking online
Many in-person events have been and will likely be canceled for the next few months, so you will have to find and adapt to a new strategy for networking. Try looking for professional groups on LinkedIn or even Facebook. Join conversations, post comments, do anything to make yourself visible. Continue conversations, and follow up with other professionals by posting articles and discussions showing your expertise. You never know who could end up looking at your profile.
Leverage your skills and connections
If you’ve managed to connect with a hiring manager, make sure you change your rhetoric from “help me” to “how I can help you”. Demonstrate your thoughtfulness, and make a human connection. It doesn’t hurt to reach out to connections you’ve made in the past, especially someone who has helped you further your career.
Do your research
Research companies that interest you and take notes on how their leadership is handling the pandemic. Did they do mass layoffs, are there any creative ways they are countering the novel coronavirus, or is everyone working from home? You can create Google Alerts for these companies so you can always have the inside scoop on any news surrounding them. And if you have the chance to connect with a recruiter from one of the companies, it will be an excellent way to show that you understand their company’s concerns with the virus, especially when it comes to leadership.
Brush up your skills
There is no better time to learn new skills or brush up your qualifications. Look at the current job descriptions for positions you are interested in and make a game plan to learn skills that you don’t already have. Determine what you should do to make you a better candidate.
If you have faced hardships from COVID-19 layoffs and are not getting anywhere with your job search, please contact our company online, by phone or in person!
