Job hunting in the age of Covid-19
-By Ritik Kapoor for Young Engine
Job hunting during lockdown, when companies lay off employees or ask them to take mandatory sabbaticals can seem crazy. The idea of changing jobs may seem daunting if we can only talk about salary cuts and hiring freezes. However, this does not have to be the time to sit back and wait for the situation to improve. The COVID-19 epidemic had a direct impact on jobs, as many companies were forced to temporarily close their doors. Many others were forced to abandon part of their crew temporarily or permanently to
keep their heads above water.
How to job hunt during covid-19
The corona virus epidemic has had a significant impact not only on the global economy but also on your job search. If you have a current job, you may be performing it as an online work from home job. Some small businesses have been forced to close temporarily, but large businesses are affected by the pressure of losing businesses and supply chain disruptions. Some companies
have responded to the health crisis by cutting layoffs, furloughs, cutting time and freezing overtime pays and rent. Other companies are actively hiring and posting new jobs every day. Right now, there is a lot of uncertainty about what the national and global impact of hiring is, but there are ways you can stay positive and active in doing job search in this volatile time. Here are some useful tips to keep your job hunt going:
1. Staying relevant for upskill and recruitment: It is very important to learn new skills to remain relevant in your field. Depending on your interests and career plans, follow an online course or a certification program, take up freelance projects or work from home jobs to hone your skills.
2. Focus on professional development: This is the right time to think more critically about your professional development and how you can do it. Identify potential development opportunities available in the long run such as formal and informal learning and fill any gaps. Develop soft skills that will help you grow in any organization.
3. Updating your CV: In addition to improving your skills, it is also important to update your CV. Increase the visibility of your recruiters by adding new skills and certifications you have acquired. Do a little more work to make it visually appealing to get the recruiter’s attention.
4. Practice for online interviews: Nowadays, online interviews are gaining momentum and are different from personal interviews. Therefore, it is important that you start practicing right now to pick up your interview. Read about the different methods developed for online interviews. For video interview, you need to master your body language, tone of voice and facial expressions.
5. Continue to research relevant jobs: Don’t sit back thinking no recruiter hires now. Many businesses will still be recruiting, so you need to check and apply. Yes, this is true that several companies have frozen their hiring process in the current covid pandemic but some are still going to hire. Keep the job search on and apply to as many applicable.
How to get a job as a fresher in covid-19 pandemic
With all, in COVID-19 lockdown, coming to a standstill, finding the right job has become a difficult activity for many. Especially for those wishing to start their careers in 2020, but can’t find a job in the pandemic. Here are four things you can do to find a job and start your career in the pandemic
COVID-19
Aggressively Networking with People: Since social networks are an integral part of our lives, it can play a vital role in your job hunt. Start by involving people you know, such as your elders and guardians, try to include people who work for the companies of your dreams. Chat with people, keep track of what they’re sharing, and create articles that interest you. It may also help you to acquire professional development in your respective field.
While sites like LinkedIn are the best for building professional connections, even social networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. can help you introduce yourself to potential employers.
Developing trending skills: You may not have much work experience in developing consistent trending skills, but with the right skills and qualifications, you can get a dream job. Identify the key skills and qualifications employers in your area are seeking for in potential employees. Take online courses and certifications from websites such as Udemy, Coursera or work from home internships. Hone your skills, get into the job and progress your resume.
Take up freelance jobs or internships: Knowing about your field is one thing, and having practical knowledge of it is another. Although colleges can prepare us with skills and competencies, job experience can play a major role in getting you hired. In this lockdown, take up a freelance project or job or a work from home internship to get the basics of your field and incorporate work experience. On websites such as naukri.com, Internshala, LetsIntern, Hellointern, OysterConnect.com, LinkedIn, and so on. You can explore remote work from home job opportunities within and around your area.
Practice online interviews: Mock interviews prepare you and boost your confidence. And what better time to do it now? Select an Interviewer- a friend or family member. Ask them to interview you and ask questions that a potential recruiter might ask.
With the chaos in the economy of today, seeking the job you want is a challenge on its own. Therefore, instead of sticking to your goals, you have to work with an open mind and look for multiple job options.
Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on jobs
COVID-19 lockdown and social distancing has not only created the problem job losses but also contributed to shortages of fresh jobs as businesses switched off the recruiting handle, which is a double whammy for those impacted by the corona virus tsunami.
New jobs for hotel / restaurant staff, ticketing / travel / airlines and marketing / advertising / MR / PR have fallen by 51%, 48% and 33% respectively. It has affected recruiting through levels of experience.
The Covid-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed every aspect of our
professional life — from our daily commute to office travel to our working environment and how we interact with our colleagues and peers.
But it can also be a time of unprecedented creativity. The reconstruction of jobs around the constraints of today’s demanding business world could speed up the future of work and open up new and creative forms of how, when, and by whom work is done.