Whether you’ve just graduated college, decided to switch careers, or been impacted by unemployment due to the COVID-19 crisis, job searching in the middle of a pandemic is a daunting task. Everyone wants to know what you plan to do, and everyone has an opinion of what you should be doing. Frankly, it’s exhausting, even during normal circumstances.
With unemployment rates the highest they’ve been in the post-World War II era, it’s not hard to understand the anxiety and hopelessness many are feeling. Although we are living through extraordinary circumstances, there are ways to navigate through the uncertainty and make the best of an extremely challenging time.
The good news: it’s possible to optimize your time and fill your toolbox with assets to assist your job search. It will take hard work and perseverance, but with these five tips, you can be back in the workforce in no time.
1. Be Kind to Yourself
Applying for jobs requires patience and mental fortitude. It’s easy to feel discouraged when you don’t see immediate results, or aren’t getting as many interviews as you’d hoped. Remember to take time for yourself and prioritize your mental health. This is especially true given the current circumstances.
Try to schedule self-care into your week the same way you do chores and daily tasks. If you spend the day applying for jobs and researching potential employers, reward yourself with a good movie or by doing something relaxing that you enjoy.
Searching for a job takes time, energy, and dedication. It can be overwhelming and frustrating, but you’re not alone. Remember that you’re allowed to take regular breaks, as doing so will keep you sharp and make you more likely to find the right placement in the long run. It’s helpful to remain positive and change your perspective by reminding yourself that you won’t always be in this situation.
2. Remember: It’s OK Not to Land Your Dream Job
It’s important to understand that you might not find that perfect job. This is true under normal circumstances, but especially true during the ongoing health crisis. If there’s one piece of advice I can give you, is that it’s okay to take a job that isn’t the role of a lifetime.
You don’t have to feel like you’re settling or giving up on your dreams. No matter what the position is, look at it as an experience you can add to your resume and use for reference during future opportunities.
It’s okay to experiment with jobs that you never thought you’d be interested in. Who knows? You may even surprise yourself by finding a new passion.
To that end, try to be flexible in your job search. If you’re not seeing the positions you want, it might be a good idea to consider looking for an internship or part-time work. While not sustainable long-term, they could provide additional opportunities, help you network, and provide structure to your day. There a several industries that are actively hiring due to increased demand, particularly in shipping and delivery.
3. Network, Network, Network!
Networking is an invaluable tool. Although we’re living in a time of social distancing and remote work, networking remains as important as ever.
Your networking efforts may need to pivot in response to these conditions, and take on a digital-first approach. Start building your online presence and make sure that your social media accounts support and promote a professional image.
Reach out to friends, old classmates, former professors, and professionals in your fields of interest. It might feel awkward at first, but everyone understands the importance of building your network and getting your name out there, especially during a time when in-person events like job fairs just aren’t possible.
If there are companies that are not currently hiring, you can still reach out and introduce yourself. You never know when an opportunity will arise, and if you’ve made the connection, you have a better chance of being on a hiring manager’s radar. While you may not be a good fit at that point in time, they will remember you when other positions open, or they might be able to refer you to another company.
4. Be Prepared to Go Virtual
With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise in some states, remote work doesn’t appear to be going anywhere soon. You need to be prepared to go through a virtual hiring process and, if hired, start work as a remote employee.
The first thing you need to do is ensure that you have a secure and high-speed internet connection that will support remote work. You will also need a clear, comfortable space in which you can work, like a home office or dining area that’s free of distractions.
You should have access to and know your way around popular video conferencing software, such as Zoom, Skype, and UberConference. I recommend preparing for a virtual interview by:
- Testing your technology to ensure everything goes smoothly.
- Practicing talking in front of a camera so you’re less nervous during the interview.
- Familiarizing yourself with the correct body language and eye contact.
A remote interview will have a different feel than an in-person interview. You need to be ready to handle what a hiring manage may throw at you.
I anticipate employers will incorporate questions regarding remote work into interviews. They might want to know what kind of distractions you will have, and whether you’re capable of staying productive and motivated throughout the day. Brainstorm ways to explain how your skills or personality will translate to remote work, and how you can be an asset to the team even from home.
5. Take it One Day at a Time
Many people have found themselves in an unprecedented situation due to the ongoing health crisis. Businesses have pivoted, and while some have been forced to close their doors for good, others have transitioned to a fully-remote workforce.
It’s a challenging time as unemployment rates increase, social distancing continues, and many struggle to make ends meet. If you find yourself facing the overwhelming prospect of searching and applying for a job, try and take it one day at a time.
Be prepared for the possibility of finding a job that isn’t necessarily your dream gig. You must also be ready to participate in a remote onboarding process. Still, you don’t need to pile on unnecessary stress and pressure by constantly going over hypothetical scenarios in your mind. Instead, just focus on the task at hand, and completing to the best of your ability.
We’ve entered a new frontier, and everyone will have to adjust and do their part to make the best of it.
