Everything seems more challenging during a pandemic – especially looking for a job. Thankfully, you can still succeed if you follow these proven strategies.
1. Focus on what you do best.
Stand out from the crowd by telling your story powerfully. Don’t stop at professional experience – communicate who you are, why you’re unique, and how your strengths can contribute to the organization. Here’s how:
- List everything that’s made you good at what you do, including things from your personal as well as your professional life. This can help you get a broader picture of your strengths.
- Ask friends and family what your strengths are, and when they’ve seen you most engaged in your career and happiest as a person.
- Use tools like the online Clifton Strengthsfinder to identify and describe your top strengths.
2. Improve your knowledge and skills
Online learning can start right now for free on YouTube. Here are some other options:
- LinkedIn Learning offers courses with a monthly or annual subscription, and displays them on your profile for employers to see.
- Check out websites like Coursera and edX, plus actual online and in-person certificate programs from universities. If you’re going to study at this level, make sure you’re clear on what it can do for you professionally, as it’s a big time and (usually) money commitment.
- Practice remote work and interview skills using online learning modules for platforms like Skype, Zoom, Slack and Teams. Employers need to know that you can handle this stuff.
3. Keep networking
A massive 80-85% of jobs are filled through networking or a personal connection of some kind. COVID-19 hasn’t made people unwilling to talk. With the help of LinkedIn, you can use this time to build new connections and nurture existing ones. Here’s how.
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile presents you at your best. Look up videos and online content for tips on how to do this.
- Set a goal of reaching out to someone new every day. Use search filters under the “People” section to contact, for example, alumni of your college who work at companies you’re interested in and ask for a chat. Don’t ask for practical help (like forwarding your CV to HR) but do feel free to ask them for referrals for other people to talk to.
- Post insightful content in your field to position yourself as an expert.
4. Don’t assume – be curious.
One of the keys to a successful job search is keeping a positive mindset – and that’s especially true during a pandemic. For a start, don’t assume that companies aren’t hiring at the moment; many are. If you make negative assumptions, you could be cheating yourself out of an opportunity.