Were you in the middle of applying for a new job before COVID-19, or are you looking to change jobs?
It’s a difficult time, but don’t be scared, hope is the last thing you should lose. The Career Orientation Coach, Nieves Rodriguez, offers you advice on how to find your dream job even during these uncertain times amidst confinement
Tips for finding work during the months of confinement
Keep these keys in mind to face the challenge of finding work in the context of the coronavirus crisis.
1. Manage your job search expectations to the new normal
The world has changed with the coronavirus, and we all need to adapt to the new normal When we are looking for a new job, this means that we have to be patient with the deadlines for response to vacancies. But that doesn’t mean you forget to follow up after 1-2 weeks.
Remember that your job is to look for work. It can be difficult to look for a job while still working for someone else (it’s a good place to be but you can relax), which brings me to my next point…
2. Start now: organize your time intelligently
Organization is key Your new job is to find a new job and you will get a return proportional to your investment.
You can’t improve what you don’t measure, so Prepare a spreadsheet to track your job search progress so you can control the deadlines, who you have applied to, etc.
This is what your productivity sheet should have:
3. Update your CV and cover letter
Did you know 80% of CVs are read by a robot? You have to have a master version of each, but always, always tailor your CV and Cover Letter to each role you are applying for. If you do not use the keywords, the robot will not filter you.
4. Improve your digital presence
It’s time to update your LinkedIn profile to ensure it aligns with your CV Also consider an updated professional photo of yourself and ask for recommendations (from acquaintances and colleagues) of skills you would like to highlight to potential employers and recruiters.
Clean up your other social media pages, basically removing anything you don’t want a potential employer to see.
5. Effective job search
Once you’ve completed steps 1-4 above, it’s time to get your job search underway.
You must diversify your search sources: After you have gone through the typical online job sites for your preferred industry and LinkedIn, it is worth considering directly checking a particular company’s website to submit a direct application.
It is important to have a goal in mind, but you must be open to it. Sometimes one step back, or sideways, can help you take three steps forward Having a job (and income) in the current climate is always better than unemployment, and it can also give you experience.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you have your filters and alarms aligned with your goal: industry, company, job type, title, location…
6. Work your network of contacts
80% of vacancies are not published 80% of roles deal with networking.
Therefore, if you want to find a job, and taking advantage of the confinements, you must shift your attention and job search to talking to people, and using social networks and spending most of your time here. Talking with the people.
The good news is that it is not very different from “normal” networks, it is just that any meeting will be done virtually, and also, if you live in a large city, you avoid travel time.
Start by making a contact box: ex-colleagues, ex-clients, ex-bosses, alumni… Then contact the person by email, InMail, text, or a call. You’re going to have career conversations. You’re not asking them for a job, you’re asking for advice.
Another strategy worth executing simultaneously is personally seek out the hiring manager of the target companies on LinkedIn to discuss opportunities in your area of ​​interest ; They are more likely to respond to a direct message and you will stand out from other candidates.
7. Telephone and video interviews
Even before COVID-19 it was a reality. Interviews by video call or telephone are convenient for recruiters because they help them perform a first filter and rule out candidates.
And that is why it is so important that you are prepared and feel comfortable doing them. Because It is the first filter And the previous steps will have been of no use to you if you underestimate this one.
Here’s what I recommend for video interview preparations:
8. Improve your skills
Unfortunately, The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected jobs requiring lower levels of education around the world
Most people find themselves with more free time during this period of confinement, because even if you continue working, that time going to/from work can be allocated to other things. It is time now to prepare to stand out and improve your knowledge and skills
Last but not least is to find a mentor or coach. That person who will help you speed up your search and be more effective. Many people see it as a cost, but you should see it as an investment since the return will be exponential and will help you find a job much faster.
In this sense, Nieves RodrÃguez offers this free Masterclass “Get the Job You Want”, on February 18. And if you want to know how coaching can help you, book a 30-minute consultation session with Nieves through his contact form.
Remember: you will find your way. Consistency is the key to success. Create a plan for 2021, and take small steps every day to get you there.
If one day you are blocked, get away from the laptop and take advantage of the time allowed to walk and oxygenate yourself. Once you have clarified your ideas, go back to the attack.
