Find a job during the COVID-19 pandemic – 9 pro tips

Find a job during the COVID-19 pandemic – 9 pro tips

Reading Time: 7 minutes

 
In the past year we have all had to adapt to a very new normal during the global pandemic.

We may have lost our job, got used to remote work or might be thinking of a career change.

What is important is that we remain positive and tell ourselves we can find work despite COVID-19, and start to plan our next move.

So what can we do to help ourselves land a new job in 2021? Discover our pro tips to find a job during the COVID-19 pandemic 👇

 

#1 Reflect on yourself and your career

Changing job or undertaking a career change can be challenging and frustrating. A good way to start is by reflecting on any decision to ‘move on’.

If we do not reflect on our previous behavior we may repeat the same mistakes of the past.

For example in my case I would spend a year in a job, and then look out for a better option.

I always thought that each new job would be the one to make me happy, but now I realise how important it was for me to be creative and have a job with multiple projects, in order to express who I am in my career.

One way to find out what job best fits who you are, is to undertake a ‘self-reflection tool kit.’

 

9 pro advices for finding a job during Covid-19 pandemic | @magnetme

 

Self-reflection toolkit

• Spend some time writing down whatever career path comes into your mind. Don’t worry about what you come up with, just write down or record any occupation you can think of, no matter how crazy.
• Now create a ‘career map’. Get a large piece of paper such as A3 size, some pencils (color markers and/or paint is fun too), and draw your career trajectory so far.

  It can take any form: circles, a long long line, random lines that cross over, or even a maze… it doesn’t matter. What is important is that you come up with your history, and just start to put in your ideas for the future, no matter how outrageous these may seem.

 

💡 Try these trigger questions to help you brainstorm

• What do I want to do next?
• What are my options?
• What’s best for the short term?
• Who can help me?
• What do I really want to do?

 

#2 Analyse the market

You might wonder how to find work and what industries are hiring now… One thing is certain, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the current job market, and corporate culture.

 

Industries Most Affected by COVID-19 Outbreak:

Culture, events, defines, hospitality, catering, tourism, aircraft | @gurvi movement

 

Industries that show resilience in the time of Covid-19:

Building, logistic, supply chain, fashion, luxe, bank, insurance, real estate | @gurvi movement

 

Industries boosted by coronavirus concerns:

Healthcare, agro-food, audit, counselling, e-learning, telecom, home entertainment | @gurvi movement
 

What is the future of working?

If you want to pick a career path with some longevity consider what recruiters are saying.
 
Here some roles with promising lifespan:

• Data protection officer
• UX Designer
• AI Engineer
• CSR Project Manager
• Cybersecurity Specialist
• Real Estate Agent
• Community Manager
• Customer Success Specialist
• BIM Manager
• BID Manager
• Site Reliability Engineer
• Devon Engineer
• Data Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Hiring Manager
• Big Data Developer
• IT Recruiter
• Private Equity Analyst

 

Find a job during Covid-19 pandemic – 9 pro tips | @judmackrill

 

#3 Research companies

The majority of companies consider their employees as remote workers, so you may need to adapt to this new environment.

Decide what is your preference if a company offers full-time, part-time or remote working? Also find out if they support their employees transition from office to working remotely.

 

💡 Tips to research the company before an interview

• Make a list of your target companies and research their culture and values;
• If you gain an interview be aware of what they stand for, and show them that you understand their working conditions and company priorities (see Gurvi Movement Job Interview Course to assist you in this process); and,
• Gather information about office or remote working and make strategic choices about this new reality.

 

Find a job during Covid-19 pandemic – 9 pro tips | @paicooficial
 

#4 Assess and develop your skills and make an inventory

Take time to identify your soft and transferable skills, and think of any gaps that you may need to fix in order to find your dream job (Gurvi Movement courses to improve your digital skills will help you at this stage).

 

💡 Tips to identify your skills

• Search for 2-3 job positions and review the job descriptions;
• Proceed to a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) of your profile.
• What hard and soft skills do you have?
• What transferable skills can you offer?
• What is your unique selling point?

#5 Build your online presence

Your online presence portrays you, your online presence and your personal brand. Without it, you do not exist as a professional, so you need to evaluate and define your marketable skills (see Gurvi Movement Job Interview Course).

 

💡 Tips to build a strong online presence

• Consider how the publicly available information portrays you on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, …);
• Evaluate your online presence, ‘Google Search’ your name and review the first search results, as well as the images;
• Define your personal brand and create an online image;
• Work on your network by joining professional groups and engaging with those working in your field; and,
• Showcase your work by creating a portfolio, personal website, social media, or blog.

 

Find a job during Covid-19 pandemic – 9 pro tips | @goodfacesclub
 

#6 Update your job marketing tools

Look into what you need before making any job application. The main tools are your CV, your LinkedIn profile and cover letter (which may not be necessary nowadays).

Everything is online so make it a priority to have your CV ready (see Gurvi Movement Job Interview for more information).

 

💡 Tips to polish up your resume

• The core of your resume should be the same, but when you apply, it should be a ‘different’ CV for each post;
• Review the job description, and incorporate the company’s language and terms of reference in your resume before sending it;
• Include a short description of who you are (job title + years of experience), skillset, professional experience, education, hobbies, contact details, work permit (visas); and,
• Include clickable links: email address, website, LinkedIn or/and portfolio.

💡 Tips to improve your LinkedIn profile

A LinkedIn profile is the minimum requirement nowadays :

• Update your profile;
• Engage meaningfully with any people that ask questions;
• Share relevant posts;
• Set up your profile to “open to work”; and,
• Use tools like LinkedIn Premium or we-connect.io to connect with relevant people.

 

Common interview questions for a remote position & remote interview tips | @justdushawn
 

#7 Prepare the common interview questions

In preparation for the interview, work on common questions that might arise in order to be shortlisted.
 

💡 Examples of common interview questions

• Tell me about yourself?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What interest you about this role?
• Can you tell me about a difficult work situation, and how you overcame it?
• What is your greatest accomplishment/most proud of?
• What are the challenges in the industry, and what can you bring?
• What is your salary range expectation?
• Do you have any questions? (always ask questions!)

#8 Be ready for online job interviews

Ensure that you look professional and engaging on any video call.

 

💡 Tips to prepare for a remote video interview

• Check your settings, and check your computer camera, download tools like Skype and Zoom, clear up your space, have headphones to hear clearly, and cut out any noise from outside;
• Practice makes perfect, therefore practice your interview techniques to be ready;
• Use the STAR or CAR methods: they are structured ways of responding to an interview question by discussing the specific Situation, Task, Action, and Result (STAR) of the situation you are describing. ‘CAR’ stands for Context, Action, Result;
• Look directly into the webcam to make eye contact;
• Dress professionally;
• Pick a clean background and avoid any virtual background; and,
• Think about your facial expressions and smile more often than you think. (Gurvi Movement Job Interview will help you with these final preparations and practice interview techniques).
  

 

#9 After the interview

 

💡 Tip to follow up on a job interview

• Write a thank-you email to the hiring manager to confirm that you are interested;
• Continue your job search, in case you are not selected.

 

 

How to find a job during the COVID-19 pandemic? Bottom line

During this time, you need to think outside the box. Companies want to know the person they hire will add value to their enterprise – so:

• Be the ‘authentic’ you;
• Have an updated and professional curriculum that shows you at your best;
• Create a LinkedIn profile that reflects your skills and the kind of jobs you are interested in; and,
• Be brave and do your best!

You will probably fail and be rejected. It is ok…turn “failure” into a learning experience and a new opportunity. So keep trying, keep going. You’re just one good interview away. ✨

 

Do you want to nail your next job interview, and connect with our experienced female mentors? We want to hear from you!

Discover our Job Interview Course or contact Gurvi Movement.

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