How to Remain Proactive in your Job Search During the Covid-19 Crisis
Be patient and acknowledge the situation
The name of the game here is patience. As frustrating as it is to wait for an answer when it comes to getting a job, things are most likely not moving as normal right now. “Many companies are still trying to figure out what the coronavirus means for their business,” says Binder. “While some companies may have hiring freezes, many are still interviewing for open positions—they just may not be moving as fast as originally planned. Show understanding and do not interpret delayed responses as lack of interest.”
Keep this patience in mind when communicating with hiring managers. “You don’t know what companies or employees are dealing with, so it is best to lead with empathy.” If you recently interviewed with a company and have not heard back, it’s okay to reach out to the recruiter. However, says Hoffman, you should consider waiting at least two weeks before following up. “You should preface the email by acknowledging the situation as well as checking to see if there’s anything further they need from you. Then, give them breathing room to respond at their own pace,” she says.
Network and update your resources
While a lot of things may be harder from home, updating your recruiter-facing resources is one that is actually easier. “This is a perfect opportunity to work on your personal branding, like updating your résumé and LinkedIn profile, or building new skills,” says Hoffman. Virtual workshops and online classes can add to your skill level, making you more marketable.
Once you’ve updated all your assets, it’s time to network. There’s plenty of ways to keep doing so while social distancing, but Hoffman recommends reaching out to people for virtual coffee meetings and informal interviews to learn more about opportunities at their company. Just test your Wi-Fi connection first.
Highlight any remote work experience and skills
For anyone who has worked from home before, now is your chance to emphasize this major asset. “Consider adapting your résumé to highlight any previous remote work experience, as well as including any achievements gathered while working from home,” says Sherice Sargent, human resources specialist at Insperity, a provider of human resources and business performance solutions. Did you solve a big crisis or put on a huge presentation from home? Tell recruiters all about it.
After seeing the potential of remote work, it may be incorporated further by companies even after this crisis is over. So while many people are quickly having to adapt to working remotely, it does require a different set of skills that you should highlight if you have them already. “Companies may look for candidates that exhibit soft skills, such as adaptability, creativity, and productivity,” says Sargent. “Additionally, applicants should consider emphasizing their technical aptitude, as a remote setup can demand frequent conference calls or video meetings.”
Graduating seniors should use their university’s online resources
EducationData.org estimates about 3.9 million people will graduate from college this year, many of whom expect to apply for and start jobs shortly thereafter. Yet, without traditional resources like job fairs and in-person internships, this can feel all the more daunting.
Fortunately, “many career service centers have moved online as campuses close, offering students access to a number of resources while remote.” says Christine Cruzvergara, vice president of higher education and student success at Handshake. Resources like this job site and college databases allow students to communicate directly with employers. Cruzvergara explains the importance of checking your account regularly, keeping your profile updated, and reaching out to employers to optimize your chances of being hired.
If a company isn’t hiring right now, ask it to keep you in mind
Maybe you’re interested in working at a company that has implemented a hiring freeze or simply doesn’t have the bandwidth to bring on anyone new soon. “If there are no open positions at the moment, ask if it would be possible to have an informational interview in the coming weeks to learn more,” says Binder. “Companies will still want to build their talent pipeline, so be proactive, persistent, and respectful.” When job hunting, even just getting your name in the door can make a big difference during this challenging time.
Your colleagues and employees are understandably on edge about the pandemic. You can use this series of email templates – each email scaled to the severity of the pandemic in your region – to get a head start and help your team feel reass EXPAND AND NURTURE YOUR NETWORK
Now is the time to leverage your professional network. LinkedIn has more than 500 million users—and many recruiters use social networking to source new talent, so make sure your profile is updated and complete. Connecting with professionals in your line of work and reestablishing relationships with colleagues from previous jobs, your alma mater, and even social acquaintances can open up opportunities you might not have considered.
Post ideas, articles, and other content that will attract and engage your target audience—specifically recruiters. You can also introduce yourself to recruiters at companies you admire via InMail or email. But do your research first. Spend time on their career site to learn what they’re about and if they’re currently hiring.
Many companies are updating their sites to reflect how they’re handling business during the pandemic, including work-from-home policies, virtual interviews, and other essential FAQs.
Make sure their protocols are in line with your expectations and adjust your communications appropriately. Personalize your message to not only showcase your talents but to demonstrate a working knowledge about their company and recent initiatives. Revealing how you will fit into the culture and contribute to their needs during this unprecedented time will set you apart from the competition.
Since in-person contact is limited and remote work is the predominant new norm, make every effort to use videoconferencing to maintain and nurture your relationships—personal and professional. Need a coffee break? Make it virtual. Launch a video meeting and have a conversation with a fellow teammate, catch up with a colleague you haven’t spoken to in a while, or introduce yourself to someone new. Virtual face-to-face interaction during times of isolation can boost your mood, promote camaraderie, and make a lasting impression on recruiters if done effectively.
