4 Ways to Power Your job Search During the pandemic

As unemployment rates have skyrocketed due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people have been devastated by layoffs, furloughs and hiring freezes. As hundreds of thousands are experiencing job insecurities, feelings of panic and anxiety are also on the rise due to threats of job insecurity. Today, more people than ever are engaging in active job searches making the hiring landscape increasingly competitive. If you are searching for ways to stand out from others as you search for a new job here are four strategies to quickly pivot your career search and improve your odds for being selected for an interview.

Be open to the possibilities
In times of uncertainty, pursuing a range of job options is quite reasonable. While it may be tempting to apply for any job just because you need employment, it may be more strategic to focus on related positions where you can utilize your transferrable skills – casting a wide net that is still quite focused. In doing so, you have to first compare the pros and cons of each job opportunity; some of these may not be directly applicable to your desired career path, but it will help you identify where your true strengths lie in terms of skills that are transferrable, while also learning more about yourself, preferences, likes, and dislikes.
 
Improve your personal brand
Professional skills are an asset for any job search. This includes your personal brand - your own unique story. To effectively convey a unique identity and value to potential employers, revisit your personal goals and core values and continuously evaluate yourself to determine what makes you so special as a candidate. This also includes asking the right questions. For instance, ask yourself these questions: Which areas of work do I excel in? What is my motivation? What is my value proposition? In addition to that, understanding your existing competencies, while aligning them with current market trends and industry needs will help you as well. By doing this, you’ll uncover the traits and attributes that will make you distinct, helping you define the personal brand that you’d like to present to employers.
 
Increase Your Network
Due to the pandemic, the days of coffee shop meetings and networking events are surely changed! However, since people are innovative, in this age of the internet, it shouldn’t be a problem to think of creative ways to stay connected to your professional network while practicing social distancing. Online networking through emails, direct messages on social media and virtual meetings via platforms such as Zoom, can foster and deepen connections. When networking with others, you can ask for job search advice, obtain resume feedback, ask for introductions to other contacts, acquire referrals, and make follow-ups on job applications. It is critical that you leverage and increase your professional network through social media platforms like LinkedIn. This is because many recruiters use social networking to source new talent, so make sure that your profile is up-to-date and complete.
 
Hire a professional
Some of the most important tools for an effective job search include a resume, cover letter and fully optimized LinkedIn profile. Now more than ever, it is important to ensure that your entire job search strategy tells a clear and compelling story and the content of your professional documents is crucial when it comes to getting noticed by employers who are saturated with applications. The most effective resumes and cover letters have modern layouts, they are keyword optimized, they are achievement-focused, and they covey the story of your career. If you find it difficult to articulate what you bring to the table then consider hiring a professional resume writer or career coach to assist you with your job search.
 
All in all, when it comes to accelerating your job search during this pandemic, seek and ask for assistance. Whether that be tapping into your professional network or seeking the guidance of a team of professionals like the Resume Fix – take strides to unstuck in your career and gain momentum as you pursue new employment. To learn more about how to power your job search during a pandemic schedule a call today to speak with one of our career experts. 
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