In the current scenario, searching for a new job is more challenging than it was before. With most companies going remote in the lockdown, recruitments are seeing a slower pace, the impact of which will stay even once we go out of our homes. This is why you must approach your job search with an open mind and explore multiple options rather than sticking to your set goals. So plan, but stay open to opportunities, and keep an open mind to experiment with your career.
You may also be putting in your best efforts to solicit the response from employers and agencies, but things didn’t remain the same as they were earlier. All of sudden, health and safety is now the top priority of employers to navigate the pandemic, and the rest of the processes take a back seat.
So what is “New Normal”, how will we search right jobs then?
Let’s brainstorm and explore the blended (new and old) ways to search for new job opportunities-
Here are the following things you can do to find out the right job and give a fillip to your career growth.
- Attend Recruitment related Webinars
In recent times, there are several Talent Acquisition, Headhunting and Recruitment platforms conducting free webinars wherein they invite leading HR and TA professionals to reflect their insights and analytics into recruitment market and job search. You can register and enhance your understanding of the current job market situations in various industries and adopt a suitable strategy.
- Update your profile in Job portals, professional and social media platforms
It’s always advisable to keep your profile updated and highlight key skills to get noticed by recruiters. Recruiters use job portals, professional and social sites to headhunt both active and passive job seekers.
Review the job posting and apply relevant keywords. Address any requirements, skills and qualities you have that are also in the job posting. If you’re not hearing back from employers, maintain momentum by applying to jobs that match your skills, experience and qualifications. The current situation has added a level of complexity to the hiring process and employers may take some time to figure things out. Set a daily application goal and reward yourself in small, meaningful ways after reaching it, such as reading a chapter of your favourite book or virtual meeting a friend for tea/coffee.
- Connect or network people through professional or social media platforms
Discover smart strategies for building a professional network online and leveraging connections for career advancement or finding new career opportunities.
Connecting to people and building a relationship with them will always spike your dream job hunt. Since employee referral is a prominent source of hiring therefore networking can play a very crucial role in your job hunt. So, try to add to people who work in your dream companies. You can refer sites like LinkedIn for making professional connections or other social media channels like Facebook, Twitter etc can help you market yourself to potential employers.
It is a good time to begin networking. Start by adding people you know, like your seniors, friends, classmates, colleagues and mentors. Build a rapport with these people by talking to them, following what they share, and writing or sharing articles that interest you.
- Take up GIG jobs or remote freelance work
A gig is a temporary job. The employee often works on a specific project for a company, either as an independent contractor or a freelancer. The benefits of a gig job are that it allows you to work on multiple projects for multiple companies at once (generally). You can often work from home and have flexible hours. Reach out to your network and search online for gig opportunities. There are many options available through online apps that allow you to quickly sign up and start working at your convenience. You might consider looking for part-time, remote or gig work until you get an offer. Doing so can keep your skills sharp and provide extra pay. Check out our list of online jobs you can do from Google. It will add to work experience on your resume.
Here are seven career categories that hire for freelance and gig jobs that you can do remotely.
The Computer & IT category covers a broad range of jobs. You can find postings in everything from computer repair to internet security.
- Information Security Engineer
- Network Analyst
- Linux Middleware Administrator
Writers produce a variety of written materials for various audiences. This can range from corporate reports for the executive suite to blog posts and web content.
- Content Writer, Project Manager
- Resume Writer
- Senior UX Copywriter
Software developers design and test the software that runs computers, apps, and even online interactive games.
- DevOps Engineer
- Game Engineer
- User Experience – User Interface Designer
Careers in accounting and finance include all things money-related. Jobs can include handling accounts payables and receivables, tax return preparation, or financial forecasting.
- Mortgage Representative
- Specialist
- Accounting Assistant
Project managers coordinate projects from start to finish. This can include working with internal and external vendors, managing the budget, and dealing with delays.
- Epic Management Project Manager
- Project Manager
- Office Manager
Administrative professionals provide support for executives, including handling incoming and outgoing communications, managing projects, and scheduling travel.
- Virtual Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Design Administrative Assistant
As an educator or trainer, you’ll help teach people new skills. You can work as a corporate trainer, part-time professor, coach, tutor, or instructor.
- Instructional Designer
- IELTS Tutor
- High School Teacher
- Reskilling and upskilling is in demand- Develop relevant & trending skills, always be learning. Invest in you!
Upskilling– the process of learning new skills so you can do the same job, or of training people to do the same job
Reskilling- the process of learning new skills so you can do a different job, or of training people to do a different job
Right skills and competencies can help you get your dream job.
As world witness technology and the digital landscape change, some jobs are going to become less relevant while others are going to suddenly become crucial. Skilling, reskilling and upskilling is the new norm to stay afloat in this era of rapid change.
So, it would be a good idea to have trending and relevant skill sets on your resume.
Subscribe to online courses and certifications from numerous edutech websites to hone up your skills and highlight in your resume to get hired.
Moreover, companies will be focusing on following Behavioural competences in the candidates, hence its good time to reflect on them.
- Complex problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- People Management
- Emotional Intelligence
- Decision making
- Negotiation
- Prepare for interviews
Online video interviews are new normal, companies are taking the final decision without meeting candidates in person. Hence, it becomes important to prepare for a new normal – prepare for video interviews.
Before Your Video/Online Interview
1. Hardware Device- If you have multiple devices (such as a computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.), choose the one you are most comfortable with — and the one with the most reliable technology. For most, a computer will be best. If necessary, invest in purchasing — or borrowing — the best technology to use for the interview.
2. Location for the Interview-The ideal scenario for your interview location is a secluded room in which you can shut out distractions (and noises), control the lighting, and display a generic background. Ideally, you’ll want to have some diffused lighting so as not to create shadows or glare, plus a plain wall as your backdrop. You should also have a location in which you can be seen on camera from about the waist up.
3. Test Technology- Test your connection. Test your camera. Test your lighting. Test your sound. Test the video program. Make sure you understand how it all works. And test it all again right before the interview commences.
4. Practice One Mock Interview – Under as close to identical circumstances as possible, schedule an interview with a friend, colleague, or family member.
5. Dress Professionally/ Look Directly into the Camera
6. Have a backup plan- Have a backup plan ready if something goes wrong the day of the interview. For example: confirm with the interviewer, in advance of the interview, that you’ll switch to a phone call should technology or connection issues crop up.
7. Interview Preparations- Conduct research on the employer, prepare responses to expected interview questions, formulate a few questions you want to ask, and determine the best professional outfit for the interview.
Here are common interview questions you must prepare before giving an interview:
- Tell me about yourself?
- How would you describe yourself?
- What are your biggest achievements?
- What is your greatest failure in life?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What are your hobbies?
- Where do you see yourself five years from now?
- Describe yourself in one word?
- What is your dream job?
- Why should we hire you?
After the Video/Online Interview
1. Write a Thank-You Note- Follow up your interview with a thank-you note to your interviewer.
2. Follow-Up on Progress- The hiring process takes times, and most likely with several more rounds of interviews, so you’ll need to be patient — but that does not mean you should not follow-up from time to time to express your interest in the job.
- All the best & a few tips to stay positive
Few basic practices to stay healthy and productive amid COVID-19:
- Prioritise most important. Be patient with yourself and those around you while adjusting, and remember that it’s perfectly acceptable to prioritise the health of you and your loved ones.
- Practice patience. Stressful time, and while you may feel frustrated, it can help to feel empowered by taking action for yourself when it comes to your job.
- Stay safe & healthy. To stay healthy you need to reduce stress. Take time to focus on your mental and physical state by taking small actions such as going for a walk, drinking enough water and getting enough sleep.
