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While it might seem like every business is laying off employees, filing for bankruptcy, or closing forever, there is hope for finding a job soon. It just might not be the one you expected to get. Here’s how experts believe successful job seekers will navigate a post-pandemic world.
The number one piece of advice is to stay flexible. You might not be able to get the role you want or work for the company—or even industry—that you expected.
Job descriptions are changing, and the way we work is changing, too. If you can’t adapt, you’ll have a much harder time finding work.
Obviously, we aren’t going to see many networking cocktail parties in the near future. And major conferences with thousands of attendees traveling from out of state? Forget about it. That doesn’t mean your networking efforts should be put on hold, however.
Many professional groups have turned to Zoom for virtual networking events, and you should consider attending. People are also doing more networking on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook than ever before.
Continue socially distant networking so that you’ll be in a better position once the pandemic ends. Fostering those contacts now can only help you down the road.
When people panic, they get desperate. And if you feel desperate, you’ll apply to any job that’s even vaguely related to your skills. That’s a major mistake, unfortunately. You’re better off taking a focused, strategic approach to job hunting.
Do your research on which companies are thriving or expect to rebound soon. If possible, arrange for phone or video conference informational interviews to talk about the company. Only apply to positions that are actually a good fit for you.
If you’ve got some downtime because of job loss during the pandemic, use it to improve your skills. There are thousands of free classes available online to improve your existing skills or learn something completely new.
This is an ideal time to expand your competencies. Plus, focusing on a class can help give your days structure and meaning.
The best way to create a financial safety net for yourself is to have multiple streams of income. If you were laid off or furloughed during the pandemic, then you know exactly how dangerous it is to depend on a single job for your entire income.
Consider starting a side hustle—freelancing, for example, or making masks if you know how to sew. You could also pick up shifts as a delivery driver or other “gig” jobs that are booming right now.
Temporary, seasonal, and part-time employment might not further your career, but these types of jobs can bridge the gap between paychecks.
