Getting a Job after the Coronavirus Pandemic

Jobseekers were put in a precarious position with the global lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses shifted from active market positions to barely-there operations, with many laying off people, hiring temporary workers, and reassessing their hiring strategies and techniques. The Covid-19 pandemic led to a crash in stock markets, increased market volatility, and small businesses’ suspension. 

Most governments across the world tried to intervene and reopen their respective economies. However, the job market was sent into a downward spiral, with job openings becoming harder to find. 

Around the world, businesses responded to the uncertainty by implementing hiring freezes, cutting costs, reducing their supply chain, furloughs, layoffs, and cutting overtime pay for employees. 

In such tumultuous times, for those who are looking for new employment, staying focused on remaining calm, positive, and actively seeking new jobs is imperative. In 2021, global markets are opening up again, and many businesses are actively rehiring. 

Let us explore best practices for getting a job after the coronavirus pandemic has shaken up the world. 

Engage Your Existing Network: 

Engaging your existing network is crucial when reaching out to people. Most human resource personnel understand that this is a difficult time, and many people may have large gaps in their employment history in 2020. Reach out to ex-employees, former and current co-workers, and old acquaintances to let them know about the type of jobs you’re looking for and your targeted companies/industries. You could also ask them for a referral or an introduction to the hiring manager. 

Actively send your resume and cover letter to these old acquaintances. Ensuring that they get a chance to read through your resume will help your chances of securing an interview. Most friends are unsure about past work and details of your work. Sending them a copy of your resume and cover letter will immediately help bridge this knowledge gap. Even if their companies are not actively hiring at the moment, it will help to get your foot in the door and your name noticed for when they start recruiting again. 

The importance of network connections cannot be understated.

Online Networking over Video and Audio: 

If you haven’t already, you should consider joining online event groups that deal with changes in market economies. Facebook and LinkedIn frequently host online events about global market strategies and rehiring techniques. Finding a way to meet recruiters and hiring managers uniquely and innovatively will further your chances of getting a job. 

If you do get introduced to someone new, keep the conversation focused around the current topics, and introduce yourself by demonstrating your expertise in the area. Posting relevant articles and blogs on current issues related to your field will also help get you noticed quickly. 

Pace Yourself Financially: 

Many jobs no longer require you to travel. However, if you need to travel for an interview or relocate, it is best to plan for it before the actual expense hits. The lockdown has been extremely hard financially, and it is best to have cash reserves ready. Due to extended unemployment and lower income, you may have damaged your credit rating by adding onto your debt load. If you need help buying a vehicle during this difficult time, you could look for financial institutions on sites such as Crediful to help with bad credit auto loans. Allowing you to get financing during the difficult periods can help you recover more quickly. Once you are in a better position financially, you can focus on paying off any debt acquired. 

Ensuring you are mobile during the pandemic can also help you get jobs that require travel to other parts of the country. Since most people are hesitant about trips currently, you may get an edge over your competition and secure a job more quickly. 

Communication: 

In case you have had an online interview recently, make sure you stay connected. Check-in with the recruiter or hiring manager via email or phone and reiterate your interest and qualifications. You could also let them know any additional skills you have since acquired to help you with the job role. When reconnecting with hiring managers, always offer to help them with an issue instead of asking them to help you. It keeps you in the forefront of their minds by showing initiative and willingness to improve yourself. 

If you have experience relevant to skills that hiring managers need, like conducting virtual meetings and leading teams remotely, this is an excellent time to share your experience. You should always remind the hiring managers and recruiters about what you can add to

their company, instead of letting them know that you need a job. Always give the recruiters a preview of what you can add if they hire you. 

While this list is not exhaustive, it does cover many essential traits of job seekers that can set you apart from the competition. Reaching out to your network, staying in constant touch, and improving your existing skill set can only help you get noticed.