Allan Yu
Physical distancing can equal paying attention to the news, watching Netflix movies, and looking obsessively at various fads on social media such as how to create a face mask or shield guard. It might also equal paying attention to embracing a new era of using innovative job search methods.
Even though COVID-19 has caused temporary layoffs, hiring freezes and a huge upheaval across all sectors, employers are still hiring. However, the job search methods that resulted in success just a few months ago, might not be as effective right now so it is time to find creative ways to stand out from the crowd.
Here are 3 approaches to welcome into your job search toolbox:
1. LinkedIn:
Applying to a job posting as a stranger already had very little success pre-COVID-19. Using LinkedIn was previously proven to be one of the most successful ways of securing an interview. Just a few months ago LinkedIn was not necessarily mandatory. Today it is, especially if you are aiming for remote work. If you don’t have an impressive LinkedIn profile, be sure to put this onto your “to-do” list while you are physical distancing. Start with creating a strong headline, writing an impressive “about” section and ask two of your connections to write and post recommendations about how great you are to work with. If you need to learn or review how to effectively use LinkedIn, attend an ACHĒV LinkedIn webinar
2. Video Conferencing:
The traditional techniques of networking by connecting with people in groups and or having a coffee with someone at Starbucks is no longer a possibility. Instead, it is time to learn Zoom or Skype. You will need to know these platforms for job interviews, so today instead of watching a 2-hour movie, spend 2 hours setting up a professional background in your home office area. Make sure that what a potential employer or networking contact sees behind you looks professional and well-lit. Every time you are on the camera it is still a formal interview or networking meeting, so your appearance, outfit and surroundings need to reflect this. Potential employers will be judging you visually and by what they can see around and behind you. Test out all the functionality of your video conferencing settings, including screen sharing and camera access. Be prepared to present yourself as a communications professional who can support companies to sell their services or products without any technical difficulties from your end. You need to bring the same level of enthusiasm, professionalism, and communication that you would in an in-person interview to a video conferencing platform. It is truly a new era of interviewing so be ready to Zoom or Skype.
3. Empathy:
Everyone worldwide is struggling with both personal and professional challenges because of COVID-19. Each of us has a story about how it has impacted our lives so be mindful of the fact that many companies have only recently transferred from brick and mortar offices to remote communication. Being sensitive to this global pandemic is one way to demonstrate that you are fully aware of the circumstances everyone is in. By acknowledging your understanding of these difficult times you demonstrate your emotional intelligence. This is paramount in order to be a candidate that is selected for a remote project, a delivery service job, or a frontline food service position.
Continue physical distancing and entertaining yourself with comedy and music, however also consider revising networking and outreaching approaches that make sense in our new era. You might not embrace what has happened, however, you can adopt new job search strategies that are probably here to stay.
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For more information, or to register for a webinar, or to start one-to-one career coaching with us.
