27 Apr Finding A Job During a Pandemic

The world of finding a job and the world at large are very different than they were just two months ago, and finding a job during the COVID-19 pandemic is a unique challenge. Many employers have instituted temporary hiring freezes or closed altogether, making job hunting a much more strategic and trying task.

However, some employers and industries are still hiring in full force or at partial capacity. A candidate with the right skills and experience will still be worth the hire for a company, nonprofit organization, or governmental entity.

Here are some tips for job hunting during a time of remote work and social distancing.

1. Think about whether remote work is possible for the job to which you’re applying.

Many office jobs are fully workable from home if you have a reliable computer, a phone, and an internet connection. A fulltime job as an assistant teacher at a daycare? Maybe not so much. Be sure to consider whether the job you are thinking of applying to is workable in a remote setting before you spend your time applying. It is possible some job postings will explicitly say that this is possible, but some others may require independent consideration from the job seeker.

You can also feel free to reach out to the job poster about remote possibilities or to ask during the interview process. Though not all jobs are offering remote work, it is certainly more likely now with pandemic concerns.

2. Pay attention to the posting date when you find a job.

When was this job posted: in late February or in mid-April? If the job was announced before the realities of the pandemic and social distancing set in across the United States, it is very possible that the hiring team did not fully realize the scope of what was to come. Many jobs with older postings may still be hiring, but it’s worth an extra moment of consideration to think about whether the job would still be open and whether the organization would still be actively hiring. If there’s contact information available on the posting for someone in the organization, reach out! Beyond this, a safer bet for active hiring lies in jobs posted more recently, amidst social distancing. These jobs are more likely to be from employers who are willing to hire during remote work conditions and allow you to start work on a remote basis.

If there is not a date available on the platform where you found the job, check if the job is posted on another website. There may be a date posted on another site that will provide some information on the posting date.

3. Be flexible on the type of job and the industry.

Given the complexity of the situation currently, flexibility on the type of job and industry may be necessary to secure stable employment quickly. Think about the range of skills and background you have, and how they could be applied in a new way! Remember to try multiple, targeted searches rather than one overly narrow search or one overly broad search. Think about new industries where you can apply your expertise, even if you’ve worked in another industry for an extended period.

If you find a job in another industry or that’s significantly different than your current one, be ready for interview questions on these topics. As long as you have a logical answer for why you are excited about this new opportunity, this should not be a problem!

4. Apply often and check job boards regularly.

Take advantage of free time to regularly apply to jobs! It is never a bad idea to cast a wide net and apply to multiple jobs that match what you are looking for each day. Additionally, be sure to reach out to people you know and use your network to aid your search. Though job hunting is certainly difficult, you can often find a perfect opportunity and professional home through dedicated searching and applying.

5. Be sure to situate yourself as a long-term match for the role.

Employers who are currently hiring are likely aware of the tenuous economic situation. As such, most employers will want to avoid costly transitions and re-hires in the upcoming months, and will want to hire team members who are a long-term match for the role. Be sure to emphasize your intent on being a long-term team member in your application and cover letter for each job, especially if you are switching to a new role or new industry. This will give the hiring manager or committee a sense of ease and avoid a sense of worry that you are a temporary hire.

6. Try to find a job that will last after the pandemic.

Though the pandemic might seem endless now, there will likely be a time when remote work is not so extensive. While any job is better than no job, try to find a job that will last after the current crisis subsides. This will create longer-term stability and could lead to an amazing job even after the COVID-19 outbreak!

For more information on where to find jobs, visit this page! Happy Job Hunting!