I think we all can agree COVID-19 completely threw us for a loop in 2020. Thousands lost jobs and the economy suffered significantly. Now, as the economy rebuilds, many job seekers are trying to figure out what has changed in the hiring process and how to effectively job search. If you are in the market for a new job, check out these five ways to navigate a job search post-pandemic.
Research Job Market Trends
Researching the job market in your field will give you:
- A good idea of which job roles are suitable for you.
- A good idea of which industry sectors you should target.
- An idea of what industries are thriving and which are shrinking.
- A competitive edge when going on interviews because it shows initiative.
Effectively Prepare for Virtual Interviews
Social distancing has made virtual interviews more common than ever before. Although many will interview virtually for the first time, hiring managers and recruiters are still seeking the same interview etiquette virtually, which can be successfully done by:
- Conduct video and audio checks at least 15 minutes before the interview.
- Conduct lighting and background checks to ensure you can be seen and that there are no distractions.
- Dress as if you are interviewing in person because appearance still matters.
- Ensure your resume is up to date and highlights your skills and education concisely.
Expand Your Network
Networking helps over 80 percent of job seekers get their foot in the door. This alone speaks volumes to the power of connecting with other professionals. According to review42.com, it was also found that:
- 70 percent of people found a job through connections a company.
- 80 percent of professionals believe that career success can be elevated through professional networking.
Ways to Network
- Join clubs or organizations at your current or former institutions/employers.
- Join professional associations and attend conferences, workshops, and networking events.
- Join relevant LinkedIn groups for your alma mater or career field. Consider joining the UMGC Alumni LinkedIn Group today to network with over 15,000 UMGC alumni.
Remember: When networking, it’s important to develop a strategy to effectively develop relationships and overall to grow as a professional. Are you interested in learning more about networking?
Utilize and Maximize LinkedIn
LinkedIn has become the hotspot for all things professional development and networking. Did you know over 700 million users and 20 million jobs are on LinkedIn? This professional networking site is a great place to seek out professionals in the field, apply for suitable jobs at a variety of employers, and establish a professional online presence, which will open the door to endless possibilities for future employment. If you are interested in learning more about how you can utilize the power of LinkedIn, check out our recent article on Four Ways To Leverage Your LinkedIn Profile.
Attend Virtual Career Fairs and Hiring Events.
As we are still determining what the new normal will look like, companies and organizations are predominately hosting career fairs and hiring events virtually. It is popular for companies to host intimate hiring events for specific roles, which is a great way to network with people who have the same positions of interest in mind. You can find virtual career fairs and events by doing a simple online search or by checking out websites like Eventbrite! Register today for the upcoming UMGC Virtual Recruiter Session on June 25.
Job searching can be challenging, tiring, and time consuming, but with consistency, determination, and an effective job search strategy, you will be on your way to your next career opportunity! As always, keep in mind that UMGC Career Services is here to help you plan and achieve career success. Make an appointment with a Career Advisor today.
Alyssa K. Cole is a career advising specialist with UMGC Career Services. She holds a Master of Arts in Education from Louisiana State University, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and is the CEO of AKC Career Consulting, which is a writing and career consulting agency that provides affordable assistance to college students, recent graduates, and entry-level working professionals.
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