Tips for Finding a New Job During Lockdown

Woman applying for jobs from home

So you’re a graduate student that just finished their degree and want to start looking for jobs.

Maybe you were in your job for years and recently got laid off. Now what?

Well, the bad news is that right now we have all been struck by a global pandemic that is making getting a job, amongst other things, ten times harder. The good news is that there are still plenty of companies hiring for remote positions. But in order to succeed in your remote job search you have to know where to look and be smart enough to know how to grab a recruiter’s attention through an email, social media, etc. Keep reading to know some tips for finding a new job during lockdown and how to tailor your job search to meet your employer’s needs.

1. Learn how the job search game has changed

During the Coronavirus pandemic, employers have had to learn how to continue with the hiring process without breaking the social distancing rules. This means that now, every single step; from the job application to the final interview, has to be done remotely. If you want to apply for jobs during lockdown, you will have to know where to look for jobs (job sites, companies’ websites, social media…) and how to master your remote interview and look like it’s not the first time you’re doing one.

One step that is known to help a lot of job hunters find a job is networking. And whilst you might think that right now networking events are off the cards in your remote job search process, they’re really not! Sure, the traditional job fairs and talks have had to be canceled, but instead, companies have organized webinars and online talks that anyone can attend. Taking part in them allows you to engage with the company and follow-up through email or social media afterward to let them know how much you enjoyed the webinar. This will most likely start a conversation and will be a great way to show how motivated you are to work for them, how much you respect their values, how skilled you are for the position, etc.

2. Learn a new skill during lockdown

One of the questions that’s going to become a common one in interviews is ‘What have you done during lockdown?’. The thing is, employers are looking for proactive and driven people who are actively working towards getting a job. They don't want to hire candidates who have spent their lockdown sitting on the couch watching the Harry Potter movies back to back on Netflix. They are looking for people who use opportunities —like having a month off due to a global pandemic— to grow and exercise their minds.

So, in a job interview, it is likely you are going to be asked if you used your time in lockdown to learn a new skill like study a language, take an online course, etc. Make sure you develop your skills during this time off as it will help you immensely when finding a new job, not only for your knowledge and career, but also to prove to your recruiter you’re an ambitious and enterprising person.

3. Look for remote job positions 

During the months following the pandemic, companies are going to be advised to continue working from home (if they have the means to do so) so you are more likely to get an offer if you search for remote job positions. Areas such as Marketing, Consulting, Education, and Tech are a few that are currently looking for freelancers or fixed-term employees to work from home. It also goes without saying that having previous experience in these areas will be key to finding a new job at this very moment.

In some industries, though, remote positions are not a thing as they require manual work. Job offers in the Manufacturing industry, for example, are the ones that are probably going to take the longest to fill. However, not being able to find remote jobs shouldn't set you back because there are plenty of companies that will be hiring after the pandemic. Meanwhile, you can create a website and offer a course in your expertise in an area for those that want to learn about your industry!

4. Send speculative applications

By sending speculative applications I mean getting in touch with a company you’re interested in and asking whether they have a suitable job for you, in spite of not advertising a particular vacancy on their website or job sites. Doing this increases your chances of finding a new job as you’re not only applying on job postings, but in addition you’re creating job opportunities for yourself by sending your resume and a cover letter to a company. Speculative applications not only increase your chances of landing a job but also demonstrate initiative, keenness, and proactivity, all necessary traits for a successful employee.



Keep reading: Here’s How Long It Really Takes To Get a Job

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