Since the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic there’s been nothing but bad news with regard to the Economy and the Jobs Market.
We’ve heard how there’s been over 700,000 job losses since it all started and 140,000 redundancies in June alone. We are now being told we’re in the deepest recession seen for a decade.
However, let’s remind ourselves that a decade ago we got through that recession. As human beings we are great at adapting and changing and aligning to new environments and circumstances.
Here’s a great video of Simon Sinek interviewing Brian Chesky, the Founder of Airbnb on how important it is for businesses to adapt. Now think about how you and those around you, have already adapted to this ‘new normal.’
Here are some of the changes you can make today to help you find a job:
Keep a positive mindset.
If you just react to the constant bad news and press about the lack of jobs, it will become your reality. So, keep a positive mindset and treat finding a job as your new full-time job.
Change the way you search for jobs.
Organisations are less likely to be using costly Recruitment Agencies and online advertising. Now is the time to be proactive. Start using your network to find out who’s hiring. Don’t just rely on the job search-engines. Talk to your network over the phone and online, keep connected to the world of work. Use your research skills to seek out employers and hiring managers so you can apply directly or through a recommendation.
Create a strong and appealing online profile
Use LinkedIn to showcase your transferable skills, knowledge and experience. External and in-house Recruiters actively seek out candidates using LinkedIn. It’s essential you have an engaging profile full of the key words and criteria Recruiters are looking for. That way they’ll be able to find you easily and approach you directly.
Use your network
Find out who’s hiring, get your CV in front of the right people, connect with hiring managers in the industries or companies you’re interested in.
If you go silent, so will your audience. Keep connected!
Stop searching by job title
Start searching by the skills and experience you have. If your industry is in one of the sectors greatly affected by Covid, consider where else your skills, experience and qualities may fit. This is how recruiters search for ideal candidates, so it’s a great way to ensure you are more visible to them.
Tailor your CV for every job.
Your CV has to work harder and smarter than ever before. Uploading and sending out a generic, catch all CV won’t cut it any more. Ensure you tailor every CV to reflect all the key skills, qualities, experience and qualifications they’re looking for. Your CV needs to quickly demonstrate evidence of your value and must create instant impact. If you haven’t written a CV for ages chances are, you’ll need some help. Click here to download my free CV and Cover Letter templates.
Demonstrate, don’t declare!
Your online profile and CV need to be full of evidence to demonstrate what you have achieved. Therefore, achievement statements are essential, rather than a list of duties and responsibilities. Employers want to read about the value you offer and what you can do for them. It needs to be quantifiable and qualifiable!
Get some help.
There’s a lot of free support out there. Check out the National Careers Service and the Government’s ”find a job” website. There are also lots of Universities offering free training courses including LinkedIn Learning which offers a one month’s free trial.
If you would like to explore how Career Coaching can help you, or if need a CV Review, contact me for a free 30 minute Career Coaching Conversation.
photo by engin-akyurt-unsplash
