Tips for Getting a Job During a Pandemic

Tips for Getting a Job During a Pandemic

Stay focused on your job search even in uncertain times.

Getting a job during a pandemic is a challenge on top of a challenge. As we saw with the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, there were significant impacts on the global economy as well as job seekers. Some companies responded to the health crisis with layoffs, furloughs, cutting hours and overtime pay, and implementing hiring freezes. Other companies, meanwhile, were actively hiring.

The lesson? If you want to know how to find a job during a pandemic, you need to be tenacious. It is absolutely possible to get hired, and we have tips that will come in handy at any time, even during a global pandemic. Follow these ways to stay positive and proactive about job searching during tumultuous times.

Get Your Resume and Cover Letter Ready

Picture this: You find a great job on Monster but you haven't updated your resume yet. You either apply with your old resume or wait until your resume is updated before applying. Either way, you're at a disadvantage. You're either selling yourself short or you're risking the job getting filled before you can even submit your application.

Do not let this happen. Update your resume and cover letter today. These two documents should always reflect your current qualifications. Don't wait until you need a new job. Anytime you have a standout career achievement, change jobs, get a promotion, etc. it needs to be on your resume. Jobs get posted and filled quickly. You need to be at the ready for all opportunities.

Customize Your Application for Each Job

Spend a bit more time on each cover letter and resume so your application has a better chance of being seen. It takes more time to modify them for each job ad, but it's necessary. When you apply to a job online, your application often goes into an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), software that reviews your resume to determine how well you’d fit the requirements of the job posting.

Lots of resumes that go through an ATS are eliminated because they don't meet the requirements the hiring manager specified, such as the right skills, education level, or job titles. The secret to getting past the ATS is written right in the job listing—keywords such as the job title, responsibilities, and skills. Don’t copy everything word for word, but make sure a majority of the most important aspects of the job are in your resume and cover letter.

Engage Your Network

During tough periods, people want to help out however they can. Let your friends and family know that you're job searching and tell them about the types of jobs you're looking for and your target companies so they’ll be on the lookout for openings. Ask them to kindly notify you if they hear of anything.

If you have professional contacts at a company that is hiring, see if they would be willing to make an email intro to people who work there. Those email intros, or having people in your network send your resume and cover letter on your behalf, can get your application to the top of the pile even if human resources isn’t done sorting through the applications that come in.

Don't hesitate to reach out to former colleagues and bosses if you see openings at their companies. They know your skills and work ethic and might be more likely to hire you over other applicants. Even if they aren’t hiring, they can be references for your other applications. Since they're in the industry, they may hear of other jobs through their own network and can recommend you.

Practice Phone and Video Job Interviews

Covid-19 saw many people switch from in-office work to working remotely, and that meant job interviews were being done by phone and video.

It can be more challenging to have a phone interview because it is harder to interpret someone’s reaction and have a conversation that flows naturally. It can be trickier to have a video interview because it can feel awkward to be on camera. Don't wait until you get called by a company—practice your interview skills regularly to improve your chances of getting a job during a pandemic. The more you can prepare, the more confident you'll feel.

Where to Get a Job During a Pandemic

Essential workers are in demand during a pandemic, so keep your eye on employers that are making headlines. If you see a job that interests you, apply as soon as you can.

Staying on top of your game is critical to any job search. Prioritize job ads that have been posted most recently because that's a sign that the company has a current role that needs to be filled. If a posting has been up for weeks, it may be less of a priority for the company right now.

Take on a Temp or Freelance Gig

If you're in between jobs, apply to temp jobs and freelance work. Not only can you earn a paycheck, it could also lead to a full-time job. Working with a temp agency is also a great opportunity to gain some in-demand skills. Demonstrate that you are flexible and self-disciplined enough to work from home, should that be required.

Learn Something New

If you have some savings and don't need a job immediately, it could behoove you to take this time to grow your skillset. Building your qualifications can open you up to more opportunities—and it doesn't have to strain your wallet. There are plenty of free or low-cost job training resources that can help you.

Get Job Search Help—Anytime!

Getting a job during a pandemic is not impossible. Want some help with your job search? Make a free profile on Monster. We can connect you to recruiters, send you customized job notifications, help with your resume, and much more.