Job Searching during COVID-19? Don’t worry, you can still find your perfect career

We live in strange times. The entire world continues to grapple with our new reality of flattening the curve and staying inside. This means there’s an entire shift on the way we operate as a society. Fortunately, we’re in the digital age, which means that it’s completely possible to continue to operate as normally as possible.

If you’re searching for a job in the time of COVID-19, it’s important to remind yourself that the landscape has now changed. For decades, it’s been a candidate-driven market. Things are shifting now amid worries about economic instability, but don’t fear. Yes, it’s true that some companies are in a hiring freeze and others are reducing staff, but there are several industries that are ramping their recruiting and hiring efforts to fill critical positions created in response to dealing with COVID. Of course, you might not be looking for something in the healthcare, delivery services, or biotech sectors. That’s okay, since there’s a way to continue to look for something in your field.

Expand your network

Now is not the time to eschew socialization, and this means ramping up your professional socializing as well. Remember that one of the most important things you can do is continue to reach out and be as social as possible. Leveraging your professional network will help you connect with others in your industry. Since more recruiters than ever use LinkedIn, use this time to make sure your profile looks amazing. Check out this article about LinkedIn self-promo tips if you’re feeling a little out of your element. Think of LinkedIn as a digital mixer to help get your name and face in front of the right people.

Use your time wisely

Digital learning is the best way to help your job effort stand out from all the rest. Earning professional credits and certifications might be the most beneficial thing you can do during the pandemic. Those merits and accolades can go a long way toward helping you find the job you’ve always wanted. With new changes to the GI Bill, you might now qualify for education benefits, which can help offset some of the costs.

Accept the new norm

As companies continue to refine their work from home (WFH) options, you might need to readjust your vision of your ideal. It’s unknown how long we’ll need to limit in-person contact, so the sooner you accept that remote work will likely be in your future, the more likely it is that you find employment. That means you need to get comfortable marketing yourself digitally. It’s possible that all of your interviews from here on out will be conducted virtually, so recognize that WFH is a skill you should be developing.

These are uncertain times, but as a veteran, you know how to adapt and course-correct midstride. Keep in mind that this is all unknown for everyone. If you feel like you’re struggling, reach out to friends, family members, and those in your professional network. Even having a cup of coffee over Skype can do a lot to reinvigorate your resolve.