The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, with jobs being a big part of that equation. As a new college graduate just starting out in your career, you already have enough challenges that you may be facing when you’re looking for a job, particularly if you’re trying to determine how to get a job faster. After all, you may be up against many dozens of other equally qualified applicants for the same position. Don’t be discouraged, however. We have several tips for how to get a job faster during the pandemic. In fact, you may even be able to use some of the current challenges to your advantage by looking at the glass half full.
Understand That More Recruitment Is Happening Online
Prior to COVID-19, more and more companies were shifting their recruitment process to utilize online resources. Now with lockdown regulations and social distancing measures in place, most companies are primarily relying on the internet as their main tool during the recruitment process. Keep this in mind as you begin your job search and ensure that your online presence is strong and professional. Take advantage of the online resources that are available and that can help connect you with recruiters.
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Brush up on Your Virtual Interview Skills
You may have already practiced your interview skills through a mock interview, but these days, most interviews are happening virtually through video conferencing software. Practice your virtual interview skills before the real thing, because this is a completely different process than interviewing face-to-face. You’ll also want to ensure you won’t run into any technical difficulties when it’s time for a real interview, and a mock virtual interview gives you the opportunity to test out your microphone and speakers and ensure that you’re familiar with the software you’re using.
How to Get a Job Faster — Get Used to Networking Online
Prior to the pandemic, online networking with platforms like LinkedIn were only a small portion of meeting like-minded professionals, making solid connections and finding job leads. Many people rely heavily on face-to-face interaction, in-person conferences, job fairs, and other forms of networking when it comes to finding a job. Although restrictions on in-person events are beginning to ease, it is still unlikely that mass gatherings and in-person networking opportunities will resume anytime soon. If you haven’t already, start to become more comfortable with networking online, as this may be your only form of networking for a while.
It can be discouraging initially if you’re not used to online networking. After all, there can be challenges with networking online, and for some, it can feel less personal. Use platforms like LinkedIn and register for online conferences to begin making connections with key individuals in your industry. You can even ask the people you meet online to discuss your goals further via video chat, which can help put a face to the name and ensure you don’t get lost in a plethora of other networking messages and emails.
Be Open to Telecommuting, and Highlight Your Ability to Work Remotely
With so many companies switching strictly to a virtual office amid the pandemic, it’s important to be open-minded about telecommuting if you haven’t been before. Some people love the idea of working from home due to its convenience and improved work/life balance, while others find it to be distracting and disconnecting. If you’re the latter, consider taking on a remote role if you’re looking to find a job quickly. This will open up many more opportunities — not only does the availability for remote work mean you could possibly find a job with a local company that has switched to a virtual work environment, but with remote work, you can cast a wide net and apply for a job with a company that’s based just about anywhere.
If you already have experience working remote, make sure employers and recruiters know. This is a great tactic when you are trying to figure out how to get a job faster. Include relevant keywords in your LinkedIn profile, resume, and cover letter. Highlight your familiarity with the technical aspect of working from home, such as proficiency with video conferencing tools and other collaboration software. Put a positive spin on working remotely, and share that you’re organized and able to meet deadlines, even when you’re not physically working in the office.
Follow Companies That Are Actively Hiring
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies had to lay off team members. Others had to seize operations completely. And in an effort to stay afloat, some companies didn’t necessarily lay off workers, but they put hiring freezes in place with no intentions to grow their teams anytime soon.
Other companies, however, remained unscathed and continue to thrive. They continue to grow their teams and are consistently posting new job openings. Even if certain companies aren’t currently hiring for a role that you’d be interested in or that you’re qualified for, keep an eye on them anyway if they are actively growing. Because they are continuing to add to their teams, it may be only a matter of time before they add a job opening that’s perfect for you, and you’ll want to be in the know as soon as a relevant opening becomes available. The point is, if you’re looking for a way for how to get a job faster, be proactive.
Turn to Social Media for Available Job Opportunities
It has been reported that approximately 58 percent of recruiters are taking advantage of social media platforms to recruit new talent. Aside from networking with individuals on social media, you’ll also want to follow the companies you’re interested in, as these platforms may be the first place they post about new job openings. You can also search relevant hashtags to find companies and job roles that you didn’t even know about, but that may be a perfect fit for you.
Be More Open-Minded About Employment Opportunities in General
Some people are focused on very specific goals, and they know what type of job they must land or what company they need to work at to start on their carefully planned career track. However, with the challenges that so many people are facing with the COVID-19 pandemic, now could be a good time to reevaluate your goals and consider being more open-minded about the types of roles you take on. The less particular you are, especially if you are willing to take on a remote role, the easier it will be for you to tackle how to get a job faster during the pandemic. And, who knows? The job you eventually find may put you on a new career path that’s even better than the one you initially planned for.
Upgrade Your skills
Many people have a lot more free time on their hands due to COVID-19 restrictions, but use this extra time to your advantage by learning new skills. This can help you become a more desirable candidate, and you’ll be more qualified for more positions.
Enroll in a Free Course Today
Simplilearn offers a collection of free courses that can help you learn new skills and expand on what you already know. Having a wide variety of complementary skills is a great way to ensure that you know how to get a job faster. The free resources available through our SkillUp program can equip you with what you need to land your dream job. There is a wide selection of disciplines you can learn about for free, including cybersecurity, data science and business analytics, digital marketing, software development, DevOps, project management, and much more. What are you waiting for?