The Candidate Prep Kit for Finding a Job During COVID 19

The COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in the employment scene, owing to companies closing down, employers laying off workers to cut costs, and the demand being in very specific niches that involve digital skill and expertise. These new trends brought about by the pandemic have made it a challenge of candidates to find and access employment opportunities — but hard does not mean impossible. 

There are still ways that you can adapt to the current trends and increase your chances of finding a job that’s right for you amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We lay down all the tips in this article. 

Be Present on LinkedIn 

If you haven’t been using LinkedIn for your job search, it might be high time for you to create an account and be on the radar of potential employers. Because the hiring process has mostly transitioned to the online sphere, LinkedIn has become a very important platform for both employers and job seekers. Make sure that you spruce up your LinkedIn account and include information that potential employers will find engaging and attractive. Include the following: 

• Your work experience - include the names of previous companies you have worked for, your roles, skills, abilities, training, and total years of employment. 

• Your profile picture - choose a profile picture that looks professional and attractive to potential employers. Remember that first impressions count, so choose a picture that makes a good initial impression. 

• Your profile heading - in the heading section of your profile, add your location and job title. This will make it easier for employers looking for candidates in your line of work or area to find you. 

• Your bio - In the “About” section of your LinkedIn profile, make sure to include a summary of who you are, what you do, your background, experience, expertise, and skill sets. 

• Your availability status - LinkedIn provides the option of setting whether you are actively looking for a job or not. Make sure that you switch on “open to new opportunities.” 

• Your endorsements - Within your LinkedIn profile, you can add a list of people who can recommend you for jobs that you are applying for. 

Update Your CV 

Despite the hiring landscape changing, a CV is still an important part of the application process. You need to make sure that you’re conducting the best practices to make your CV valuable and attractive to potential employers. 

• Keep it short - even if you have a whole list of job experiences and educational attainments, keep your CV concise so that reviewers will be more engaged to skim through it. Only include relevant information and highlights — the rest can be discussed in your cover letter or interview. 

• Format properly - choose a format and theme that is easy on the eye. Use free online tools to create your CV template and make sure that it’s aesthetically pleasing and most of all, easy to read. 

• Include important information chronologically - your CV should follow this flow of information: contact details, summary, career history, education, professional qualifications, hobbies and personal interests. 

• Proofread - make sure that your CV is complete and free of any grammar or spelling errors. Proofread it a couple of times or ask a friend to take a second look. 

Prepare for Your Interview 

Most interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic are held virtually — and that might be another challenge for you. Take these tips to prepare well for a virtual interview: 

• Check your Internet connection - make sure that you have a good connection during your interview and that your laptop or computer is functioning properly. Test your audio and video settings to make sure that nothing goes wrong during the interview.  

• Dress appropriately - just because you’ll be home during your interview doesn’t mean you can dress in your house clothes. Dress in professional attire from head to toe. 

• Be early - enter the meeting room a few minutes before your scheduled interview. Being early always makes a good impression on potential employers. 

• Watch your body language - make sure that you’re making a good impression with your eye contact and body language. Use facial expressions, gestures, and adjust your intonation to reflect well on video. 

Finding a job during a pandemic is not impossible. It just requires a different set of skills and preparation techniques. Take our tips to ace your job search! Looking for new opportunities? Browse our job portal today.