As if you needed to hear anything else about the whirlwind that is COVID-19 and the way it decimated all our plans for 2020. As if you needed a reminder of all the ways it’s dismantled many of our lives and changed the landscape of modern existence. Don’t worry - we’re here to help, not nag on about the blistering effects.
The effects of COVID-19 are visible far and wide, and one of the most apparent areas is in employment. Due to lockdowns, jobless claims in the UK have hit unprecedented levels, with the 69% increase in April being the largest on record. That means a huge number of folks are unemployed, whether it be furloughs or out-right layoffs.
If you find yourself among these, it can be easy to find yourself discouraged - if not down-right scared.
The good news is, that things are starting to change. The beginning of the end is here, as lockdowns begin to ease. As schools start to reopen and construction starts back up, everything is heading towards a sense of normality again. These lessened restrictions vary across the UK, but we’re all heading in the same direction and hopefully that will include most of us heading back to work.
Unfortunately some of us will get caught in the crossfire, so for those who find themselves out of work or who are concerned about what might be lurking around the corner we’ve put together a few pointers to help you keep your wits about you and keep unemployment at bay (for as long as possible at least).
Think of this as an opportunity to re-evaluate where you’re heading.
As you take your first steps back into the muddy waters of the job market, take a moment to consider your direction.
If you’ve been furloughed and are expecting to go back to your previous job, don’t under-prepare – many companies who originally expected to come back from this are realising they can’t hire all their staff back to full capacity. In-fact some can’t reopen at all.
Preparing to head back into the job search is daunting at any time. Now is the time to consider whether you’re going to go back into the same line of work. Is there something else you’d rather be doing? Another skill you can make use of? A dream you’ve never had time to pursue? If so, you’ve got a lot to consider.
When seeking out a job change, make sure you’ve done thorough research. What will it take for you to be successful in this new field? Determine whether you’ll need new certification, training, or experience to go in that direction.
Reach out and milk all of your connections, whether they’re personal or professional. Pick the brains of any folks you may or may not know in a new industry.
Pay attention to what jobs are currently in high demand in our current climate. Do any of them interest you? If so, pursuing these may insulate you from having to struggle through this situation again. Nothing’s guaranteed, but it may be worth examining.
It’s essential to be picky when selecting the place you’ll spend half of your week at. However, there’s no reason to be picky when sending out applications. If you see a job listing similar to what you want – apply! No harm done in attending as many interviews as possible. Best case scenario, you’ll find the dream job you didn’t know you wanted. And worst case? Your interview skills will be practiced to perfection.
Prepare for the journey.
When you’re getting ready to face up against the staunch competition, it’s imperative to make sure you have all the tools and armour ready at hand. Know what you’re going to bring to the table when you show up for that first interview – or what it’ll take to get you through the door.
Generally, even if they’re not required, certifications and online courses can help you have a leg up when compared against others competing against you. And with so many available for free or low cost, there’s no reason not to fluff your CV up a little bit with a few extra certs.
Speaking of CV’s, now is the time to make sure yours stands out from the pile it’s thrust into. Come through your existing CV for any updates that need to be made, phrasing that could be improved, or old information you could now do without. Try out a new layout or add a design flare. If you’re not visually gifted, there’s plenty of Resume Templates out there to either inspire you, or do the work for you.
Get inspiration from this Single Page Resume for Word
As another thought, since your free time has opened up, there’s no excuse not to try new things and make some extra money doing so. Look into contract jobs or part-time gigs. These sort of positions give you the opportunity to explore new industries and positions without the commitment of a full time job.
Face it, competition for jobs is going to be very high.
In 2008/09, during the last global recession, it wasn’t uncommon for employers to receive over 1000 applications to their jobs, that’s right 1000 applications for 1 vacancy!
With so many heading back into the workforce at once, it goes without saying that competition will be high. Ensure your stretch of unemployment ends sooner rather than later and start preparing now to ensure you stand out amongst the crowds. We know you’ve got what it takes to do the job well – you’ve just got to prove it to your prospective employers.
Use all tools available at your disposal. Register your newly created CV on job boards, change your LinkedIn status to available for opportunities and be organised for what’s ahead.
The two things that are most likely to effect your job search are…
Speed - The quicker you can make your job application the better. If your CV/Resume is within the first 10-20 applications received you are going to stand a far greater chance of an interview than if you are the 500th applicant to apply.
Quality - The quality of your CV/Resume matters, the other 999 applicants are your competitors, you need to make sure that your document is the one that catches the eye and makes the hiring manager want to get in touch.
Communicate - Don’t just hide behind an online application or email, recruitment is a very personal thing, make a one-to-one introduction by phone or Zoom to really highlight your skills, personality and attitude in person.
Remember that the interview landscape has changed.
Once you’ve got everything together to get you in the door for the interview, make sure that your brilliance follows through. Your performance in that chair could be what gets you the spot versus another fellow with the same qualifications. There are plenty of interview tips out there, but some of the best include: familiarise yourself with the company, prepare for typical interview questions, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.
Job interviews are not quite the same as they used to be, your body language and how you social distance when meeting employers could be taken into consideration as part of your overall interview performance. Simple things like offering a handshake or coughing could now make a difference, be cautious and show a level of common sense.
Health and safety is a very serious subject right now, so as you sit six feet away from your interviewer, or chat over video, don’t forget to ask about COVID-19 related interview questions and how they’re protecting employees. Questions you may want to consider might include:
How are you maintaining social distancing?
Will I be required to work in the office full-time?
What sort of protective gear is mandatory?
Is protective equipment provided?
Is home office equipment provided?
Remember: you want to figure out if this company is for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Do so with confidence. You’re interviewing the company as much as they’re interviewing you. Figure out if this is going to be the best fit, and you might just make a great impression, too. Proving you know your worth is rarer than you think.
Take care along the way.
Exhaustion, fatigue, low spirits – they’re all bound to hit here and there, especially when you take into account that we’re all living amidst a global epidemic. You’ll get tired out. You’ll need breaks. You’ll need rest and self-care to present your best self to a hiring manager.
Make sure you’re getting adequate sleep. If you’re struggling to get a good night’s rest, you’re not alone - two thirds of Britons are having the same problem. While stress can prevent sleep, sleep can also help ease stress. Take measures to ensure you’re getting some hours in.
Exercise, which helps with nearly everything, will help you snooze. Get your body moving at least once a day. You’ll see improvements in your mood, stress level, sleep, and your overall health. Plus, the more you move, the less guilty you’ll feel for the constant stream of quarantine snacks.
Don’t forget your hobbies. While your job search and preparation may become your full-time job, don’t forget that you had interests back when you were working. Tend to those now, if lockdown allows, and if not – find some new ones! Crafting, making music, writing, yoga, training your dog – none of these require you to leave your home.
All the struggle will be worth it.
There’s nothing easy about living during a global pandemic, and it goes without saying that being unemployed is stressful no matter the circumstances. You’re going through something completely unique. No matter how difficult it is, remind yourself that it will end! Tough times can’t last forever, and while you may be working tirelessly to find a way out of the situation – you will find it.
In a few months (we hope), when you’re leaning back in your new desk chair, paying your bills on time, and learning new skills and lessons by the day, you’ll find this was all worth it. You’ve got this.