The world is going through a tough time, and things appear to be most challenging for job seekers amid rampant layoffs and business closures. Whether you are just starting your career or want to make a switch, landing a perfect job could be a distant dream. But this doesn’t mean you cannot find a great opportunity at all. Rather, the right approach can still get you one step closer to your dream job even during the pandemic era or post-pandemic recession. Here are some actionable ideas you can try.
Cultivate confidence
Even before you start hunting for an opportunity, you need to be mentally prepared for the rigors ahead because it definitely isn’t going to be easy. The best thing to do is to cultivate your confidence. Focus on your strengths and look back at your accomplishments while thinking about the challenges you have overcome successfully. The more confident you are about your career, the better you do with marketing yourself to potential employers. Working on a side hustle during this period is a good idea as it will keep your confidence going and finances on track as well.
Evaluate what you want
The next best thing to do right now is to reflect on your career and decide the direction you would want it to take in the future. Life may not be the same after then pandemic, sp you may have to realign your original goals and plans. Having a clear plan according to the current situation will let you focus your efforts in the right place. You will be able to better target your job search and apply only for only the relevant opportunities rather than panic and settle for something that wouldn’t make you happy in the long run.
Networking is the key
Pandemic or no pandemic, nothing matters more than networking to job seekers. You need to connect with the right people at the right time to land the right opportunities. While you may get messages from several recruiters after uploading your resume on a job site, you will need to filter out the right ones. The best way to find a recruiter who can genuinely help is by understanding their specialty. For example, if you are seeking a job in the legal industry, it is best to network with the recruiters who specialize in this domain. They will have the right connections and relevant experience.
Upskill while you search
A job search can get long and frustrating during a crisis like this one, so it would be best to have a plan B that keeps you sane. Consider upskilling by doing a new professional course, which can add to your prospects for finding more lucrative opportunities. There are plenty of affordable options you can find online. Rather than just concentrating on your technical and professional skills, focus on growing your soft skills as well. As you self-isolate and hunt for a job from home, read business books, attend virtual events, conferences and webinars, and listen to podcasts to stay ahead of the industry trends.
Most importantly, you need to adopt an open mind and avoid being rigid about your expectations. A horizontal career move through a profile switch may end up being the smartest decision, so be ready to embrace something different if an opportunity comes.