The U.S. government estimated a 16% unemployment rate when lockdowns were first implemented in March last year. Temporary shutdowns of business establishments and manufacturing companies led many to lose their jobs. Since then, the US Census Bureau has reported that 115 million people have become unemployed. Were you one of them?
Finding a new job right now is a bit tricky. At any time anyway, looking for a job is never a walk in the park. It may seem almost impossible now, in fact. But it’s doable. There are new opportunities.
In this article, you’ll be able to learn what jobs are in demand right now. With such information, you can update your résumé according to what companies are looking for. On the plus side, you’ll get to learn how the job hunting market has changed due to the pandemic. In the process, you can improve your skills to put up with the demand.
New Opportunities — What Jobs are In-Demand Now
The manufacturing industry continues to create products that people need. Technical and industrial jobs were pandemic-proof. The demand for them is still the same before the pandemic, during the pandemic, and even now when people are less scared. Another good thing is that industries that were hit the hardest when the pandemic started are now getting back on their feet.
According to Business Insider, industries including healthcare, hospitality, and restaurant are hiring again. Restaurants are opening up again today. Thanks to the implementation of mass vaccination, almost everybody can go and dine out now. If you’re interested, you can apply as restaurant staff.
The healthcare industry meanwhile is looking for more pharmacists, medical technicians, and nurses.
Consumers’ buying habits have also caused a rise in demand for e-commerce workers. People still prefer to buy online. Jobs such as warehouse technicians, logistics staff, delivery workers, and systems analysts can fulfill this need.
Sectors in a skilled trade, freelance, gig, and on-demand work have also seen a rise in demand for their services. This could be an answer as to how many are looking for additional income as they struggle to keep food on the table for their families.
What to Do When Applying for a Job in Today’s Pandemic
An updated résumé is your first important weapon in job hunting. But don’t let that stop you. Employers don’t stop there anyway. So where do you move forward from there?
Keep yourself digitally present. There is a high rate of employers that look at their employees’ social media profiles. That doesn’t mean they don’t look at their prospective employees, too. But why?
Your online profiles reflect your brand, of who you are. Employers learn more from you with what they see in your profile even after the interview. Because of this, you need to make sure that your online profiles are managed well. Keep it impressive and updated.
Your social media connections can also help you expand your professional network. A network is crucial in reaching the job you need. It will open up venues that would enable you to unearth jobs that would’ve been unreachable. Job boards are mighty helpful, and so are professional networks.
And to finally land a job, keep your mind open. Don’t let the absence of skill stop you from getting work. If needed, take an online course. Learn about new things, especially those that employers are looking for.
For example, you don’t know what a rugged mini personal computer is. You can research it online and learn how to use one in an industrial setting. Can’t apply a pivot condition successfully in a spreadsheet? Consult your knowledge of spreadsheet software and practice on it more. Simply put, be open to learning new skills.
What Companies are Looking For
It’s clear. Job hunting has changed because of the pandemic. First off, companies now require workers to be tech-savvy. Most interviews today are done through video conferencing. You should know how to join online meetings and how to configure your computer.
With that off the list, you should also highlight your crisis skills in your résumé. Provide employers with samples of previous work scenarios wherein you showed your resilience in a crisis. Better yet, tell them how you’ve handled your life before and during the pandemic.
Finally, learn how to compose cover and thank you letters. Provide a cover letter when you send your application. If you’re not hired, show them your professionalism by sending a thank you letter to the hiring manager.
Make Job-Hunting Success Your Goal
According to Forbes magazine, the average time between applying for and finding a new job is five months. That’s very long. It’s almost half a year of job hunting! It’s easy to lose hope while you wait.
To help boost your motivation, set a daily goal. Don’t spend long hours in front of your computer looking for work. Limit the time you spend on job search sites. Most importantly, practice self-care.
