Finding a job in a post COVID-19 world does not have to be a complex process!
With the use of new technologies and traditional job-hunting strategies, you can make looking for a job a less stressful experience than it was in years past.
Here are five strategies to help land a new job.
1. Take inventory - You need to clearly outline all the things you want and would not want in a job before taking any action. This process can take anywhere from five to ten minutes but is worth doing because your outline provides you with your reason for waking up in the morning.
All you need to do is draw two columns on a sheet of paper. On these columns you want to write the following:
What I want in a job | What I don’t want in a job
The idea here is that you list the factors that matter you during a job search.
Remember that being comfortable with saying no is just as powerful as saying yes during your job search.
You want to ensure you avoid resentment down the line by taking the job that offers you the best for your situation.
The outline may help you figure out that you dread commuting and calling strangers to sell a product. You can now eliminate those jobs that involve those two responsibilities from your search since you know they are not a fit.
At the same time, you can also hone in on jobs that offer work from home options, as this brings you closer to what you want for your career.
2. Perfect your elevator pitch - This is a newer job strategy that will separate you from your peers. Marketing guru and business executive Seth Godin summed up the elevator pitch the following way:
A great elevator pitch gives an employer an idea of what you bring to the table and how your skills can help them.
Now you might not be able to deliver an elevator pitch in-person because of the lack of in-person networking events, but you can still send employers your video elevator pitch via email or LinkedIn. You can create great elevator pitches by using this formula:
Intro - “Here at [company name], I know they need… [2-3 things that they need]”
Body - “I offer x,y, z [how your 2-3 relevant skills will help them]”
Close- “Would you be willing to talk more about how I can be a fit [conclude with intent to meet again]”
An organized elevator pitch will show employers you took time to understand not only their needs, but the needs of their clients. Even before interviews start employers will have the impression that you’re detail-oriented and take a customer-centric approach to service.
And there’s no better way to start an interview with an employer then when they already having a favorable impression of you.
3. Update your data - Be sure to update your resume and other online professional profiles. Rule of thumb is, according to career coach Lori Bumgarner, to “update your resume every six months”. The reason being is that “updating your resume not only helps you stay prepared for the unexpected, but it also gives you a sense of achievement, rejuvenates you, and helps you brainstorm future work opportunities and projects. ”
This strategy offers a safeguard for you in case you lose your job or even have to apply internally for a promotion. Also, by keeping your data updated it also allows you to reflect on previous job experiences and any lessons you took away from those roles. You can then add these reflections to the growing list of compelling work experiences you can share with employers.
4. Leverage your network - Use your network to your advantage! Ask yourself about the people, organizations, and schools you interacted with at some point in time.
If you just graduated high school or college, usually you have access to alumni specific job boards looking to fill positions. You can also ask teachers or professors as well, oftentimes they have friends in the private sector looking to hire students.
Don’t forget about non-profits or religious organizations. These organizations offer careers for those that want to make a difference locally or even nationally. Oftentimes you can find new opportunities on their website or by asking the individuals involved if they’re hiring.
Another area to look for job opportunities is via your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to talk to your friends and family about what you do and what skills you offer. You never know if your friend or relative knows a business owner or manager that needs someone with your skillset. It’s best to leave no stone unturned in your job hunting process and friends and family are an invaluable part of your network that you must start utilizing!
5. Use niche job search sites - In addition to using a company website and job search sites like, Nexxt, Careerbuilder, and ZipRecruiter try using job search sites that target specific fields.
These sites provide you with more job listings that most traditional job seekers are not privy to.
Job hunting does not have to be a complex process. If you find yourself in this predicament, recall that the most important step in this process is to realize what you want (or don’t want) from your next job. From there you can establish your video elevator pitch on how to add value so that companies are compelled to hire you. Remember that these strategies only work if you also do your part in updating your resume and online presence to ensure you provide employers with the most accurate information possible. Be sure to also leverage the networks and job search sites you have available to you as they provide another way to secure interviews. Trust in the process and best of luck with your job hunt!
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