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Job searching was already difficult. But with the added economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, you may be feeling a bit discouraged. At Strategic Recruitment Solutions (SRS) we are here to help you navigate the changing job market and find employment during these unprecedented times. At SRS, we work with Legal and IT Professionals and their prospective employers; however, these five tips on how to succeed, apply to everyone:
1. Job Searching through Networking and Establishing Your Brand
It is a great time to spruce up your LinkedIn profile and build your brand using social media. Ask yourself, “How do I want potential employers to perceive me? If an employer only looked at your social media pages, what would they think of you? Consider these questions, and adjust your brand accordingly. Not only should your online profile be professional, but it should also be without controversy. Once you have established a professional brand, work your contacts to see if you can determine who is hiring.
2. Take Time to Develop Your Skills
Not everyone gained additional time due to the pandemic and its layoffs, but for those that now have some surplus of time, utilize that time for professional development. Take an online course regarding a new software you’re unfamiliar with, or take time to develop a new skill or complete a certification. Every hour of knowledge you gain will sharpen your edges as a job candidate. Here is a list of free online learning that is updated continuously.
There has also been an increase in webinars and podcasts due to the coronavirus pandemic; even if you already have all the knowledge and skills you need, you should stay abreast of new developments and innovations in your field.
3. Job Searching Past Your Horizon
The pandemic has oddly helped job searching in some aspects. During various stages of the application and hiring process, because in-person interviews were required, you may have excluded out-of-state employers from your search. Now, however, with virtual interviews being the norm, there will be new opportunities. According to MoneyWise, due to job opportunities and a lower cost of living, there has been a surge in moving to five states in particular (Idaho, Oregon, Arizona, South Carolina, Washington). For those we want to continue to call Louisiana home, we are here for you.
SRS works with top corporations, legal firms, and tech companies throughout the Louisiana Gulf Region as well as nationally. If you are ready to discover new job opportunities in the Legal or IT field, our executive recruiters will assist in your job search and career path. Learn more about how we help top-tier talent achieve success.
4. Check and Polish Your Resume
Chances are, you might not have set eyes on it in a while. Now is the perfect time to both update and polish it, so your most important sets of experience, accomplishments, and skills stand out. Since most resumes are digital or coming out of an online portfolio, take this time to make sure that all items you refer to have hyperlinks attached.
5. Prepare for the Virtual Interview
The increasing necessity for distance has made the virtual interview all the more standard. Virtual interviews do have their own set of inconveniences, as it’s difficult to convey the type of person you are, your work ethic, and your outright ability to work at home. The pandemic has produced several new considerations your potential employer will want to explore.
Get ready to talk about how you handled the pandemic. Employers want to evaluate a candidate’s ability to manage stress and pressure. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses during the quarantine. This not only shows that you’re human and honest about your limits, but that you’re functional enough for the workload. If it’s a remote job, you will need solid answers on how you were able to stay motivated working from home, as well as demonstrate hat you are compfortable switching back and forth to work from home as needed.
There are so many unknowns in the current climate, and demonstrating this type of adaptability shows a potential employer that the uncertainty of things moving forward will not affect you to the point where they’re at a loss if they hire you.
5. Prepare for Behavioral Questions
Behavioral questions measure how competent you are with specific abilities, and the real answer to these questions is in the answering. There is no right way or wrong way to answer. These types of questions aim to characterize a person and sketch their personality type. Often these questions are situational, involving past work performance. Here is an example of a behavioral question, “When was the last time you messed up on a project and didn’t take responsibility for it?” The interviewer is more interested in how you answer the question than the actual event. Your answer should reveal character. What you’re capable of doing and that you have the functionality to act. Learn more about behavioral questions here.
Strategic Recruitment Solutions has been matching top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for more than a decade. We specialize in Legal and IT recruiting. Also, our industry-expert recruiters can offer insight and guidance. Call us today at 888-366-6508 to learn how easy partnering with SRS can help you reach your business goals. We offer a free resume review, which you can find more information here.