There is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted the current job market. As employees are going through salary cuts and facing layoffs, getting a new job might get difficult.
Over the last few months, the hiring process has slowed down. But it doesn’t mean that there are no job opportunities. Some companies are looking for candidates in different domains. The most popular ones among them are contractual jobs and project-based roles. In the current market scenario, the demand is less and the supply is high. This has resulted in stiff competition between the candidates. They must stand out from the crowd in order to secure the job.
So, here are some tips that will help you stand out in this competitive job market of COVID-19 crisis:
Create a focused strategy
You must focus on applying for a job relevant to your role and experience during the COVID-19 crises. If you apply to jobs without looking at their relevance, it will take up a lot of your time and not give you expected results. It is a common mistake made by new job seekers. They apply everywhere without considering the relevance to their profile. If you want to get better results, you need to focus on specific things like narrowing down the search to companies that are actively hiring now.
Improve the resume
Use the time that you have saved for improving your resume. You have to use a fresh approach focusing on highlighting your accomplishments and skills. Highlighting your growth as a performer and a learner will help you stand apart from the competition. You should talk about the short-term achievements you had in relation to the projects you worked in previous organizations. Show to the recruiters that you are an asset to the company and have the flexibility to adapt as per the work requirements. Make sure that you customize your resume for every single application.
Prepare for the interview
Because of the lockdown, companies are now conducting virtual interviews for hiring candidates. It is important to understand how to work with virtual interviews. You have to dress appropriately as you would do for a traditional face-to-face interview. Also, check your internet connection and don’t have a messy background.
Take an online course
Now that you are stuck inside the home, it’s time for you to expand your knowledge. For this, you can take online courses that can make you marketable and relevant to the employers. Learning new skills applicable to your new role will add value to your resume. Also, employers prefer candidates who are willing to learn and can fit in different roles.
If you are unable to decide what course you should go for, here is a simple tip. Take a look at the job description at the company you want to work for. See what qualities and skills they are looking for. This will provide you with a clear idea of in-demand skills and help you choose a course accordingly.
No one can tell for sure when the market will get back to its normal shape. This is why it is important for you to upskill and be ready for whatever lies ahead. Take a look at all the courses available here and get started with the process of revamping your resume.