Optimizing Your Job Search For Today’s Economy

There’s no question the job market is in pretty rough shape. As of June, the United States unemployment rate was over 11 percent. Business shutdowns due to COVID-19 mitigation are still ongoing around the country. Travel and tourism has slashed airline flights, and many of the cruise lines are selling off some of their ships to slash cost and adjust to reduced demand. And corporate layoffs are continuing, with many individuals who were initially furloughed finding their extended vacations turned into pink slips.

And yet, as dire as things may seem, this is absolutely not the time to give up on the job search. In fact, this is the time to press on even harder.

Many companies are hiring. It’s just that that the game has changed, and you need to adjust to the new reality.

Yes, several industries are still hiring. Major technology firms, as are many in telecommunications, e-commerce, and logistics. But even firms that are challenged by today’s environment still need to keep the lights on, and that means having staff to perform essential functions.

Competition for jobs is extremely fierce – working harder to get the job can pay dividends. Many people are used to posting their resume on a job board or against a job advertisement, and praying that they get a call back. That won’t work now. An unemployment four times higher than it was just five months ago can translate into an exponential increase in the number of applications. Be proactive – don’t just apply; use LinkedIn to find the likely hiring manager and introduce yourself. Work your network for a third-party introduction via a current employee or other referral.

We’re in a new state of normal, in which remote work is in vogue. Companies that have historically relied on having people in the office five days a week for nine hours (or more) per day are coming to terms with the fact that they don’t need everyone in the office to get essential work done. In a conversations with some corporate recruiting leaders I had this week, one of them indicated that that their executive leadership has come to recognize the office as a “productivity tool,” rather than an essential state of being – and their company is achieving some of their best financial results to date. Be prepared with a full home office, a door you can close, and a strong internet connection – and be clear to an employer that you’re prepared. This may also open up new geographic areas for your home office.

Certain competencies are in high demand. If you’re the kind of professional who works well under pressure, in ambiguous circumstances, and are able to effectively balance being independent and collaborative, then I’ve got good news for you. This is your moment to shine. Highlight these competencies in your resume, cover letter, and interview because these are exactly what companies need in their staff to effectively weather this climate.

Invest in yourself – skills, skills, skills! If you’ve got time to job hunt, you’ve also got time to work on your toolbox. Between EdX, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, local schools and colleges, training firms, and other providers, training has never been more widespread or available. And many government agencies offer low-to-no-cost retraining programs. More skills=more resume keywords=more opportunities to get pinged by recruiters=more potential job opportunities.

Scott Singer is the President and Founder of Insider Career Strategies Resume Writing & Career Coaching, a firm dedicated to guiding job seekers and companies through the job search and hiring process. Insider Career Strategies provides resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, career coaching services, and outplacement services. You can email Scott Singer at scott.singer@insidercs.com, or via the website, www.insidercs.com.