COVID-19 continues to dominate the news cycle and raise important questions around how the impending conclusion of the furlough scheme will impact employment as a whole. The spread of this deadly virus has more recently caused the cancellation of many events and conferences, and many employers have asked their workforce to work from home or may have placed you on furlough. So what are your options and how will Covid-19 impact my job or job search?
In this piece, the ROAR Recruitment team will seek to offer invaluable advice on how you can best position yourself for success during an unpredictable and challenging period ahead.
Currently seeking new opportunities?
At the start of 2020, the UK witnessed a record-high employment rate of 76%. Who was to predict what materialise throughout the ensuing months, it’s impossible to even guess how many may now face unemployment.
If you’ve been made redundant or fear your furlough scheme may result in the loss of employment then this part is directed at assisting YOU with your job search.
Actively searching and scouring for a new job or career amid such an unprecedented chaotic period can inevitably have you left feeling confused.
Previously candidates only had the fear of healthy competition, now there’s Covid-19 that’s also having an impact on your job search. With the way we changing and adapting to the conditions we find ourselves within, both you and the companies you apply to will have to figure out whether you’re a good match for one another – especially if remote working is a key part of the role.
So, if you are job hunting, remember to keep active with…
- Keep applying. If you’ve not heard back from an employer in some time, don’t be disheartened and certainly don’t sit around waiting. It’s important to maintain momentum by applying for various jobs that match your skills, experience and qualifications. Prospective employers, while they may want to get new hires on board pronto, will have a long list of applicants to consider. Set a daily application goal, then make sure you’re smashing it. Remember, if the worst-case scenario is too many interviews or job offers, you’re certainly doing something right.
- Re-evaluate regularly. Focus your search, review your existing CV, cover letter and the jobs you’re applying to every week. Applying for several roles is good, but a one-size-fits-all method rarely works. Ask: are the jobs you’re applying to a good fit for your skills, background and experience? Is your CV attractive to employers based on their job ad? Does your cover letter expand on your qualities and the specific role? If the answer is no to any, devote some time to finessing your approach. If you’re struggling, the team at ROAR can assist with composing a CV to catch the eye.
- Tailor your CV and cover letter. Make a point of updating your CV and cover letter for each job application. Really, we mean every one. Review the job posting, add the relevant keywords to your CV. Then speak to exactly what they’re looking for in your cover letter.
- Boost your income. While job hunting, be sure to consider part-time, remote or gig work – until an offer emerges. Doing so keeps your skills sharp, and provides extra pay. It might also stop you accepting a job out of sheer desperation.
What to consider if your current employer or new employer asks that you work from home…
- Think about what you’ll require to complete your duties. First, ask your employer if they’ll provide specific software or office equipment to fit out your ‘home office’. Make a list of items you may need – from obvious (laptop, charger) to seemingly insignificant (pens, notebooks). There’s plenty of stuff you shouldn’t front the cost of, though many workplaces won’t think to supply, unless asked.
- Find a quiet and harmonious space at home. If you haven’t worked at home before, you’ll soon learn a big factor for productivity is a quiet and harmonious space, free from distraction. Find a place away from family, TV and other noise, and ask your loved ones to respect this space as your office. That being said, set clear boundaries to avoid overworking – such as shutting down your computer at a fixed time, or setting your work phone to airplane mode once you’ve clocked off for the day.
- Be patient. Replacing the office with a non-social home working environment is a big adjustment. So give it time. And be aware you may become lonely. Video calls are no substitute for an in-person chat, after all. If you’re able to get out and socialise in a responsible way, do so. Otherwise, schedule time for exercise as often as you can. This alone will help lift your mood, and may also up your productivity.
With light at the end of the tunnel, it will bot be long until Covid-19 has no impact on your job search. Now is the best time to review your CV and start applying for your dream role.
