2020 brought about quite a few changes in almost every aspect of daily life from grocery shopping to working. And while the most obvious change for many has been remotely working from home there have been so many other changes, especially for those on the job hunt. So how can you adapt your job hunt for 2021? We’ve broken down our five favorite ways to share with you.
Location Less Important
Piggybacking off the changes we saw in 2020, the majority of companies continue to remain with some sort of remote workforce. What this leads to is a bevy of new options when it comes to companies job seekers can consider since they’re no longer restricted to those within a commutable distance. Even if a role isn’t listed as being a remote role, it’s still worth reaching out to the recruiter to see if they would consider it. After a year of working from home, many companies now have an infrastructure that supports that continuing even when we begin to return to our offices.
Invest in Standing Out
In such a competitive market, it can be advised that you need to look for ways to stand out from the crowd of other applicants. While personal referrals still hold strong as a great way to get your foot in the door. With all the extra time you’re likely spending at home, take a look at some job postings for your dream job or dream company. What are those extra skills the job asks for that you might not have? Now is a great time to sign yourself up for an online course to build that skill set. Many local community colleges have moved their continuing education classes online or sites like Coursera are a great way to get a certificate or even an advanced degree entirely virtually.
Remote Interviewing Here to Stay
By now you’ve probably got your remote workspace set up to your liking. But what works for your day-to-day role isn’t always the same as what works for a phone or video interview. Consider things like is the quietest space or how is the light? It should also be where you have the most consistent internet connection or phone reception (those aren’t always the same space). Our best suggestion is to ask a friend, mentor, or relative to do a dry run with you prior to any interview so you can test all these things so no problems arise in the midst of a conversation with a potential employer.
Enhance Your Digital Footprint
Recruiters are relying more on more technology to source candidates. Because of this, you need to take extra steps to make sure your digital presence is working for you not against you. First, are all your profiles up to date with experience, skills, and education? Are your photos recent and on-brand to what you’re trying to portray? Also, consider new places to engage with potential employers that you haven’t before. One of our favorite things you can do to give yourself a bump is to create your own personal website to expand on your professional history and build a portfolio of work beyond your resume.
Consider Other Industries
While some industries or roles might’ve been rolled back during the pandemic, there’s no shortage of opportunities elsewhere. When you think about the companies or sectors that have seen growth over the last year, those are likely to be the ones hiring now. Specifically, think of looking for jobs in e-commerce, tech, telecommunications, and healthcare. The need is there and they are likely moving quickly to meet the increased demand.
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