Buzz
If you're seeking a new job, the recent global developments might have you reconsidering your career choices. Many businesses have paused their hiring efforts, unemployment numbers have surged, and individuals navigating the unemployment systems deserve commendation for their perseverance.
Is it even worth applying for a job at this point? It’s not hopeless, but there are important considerations to keep in mind before submitting that next application.
If you're employed but seeking something better
Don’t abandon your job search, but if you’re currently employed, it’s wise to hold onto that position for as long as you can.
“It’s undeniably a tough time to secure a new job,” said Amelia Green-Vamos, a career trends expert at Glassdoor, which found that more than half of employers have halted hiring during the pandemic.
“If your job is in an industry heavily affected by COVID-19... and you’re employed, it’s probably safest to hold onto your position until we have more clarity,” said Misty Frost, CEO of healthcare education company Carrus.
However, the relative stability of your current job shouldn’t lead to complacency. “It’s crucial to stay updated on industry demand and how your skills and expertise are valued,” Green-Vamos noted. “Understanding this demand will help you plan your next steps.”
Frost recommended job seekers to focus on sectors that are likely to grow during and after the pandemic, particularly education and healthcare.
“Healthcare was expecting the creation of nearly two million new jobs by 2028, and this was before we had knowledge of the coronavirus,” Frost explained, giving one example. “Now we’re observing an increased demand not just for doctors and nurses, but also in supporting roles like patient care technicians, medical assistants, and pharmacy technicians, to name just a few.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides insights into industry-specific hiring trends in its monthly Current Employment Statistics Highlights report (here’s the March report). Glassdoor also shares a monthly job market report that can be filtered by region and industry.
If you’ve just lost your job
“Be patient and remember that while the job market may seem unpredictable right now, there are still companies actively hiring skilled workers,” said Green-Vamos. “Set up job alerts, update your resume, and reassess the skills that added value to your previous role and consider how they could transfer to a new position.”
Green-Vamos also recommended considering positions that might be adjacent to those you believe you qualify for, as many of your skills can be transferable to not only other roles but across various industries as well.
While you’re unemployed, it might be a good idea to look into opportunities for acquiring new skills. While there are formal job training and reskilling programs that take less than a year to complete, Frost mentioned that you might not be able to access those until pandemic restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, online courses could help you pass the time and address any skill gaps you’ve noticed.
Remember, this situation is temporary
Though the job market may seem bleak at the moment, keep in mind that the current circumstances won’t last forever. “Despite the recent rise in layoffs, there are industries that will still need workers now and will require even more after the pandemic,” said Frost.
If you’re out of work and able to take on a side job or part-time role during the pandemic, don’t be concerned about any gaps it may create in your resume, Green-Vamos advised. “Instead of hiding unrelated temporary or gig work, be upfront with recruiters and hiring managers to help them understand your work experience,” she explained. “Additionally, highlight how the skills and experience gained from these roles can be applied to the full-time position you’re applying for.”
She added that the determination and resourcefulness required to find temporary work shows your work ethic, so don’t shy away from it.
“One of the common pieces of feedback I hear from employers is that many of the critical positions they’re looking to fill require not only strong interpersonal skills but also the ability to take initiative,” Frost said. “A temporary job is an excellent way to showcase that self-starting attitude employers highly value.”
