How The Coronavirus Affects The Job Search - 4 Biggest Things To Anticipate If You're Job Searching Now
The DJIA plunged 1,000 points today on widespread fear that COVID-19 could quickly become an international pandemic and bring the global markets into slowdown. With unemployment sitting at 3.6% in January, the hiring markets are still strong, however for those currently on the job hunt, it would be wise to inject an increased sense of urgency into the process - to get ahead of any potential hiring slowdown that may come as a result of the coronavirus.
Here are the four biggest things job seekers will need to anticipate going into the next few months.
1) Expect A Hiring Slowdown - Now is a Good Time to Get Very Good at One or More Skills
With any hiring slowdown comes a tightening in the job markets. Employers will no longer be as aggressive in their recruitment efforts, and job openings will begin to disappear. Therefore, if you are currently employed, now is a good time to focus on your craft and get very good. Invest in the requisite courses and books to take your skillset to the next level - become indispensable to your organization. This way, if a hiring slowdown turns into a need for company's to restructure, you have done all you can to bring as much value as possible.
2) More Job Interviews Will Start Happening Over Skype or Other Video Conferencing Platforms
Inevitably, companies will want to protect their employees from potential spread of the COVID-19 virus. As a result, we will start to see more and more interviews happen over Skype or Zoom or any of the other video conferencing platforms. As a job seeker, this is not a time to relax though.
When interviewing for a position over Skype, make sure you pay attention to the everything in the frame - focus on your background, make sure nothing is distracting. Remember, just because your interview is over teleconference doesn't mean the hiring manager expects any less professionalism. Dress up, test your microphone, make sure your camera lens is clean and smudge-free. All common sense items, but easy to forget.
3) There Could Be Potential Layoffs - If You're Out of Work Right Now, You Need to Hurry Up and Get a Job
If there are any long-term consequences to the economy as a result of the coronavirus, layoffs become an inevitability. Therefore, if you are currently out of work and looking for employment, it is time to pick up the pace and make sure you are well-positioned in a job as soon as possible.
The worst thing that could happen is you take it easy now, and the economy slips into recession, hiring stops completely, and you're out of work for 6 months, 1 year, or longer even. So, if you're currently out of work, make the requisite investment in your resume - make sure you get it professionally-written - and execute a sound, targeted game plan to get a job as soon as possible.
4) Certain Industries and Functions Will Be Affected More Than Others - If You're A Specialist in a Specific Industry, Consider Repositioning Your Skillset
The coronavirus outbreak will affect certain industries more than others. For example, travel, hospitality, and much of the services sectors will be hard-hit by any slowdown caused by a lack of visitors and travelers. Therefore, if you have spent your entire career in the kind of industry or role that is customer service-oriented AND you are currently on the job hunt, you will want to start repositioning your skillset for a broader appeal.
How do you do this?
Think objectively about the accomplishments and responsibilities you've held in your career, and look at job descriptions for other kinds of positions, identifying areas where your skillset overlaps with what that employer is looking for.
---
If you're currently on the job hunt and need to speed up the process of finding a job, consider working with the team of professional resume writers and career coaches at Employment BOOST.
Alternatively, if your firm needs help with an upcoming reduction-in-force or layoff, contact Employment BOOST Outplacement Specialists today.
---