Tips for a Successful Job Search During the COVID-19 Pandemic

We are in the midst of a pandemic that is likely to have far reaching effects on many industries across the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to think about your job search. It is evident that many companies are putting recruitment on hold and even making staffing cuts, but some sectors are experiencing rapid growth and are recruiting for essential positions right now.

If you’re looking for a new role in biological sciences, healthcare or the tech industry, it’s likely that you will be able to find a job without difficulty at this time. However, even if you’re seeking a new position in an area that is not in growth at the moment, there are many ways to increase your chances of securing the job you want in the future.

Looking for a New Job in a Crisis

The world has slowed down, and many industries have been affected by shutdown periods, the effects of which may be long-lasting. However, there are still job opportunities out there and there are many things you can do to increase your prospects in the longer term.

• Plan ahead. While your usual activities are curtailed, you may find that you have more time to devote to your job search, and this is a good time to be forward thinking. Your CV is a good place to begin, and it can be interesting to go back to basics and identify areas of weakness and opportunities for improvement. It’s worth looking at the roles that are arising in your specialist field and considering how you can use the next few weeks to move towards your goal. Contact a recruitment agency, set up job alerts for roles you are interested in, and make a foolproof plan to maximise the efficiency of your job search. It’s also a great time to become familiar with the technology that is keeping many sectors ticking at the moment, and practising for video interviews and online meetings will give you great experience for future roles.

• Research. Now is a good time to think about your next steps in your job search, and some companies are even interviewing new candidates via video call right now. Don’t wait until the world returns to normal to think about what you want from your career, but consider how you can advance your prospects at this time. Research the companies you may be interested in applying to, and consider whether there are areas in which you could use your skillset and experience to flourish.

• Network. Whether you are able to carry out your current role from home or not, you can certainly work on your networking. Make a list of people you would like to make contact with, including those who are doing the job you want and those who can help you to get there, and get in touch while you can. Many of these people may also have more time available to them at the moment, and this could be mutually beneficial. You can optimise your social media by connecting with professionals in your industry and developing your content to engage with them on a more direct level. Increase your engagement with others in your areas of interest and make the most of tools such as video calls and online seminars to grow your network this way.

• Consider professional development. If you’re unable to work right now, you are likely to have more time than usual to undertake professional development. Take some time to research the options available in your desired field and think about how you can make yourself a more appealing prospect to a potential employer. Signing up for an online course could help you to explore your next steps and give you a head start when you are ready to approach the companies you are interested in working for. There are many academic and professional credits and qualifications available online, so take the time to ensure that the options you choose will be relevant and useful to you, and use this as an opportunity to enhance your CV.

• Think outside the box. A dramatic change in circumstances, such as redundancy, or a global pandemic, can bring new opportunities and inspirations if you allow yourself to think outside the box. At this moment, if you are in financial straits and need to pay the bills, there are many jobs available in essential service areas, including supply chain and delivery. While this may not be your dream job, it will tide you over until the situation settles down and you may even learn new skills and perspectives that will be of great value in the future – resilience, for example. If you are not in this situation, you may find that you have the time and the opportunity to think about how you would like your life to look in the future. Perhaps this period of working from home will prompt you to seek a remote working opportunity that gives you a better life balance, or maybe you have spent enough time indoors to last you a long time and wish to seek out opportunities to work in nature. Whatever you have experienced during this time of lockdown, it is worth reflecting on what you have learned and considering potential changes that you could make in the future.

The most important thing at this time, however, is to put your health – including your mental health, at the top of your priority list and don’t let anxieties about the future take over. You will come through this and you will have developed new skills and insights that will help you to find the new job or career you want.

Are You Looking For A New Job In Ireland?

CareerWise is Ireland’s leading specialist recruitment firm, based in Cork, Shannon and Galway, and our professional team can help you in your job search. We believe it is important to take the time to get to know our clients and the companies we work with, so that we can make connections that work, every time.

Our experienced team can offer support and guidance throughout the application process, from CV advice to interview skills, and our feedback speaks for itself. We specialise in Engineering and Supply Chain, Science/Pharma, IT and Accounting, and we work with local, national and international organisations. Simply contact us online now or call us on +353 (0) 21 206 1900.

Joe Robbins

(Director) BBS (Hons), MBPICS – Shannon Office

Joe Robbins is co-founder of CareerWise Recruitment. A graduate of the University of Limerick (Degree in Business Studies, 1985), Joe worked in the UK for five years where he specialised in materials management, production management and plant management for a number of companies.

He returned to Ireland in 1992 to become Operations Manager for a Cork-based start-up, FMC Automotive Division which was subsequently taken over by Snap-on Equipment. Joe managed the business re-location of this company to Shannon in 1997 before setting up CareerWise Recruitment in 1999.

He is a committee member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Mid-West region, and a former Director and Vice President of the Shannon Chamber of Commerce. Joe is former Chairperson of the Sixmilebridge Camogie Club and current Chairperson of the Clare County Camogie Board.

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