If you’ve just finished your studies and are starting to think about job-hunting, it won’t come as too much of a surprise to learn it’s a more challenging market at the moment. The COVID-19 crisis has unfortunately instigated economic uncertainty, with fewer job vacancies leaving many graduates uncertain about how to kick-start their career.
We asked our friends at Tiger Recruitment for their expert advice on how to find your next job. Here is what they had to say.
We firmly believe that there are ways to use your time constructively. In fact, COVID-19 has brought about a plethora of new online resources to help you prepare for your job hunt! We’ve put together our top tips staying ahead of the curve.
With most people working from home and limited in their face-to-face networking options, social media use has increased significantly in the last few months. LinkedIn, as a result, has become an even more crucial resource for connecting employers with job-seekers. If you haven’t already done so, create an account (or update your existing profile) and start investing time in creating connections with relevant people and businesses.
As a jumping-off point, find companies within the sector you want to work in and start following them. You should also begin connecting with people, ideally forming connections in relevant industry sectors. The more connections you have, the more easily a prospective employer can find you in searches.
Find out more information about optimising your LinkedIn profile here.
Practise online interviews
Businesses are now recruiting virtually, and it’s likely that many elements of this virtual process are here to stay. You’ll probably experience an online interview or two and may even go through a remote onboarding* process once you’ve started a new role. So, use this time to become comfortable with video calls to make the process easier for you when you’re contacted for an interview.
A great way to do this is to ask friends and family to help you practise your interview skills. Use tools such as Zoom, Skype or FaceTime and familiarise yourself with the best spot in the house for a good Wi-Fi connection, lighting, minimal noise etc. When it comes time for a real meeting, you will be more prepared and comfortable.
Volunteer
While there may be some uncertainty about your job prospects in the future, it doesn’t mean you can’t gain valuable experience in the meantime. Volunteering is an excellent way to help you stand out to potential employers as it shows you’re motivated and have had an opportunity to gain transferable skills. Local opportunities range from helping the NHS (via the GoodSam app) to providing fundraising support for numerous local charities. You can find a list of organisations looking for a helping hand here.
Online Courses
If you want to do something productive with your spare time, why not try an online course? This is a great time to do so, as the pandemic has encouraged providers to offer hundreds of free courses, some of which may be particularly relevant to your industry of choice. These free online courses may inspire some ideas!
Once you’ve completed an online course or volunteer activity, make sure you add it to your CV and LinkedIn profile. Keeping these updated with relevant experience and qualifications is essential when applying for a new job.
Join online networking groups
Once you’ve revamped your LinkedIn and have started to reach out to a professional network, take it a step further by joining online groups specific to the sector you’re interested in. You can find these on Facebook, Meetup or through signing up for virtual events. You never know who you’ll be put in touch with and how they might help you in your career!
When you’re ready to start looking for a temporary or permanent job, we can help. Register with us today to find out more about post-COVID-19 job opportunities for graduates.
* New employee onboarding is the process of integrating a new employee with a company and its culture, as well as giving them the tools and information they need to become a productive member of the team.
