It’s a really bad time to be having to look for a job during an international pandemic so job seekers need to be creative, determined and focused. Whilst looking for a job will be tough its not impossible. The key to finding a job in a tough times is the same as in good times- action. The more positive action you take the better your chances of landing a job. Here are some tips which will help you:

Be smarter, faster and better than anyone else

Don’t hang about, a job is not going to come to you, you have to go out and find one. Being active is essential, you need to develop a daily plan and stick to it. Decide on the optimum number of job applications you are going to make daily and do it. Source as many online job portals as you can and try every one on a daily basis.

Be creative

Cast your net further. Try some new and different key word searches as you look for jobs online. Consider different geographical areas to work in. If you have always worked locally what’s stopping, you working in the City or the West End. Look at different industries which could use your skills and experience. Don’t be a snob, if you’re always worked for big corporations why not look at jobs with small companies and vice versa.

Make sure all interviews count

In this market the one thing you cannot under any circumstances do is muck up an interview. Never try to change interview times, if an employer says 10am it is 10am, it is to suit them not you. Make sure you are prepared for an interview, study the job description, research the employer, brush up your interview skills, prepare a list of positive and intelligent questions to ask and finally practice your listening skills. An interview is a stage to sell yourself, but you need to listen very carefully to the employer to be clear about what they are looking to buy.

Work on your likeability

Whilst employers are looking to fill their vacancies with someone with the skills and experience that will make them capable of doing the job, they also want someone who will fit in with their existing staff. The person who is interviewing you needs to like you. This like should be immediate, I.e., within two minutes of meeting you. I promise you if they do not like you there is no way on this earth you will be offered the job – so work on your social skills.

Ask for help

People typically love to provide advise and help, so don’t be afraid to ask for it. Resist the temptation to launch into a long monologue of all your skills and experience but when chatting generally let people know you are looking for a job and if they know of anything can they let you know. You never know the most unlikely people could actually assist you with your job search.

Get out there

Its important that you make yourself visible. Social media is an excellent way to contact potential employers. Look at employers in your area and establish through their website who the Managing Director, Finance Director or HR Director is and look them up on social media. Drop them a short note saying you’re looking for a job and attach your CV for their perusal.  You know what they say – if you don’t ask– you won’t get.

Handle setbacks admirably

Setbacks are an inevitable part of any job search as they are in everyday life. Its how you handle them that puts you above normal mortals. Demonstrating resilience in the face of setbacks can be a selling point that you can convey in an interview. All employers want someone who does not give up at the first hurdle.

Set yourself realistic expectations

Remaining realistic with yourself about what you can reasonably accomplish during these challenging times is one of the first steps to avoiding disappointment. It may mean that you will be temporarily tabling your ambition for the time being. You may have to exercise flexibility in terms if your ideal role, salary expectations or area in which you work. When you adjust your expectations, you will find yourself with more options to consider.

Give yourself time to get over disappointment

If you go for an interview and don’t get a job offer you may find yourself feeling desperate to get something else as quickly as possible . Take a measured approach. This means giving yourself time to  lick your wounds, a brief reprieve with only help you and you will be able to present yourself in a positive light in your next interview.

Be patient

Amid a pandemic job applications make take longer to turn round. HR staff may be stretched thin with the huge number of applications they receive for any role they are advertising. They will also be more selective about who they call in for an interview. Be prepared to wait , don’t expect a response within a day or two, it will probably be longer. But do chase if a week goes by and you haven’t heard anything, that will show the employer you are keen.

I hope this has helped you , the key to getting a job at the moment is determination and the ability to focus on the future and not keep crying about the past. We are entering an entirely different job market. I find that the people getting jobs at the moment aren’t necessarily those who are more qualified and talented. Its more who keeps putting themselves out there and in spite of setbacks keeps driving forward. When you’ve been made redundant the last thing you may feel like doing is risking further hurt and disappointment, but you have to if you want to get a job in these challenging times.

Good luck

Angela Burton