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Should I even bother looking right now?  Is anyone hiring with everything going on? The short answer…. yes. But the long answer is a little more directional… “take the steps you can now to ensure you’re on the right path when this starts to turn.” The COVID-19 pandemic has filled job seekers with uncertainty, and we get it. So here are some things you can do now to ensure you stay on the right track:

Don’t stop
Right now, more than ever, it is important that you remain active in your job search. You may hear companies are on a temporary hiring freeze or that projects are being put on hold. While that may be true for some, it is not the case for all. Companies are aware of how long it takes to onboard someone new. We are still seeing jobs come in, and for Hollstadt’s clients who are putting things on hold, we are actively working to build their pipeline for talent right now in preparation for when things open up. To ensure you’re on the shortlist, get in touch with your recruiter today.

Learn how to excel in video interviews
With the work from home mandates, and social distancing in effect, companies hiring right now are conducting virtual interviews. If you haven’t participated in one before, you’ll need to spend some time preparing as it is different than the face to face interactions you may be used to. It’s important to still dress the part, ensure your interview space isn’t distracting and of course, be sure your internet is reliable. Here is an article with several good tips to get you started – video interviews.

Brush up that resume
The average time a hiring manager spends looking at a resume is 20 seconds. It is imperative that your resume be formatted clearly, be relevant to the job in which you’re applying and show why you are the perfect fit. If you’ve worked in several industries or have more than one area of expertise, consider creating a resume that focuses on each skillset. That way hiring managers, or recruiters for that matter, don’t need to dig to find the skills you possess.

Build your network
During times like these, it’s important to remain connected. But that doesn’t only mean with family and friends. Use this time to connect with former colleagues, a mentor, anyone that can help your personal development or job search. A good place to start is on LinkedIn. Reconnect with former colleagues by asking what they are up to now. Join groups that are dedicated to your skillsets or areas of interest and join in the conversations. These groups are often great places to find open job opportunities as well. By sharing content and being more visible on social platforms, you will grow your network and remain top of mind. Some experts say that 70 percent of people ended up in their current position thanks to networking…we like those odds.

Focus on personal development
You may find some extra time on your hands, and why not use it to make yourself more marketable?  Seek out training and development courses that will help set you apart from the rest of the field or help you brush up on some skills you haven’t used in a while. Bonus – there are a lot of resources available for free right now due to the outbreak. Additionally, this may be a good time to make that career pivot by diving into courses and certifications that will help prepare you for that next path.

By taking these steps right now, you’ll be that much further ahead of those who are binge watching Netflix shows about Tigers (okay, guilty!) or waiting for this to all go away before getting started and prepared. If you need help strategizing on where to get started, let us know – our recruiting team would be happy to help support you.

Stay healthy and good luck!