How Covid-19 is changing Job Seekers' Behaviours

I can't recall a day since the world turned upside-down when I did not see headlines or discussions around the new norms, that the world will never be as we were used to. Unemployment rates across the globe have dramatically risen, yet despite that, so many countries have chosen to ignore COVID and do their best to recover economically.  

Although there are more vacancies on job boards and the like, it might seem that things are looking up.  

However, will the job market be the same? Most of you would quickly say 'no'. Well, how are you going to respond agilely to this norm? It's the eternal law of evolution: Adapt or die. The same challenge applies to employees and employers. 

I grew up surrounded by crises. In my country, there was a major crisis every ten years. They led to the same type of predictable results - redundancies, bankruptcies, unemployment, and so many unforeseen problems. Every business had to learn to become more prudent and agile. 

The same is true today. Companies are brainstorming how to stay productive once the economy recovers, and they will do their best to increase productivity with the least resources. 

Now, it is the candidates' and employee's turn. How are they adjusting to the new context?  It's time to make a choice today if you choose winning or struggling.

The main challenge for candidates is that the competition in the job market is more robust now. 

The predicament for employees is how to keep on working in the new environment. It may have turned out that one person can do a job which  had been done by a team of three before. If you are agile enough and tech-curious, you will soon start considering some business process improvements to work smarter . If you choose to keep on keeping on, you may end up either  burning out, or joining the ranks of job seekers.

Well, what's an employee to do? 

First of all, start thinking about increasing your worth. 

1) Switch into a critical-thinking mode. Don't be afraid of making suggestions on business improvements. Generating Ideas about business productivity is valuable in itself and makes you a more valuable employee.

2) Stay tuned and don't miss new opportunities. There is no evolution without crisis. You would be surprised how many careers have risen out of crises and uncertainty. 

3) Be resilient. All of the above is irrelevant if you are not resourceful, whole and able to handle hardship.

And now, what's a job-seeker to do?   

If you are looking for a job now, the first advice is that you need to be strategic. For example, don't send your CV immediately to every job ad you come across. Your resume is one of the hundreds, and it should stand out from all the rest.  Instead of that: 

1) Customize your CV to each role. 

2) Incorporate the keywords the company uses. 

3) Reframe your experiences focusing on the value that you brought to the business and not as much on your duties.

4) Plan your Job Search. Each company is different, juggle different approaches.

5) Don't rely on cover letters. Send them only if there is a requirement. Try to place all the critical information into a CV or a short cover message.  In the digital era, when the majority of recruiters are from generation Y, and they are gradually being replaced by generation Z, so they have no patience for long reads.

6) Referrals work wonders. If you have someone who could recommend you through the company's referral program or introduce you, doors will surely open. 

7) Be prepared for the interview. Get to know the company, the latest news, and the company's plans for the future.

8)  Be curious! Look into new opportunities; your experience may be a starting point for a new career in a brand-new multifunctional role.

9) Stay positive and take care of yourself. You will land your dream job soon.   

10) Ask for help or even a willing ear if you feel stuck!

About the author

Masha Ovechkina is a professional coach and career consultant for Life Sciences Industry professionals. 

She is focusing on Life and Career Balance issues as well as the more common forms of coaching and career consulting.The degree in psychology, in-depth knowledge of Life Sciences Industry and her personal international career help her clients reach their life goals and fulfilment every day.