Navigating the job market this 2021
Navigating the job market during Covid-19 has become somewhat of a tricky situation. Whether you’ve just matriculated, fresh out of college, looking to get back into the working game or looking to change careers, the competition is rife and if you’re not doing all you can to stand out against your fellow applicants, securing a job in 2021 may be harder than you thought.
The pandemic is real, job losses are real, businesses closing are real. In fact, nearly 100,000 small businesses closed permanently due to Covid-19 resulting in thousands of job losses.
With these statistics in mind, we understand the urgency you may find yourself in with having to secure a job and have therefore researched 5 ways that can help you land a job this year.
- Sell yourself
Now more than ever is your opportunity to network, network, network and you need to grab the bull by the horns. While it may be more difficult to network during times of social distancing and restrictions, Forbes contributor, Nicole Lapin, encourages you to reach out to those connections and contacts you’ve made along the way nonetheless. You’ve built up a contact list, might as well take advantage of it.
Make the first move. Pick up the phone, type an email or get onto social media and other professional virtual networking platforms that may be of use. Take it one step further by brushing up on your networking skills with these secrets from Nicole.
- Fix up your resume
Regardless of the why, if you’re on the job market, updating your resume features as an important step when it comes to increasing your chances of captivating the hiring manager’s eyes, especially when only 10% of people who apply for a job get an interview invite. Standing out with an updated resume may be to your advantage.
In one of our previous articles, we gave you tips on how to write a compelling resume which you can simply apply when updating your own. These include creating an individualised resume, keeping it short and sweet, highlighting accomplishments and achievements, including only necessary information, and reviewing, reviewing, reviewing.
- Look for jobs in industries that are growing
Not all industries suffered during the COVID-19 onslaught. Some, despite the uncertain circumstances, actually saw an increase in growth, revenue turnover and staff numbers.
According to Christian Sutherland-Wong, these industries are e-commerce, tech and telecommunications and healthcare. There also seemed to be an increase in the digital marketing industry as companies were desperate to focus on establishing and growing their online presence.
If you’re on the job market, it may be extremely beneficial and advantageous to look for jobs in these industries.
- Focus on what you’re good at
While you may not always have a choice, a starting point to looking for a job or making a career pivot is to “focus on your core skill set,” Ashley Stahl, career coach, spokesperson, author. “This means really reflecting on what your gifts are, and how they translate from the career you chose in your past to the career you’re selecting for your future.”
Over and above this, also focus on what you can actually do. Do you have a specific skill or expertise or experience that allows you to offer a valuable service that may put you in high demand? If so, highlight this to potential employees and look for jobs within this area.
This also leads to our final point …
- Upskill if possible
If you have a little extra spare time at the moment, now’s the perfect opportunity to upskill. Even before COVID-19 hit, close to 74% of CEOs globally said they were concerned about whether they would have the talent they needed to ensure a sustainable future for their organisations. [PwC survey]
In these times, this becomes more of a concern. Now more than ever employers are looking for talent; the right people who can contribute the right skills and experience needed to survive this uncertain landscape. Positioning yourself through upskilling (your knowledge, skillsets, offerings) so that you’re desirable by organisations is an effective way to gain advantage in the job market. Find courses and programmes online in positions and industries that are currently in demand that can help you stand out above the rest.
Don’t let the fear of Covid-19 stop you from job hunting in 2021. Embrace the search. The more energy and effort you put in, the more potential opportunities you’re creating for yourself. Take into consideration these tips and see what’s out there. The sooner you start looking, the better your chances.