Dealing with COVID-19 & Unemployment: What Now?

Adjusting to this new normal sure is hard. I really miss church and my Sunday hikes. I miss seeing my friends and not worrying about being able to restock on toilet paper. My husband was furloughed and now has to file an unemployment claim. We just pray that this crisis can be contained so that he go back to dentistry with an employer that he loves. Having an infant in a time like this has added an additional level of pressure every parent can appreciate. Not only do you want to continue to be able to provide their needs, but you want them to stay healthy.

Personal venting aside, I know that many have wondered if in the wake of astronomical unemployment, what does this mean for their job search. Can you still apply for the dream job if millions are now forced to stay home? Well, it depends. Recruitment is still happening, even in this challenging time. Recruiters are still interviewing candidates via phones and video conferencing. Undeniably, some industries will hire more readily than others. Popular examples like Walmart and Amazon come to mind. Current demand also extend to Pharmacists, Medical and other Retail staff.

The degree to which a position is essential determines how fast you can start work. But even if you are not trying to find an essential job, here is what I recommend all job seekers should be doing.

Apply -Interview - Repeat

Get out your phones, tablets and laptops. Still update your resume and fill out those application forms. For help on putting together a competitive resume, check out my Resumes 101 posts. Recruiters are still conducting phone interviews and video conferencing to screen and find the right candidates, whether positions are essential or not.

Laid off or furloughed? Depending on the circumstances, now is the best time to update your resume and start looking for work. Be transparent about why you are looking for work: being displaced during the Coronavirus pandemic will not be frowned upon by employers.

After you've had ANY interview, it is a great tip to not let Recruiters forget about you. Send a thank you email at least 24 hours after your interview, followed by at least one follow up email a few days later. The focus of these emails are to not only express gratitude for being interviewed, but to reiterate your interest in the position and skills that make you the right choice.

Network

How do you build meaningful connections and learn about opportunities while social distancing? By using technology of course! Call a friend to facilitate an introduction to someone who works at the company you are interested in. Look for ways to volunteer your skills online or over the phone to help a cause during this time. Take as many video conferencing or phone interviews as you can. Update your LinkedIn page and reach put to connections there. There are still many opportunities that will allow you to get your name and your story out there.

Stay encouraged

The Coronavirus pandemic has spread a wave of panic and fear globally. In my experience, challenges like this can bring the best or the worst out of people. In everything you do, be the best: not just professionally, but personally as well. This outbreak is not the end of your story. Keep pursuing your goals, and be kind to each other. My prayers go out to all the front line heroes who risk it all each day to restore our normalcy and health.