How can I find a new job in Covid-19 recession?
It’s a tough time in the jobs market, as firms shed staff or freeze recruitment to cut costs. But there is hoppe. Early August saw the year’s biggest weekly increase in online job vacancies, while some firms such as Tesco are hiring after lockdown boosted their business.
How do I start looking for a new job?
Knowing where to start may be quite daunting, especially if you have been out of the jobs market for a while.
To maximise your chances, one strategy is to create an appealing online profile so that recruiters and companies will approach you, while you also actively apply for jobs.
To do this, consider your core skills, rather than hunting for a specific job title.
For example, if you work in retail customer service, this could translate to other people-facing roles such as sales, or a similar role in another sector.
Recruiters often search for people based on a list of desired skills rather than specific qualities, so this will make you more visible.
Which sectors are hiring?
In August, the volume of online job adverts posted was at 62% of the 2019 average, up from 53% the week before, with several professions seeing continued or increased demand.
For example, health and social care vacancies are almost back to 2019 levels, data suggests, while the government is planning to fund thousands of nurse apprenticeships in England.
Now could be a good time to join the public sector, with initiatives like the national retraining scheme helping people move into areas like social work, teaching and healthcare.
Applying to companies which are fully digital, regardless of the role you want, as the pandemic has accelerated the shift to online working.
How can I find out which jobs are available?
While this will vary from sector to sector, many companies list jobs on their own website or on recruitment sites.
You can also sign up with a general or specialist recruitment agency.
If you want to work for a particular company, check if they hire directly or through a recruiter.
And if you want a specific job, be proactive and contact someone doing that role to discover how they got there.
Professional networks can also be useful. These could be LinkedIn or Facebook groups, or industry and community organisations, where jobs and events are posted and advice is available.
Some industries and employers have even set up virtual networking events and job fairs during the pandemic. Also check vacancies in trade publications and websites.
How can I stand out from other applicants?
With thousands of people applying for some roles, your personal network should be your first port of call.
Friends, family and other acquaintances will know hundreds of people between them, and some should know of businesses which are hiring.
While an introduction won’t automatically get you the job, many employers like a personal recommendation and you may hear about roles before they are advertised.
When compiling your CV, emphasise your skills which a prospective employer wants, rather than listing things you have already done.
Asking someone else to read your application before sending it helps spot any spelling or grammatical errors that could mean your CV goes straight in the bin.