Job searching during the coronavirus pandemic

CONDUCTING a job search is never easy, and it’s expected to be more challenging during the Covid-19 pandemic, where its economic impact has caused uncertainty for many businesses across industries.

However, there are industries that are still hiring amidst the global pandemic. According to Jobstreet.com, employers in Malaysia that are looking for talents at this time come from the IT, banking, and manufacturing sectors.

As such, even in this unprecedented period, job searching is possible. While competition might be tight due to less hiring, you can achieve a successful job hunt as long as you adjust your approach to showcase your employability in this current situation.

You will need to be patient with the process because employers will most likely take a longer time than usual to hire as they come to terms with the new normal brought about by the pandemic.

Here are a few other tips to job searching during these trying times:

Strengthen your network Networking remains vital in your job search. All you need to do at this time is to shift your effort online and be proactive in making yourself known.

This not only involves enquiring about job opportunities, but also learning more about your field of interest and building rapport with potential employers.

Expand your network by participating in virtual networking events, initiating conversations about possible opportunities with like-minded professionals that you admire online, or following social media accounts of businesses that you’re keen to work for.

You can also join and be an active participant in professional groups comprising people in your preferred field on social networking sites, where you can seek advice, share relevant articles, and have discussions.

Research the job market When researching the job market during the global pandemic, identify and aim for industries and specialisations that are adapting well and experiencing growth.

Most tech companies, for example, have the capability to shift smoothly from inoffice roles to remote work to ensure continuous business operations. In such cases, if you are considering remote jobs, read their job descriptions to determine if you have the necessary skills.

You should also pay attention to transferable skills required in these industries, such as teamwork, communication, and problem solving. Possessing these skills will give you the flexibility to apply for companies from different industries.

Enhance your employability If you lack skills that can boost your marketability, take advantage of your time at home during the pandemic by enrolling for online courses, especially those that offer verified certification.

Learning new skills is extremely beneficial in building your resume and online profiles, which is necessary in demonstrating your abilities and enabling you to stand out from your competition.

Other ways of enhancing your employability, especially in exhibiting productivity during the pandemic, include volunteering and taking up gig work or freelance jobs.

This is a weekly column by SarawakYES! – an initiative driven by Faradale Media-M Sdn Bhd and supported by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak – to provide advice and stories on the topics of education and careers to support Sarawakians seeking to achieve their dreams. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.