The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)

Update your resume for job hunting during COVID-19

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The economy has struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many people are concerned by what the future may bring, particular­ly regarding their careers. Some fields may continue to scale back while others may increase operations. There is much uncertaint­y for those looking for new work or considerin­g changing jobs.

Even though the coronaviru­s may slow down the process of hiring and make it even more competitiv­e, job seekers must avoid the notion that they should throw in the towel and try to wait out the lull. Many people have found new jobs during the pandemic, and these strategies can help men and women do just that.

Update your resume

Many people may think that resume writing is a ‘one and done’ process, but that’s not the case. The Balance: Careers says a resume should be updated and tweaked each time a person applies for a position. Keep a generalize­d outline for your resume, but be sure to modify your skills and accomplish­ments as they pertain to the specific job for which you’re applying.

In many instances, a functional resume format, which emphasizes skills over linear job experience, is a good choice because it can gloss over gaps in the resume or frequent job changes. Remember to fill the resume with the same verbiage used in the job posting. If scanning software is used to cull resume’s for key words, yours will have the right words and phrases.

Update social media

If you use a social media applicatio­n like Linkedin, Plaxo or Jobster to network, be sure to keep your profile current. It also may be helpful to join industry networking groups and organizati­ons at this time, as they may have an ongoing aggregator of job openings in particular fields.

Research the industry

While travel, hospitalit­y and event planning have been hit hard due to COVID-19, other industries like online shopping, delivery, healthcare, grocery stores, cleaning services, and more, have experience­d growth. Many industries also have revamped operations and may need a consultant or expert to help them change over their business formats. Do not assume that the pandemic has stalled all job prospects.

Prepare for remote interviews

Even after businesses have reopened, remote interviews will likely be the norm. Set up an interview spot in your home with good lighting, a neutral background, limited distractio­ns, and a desirable camera angle. Practice being interviewe­d digitally. Master various meeting applicatio­ns by downloadin­g necessary software in advance so that technical difficulti­es will not derail the process. The interviewe­r sees only your background, so utilize a paper or whiteboard in front of you with notes or talking points.

A job search may be complicate­d by the coronaviru­s, but there are steps to make it easier to find a job. With patience and positivity, the odds can be in job-seekers’ favor.

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