The pandemic has made finding a job even more of a challenge than it usually is. Here are some tips.
Job hunting can be difficult andstressful at the best of times - andwhat we find ourselves in right nowis certainly not the best of times.The coronavirus pandemic hasbrought the economy to its kneesand resulted in severe job losses as companies either go under or make massivebudget cuts in an effort to survive.
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Looking for a job now is more challenging than ever.If you're a job seeker wonderingwhether it's even worth applying amidthe doom and gloom, don't lose hope,says Simon Royston, managing directorat The Recruitment Lab."The most important thing is to bepatient," Royston says.
"The currentlockdown means timelines forjob seekers are undetermined.What might have been a fortnightof job searching has turned intosix weeks."Many companies are also rethinking their work structureand now expect candidates to beequipped to work remotely. Times are changing, adds Margot vanGraan, managing member at MVGRecruitment.
And it's important thatyour approach to job hunting stays upto date.Here's what you need to know aboutjob hunting during a global pandemic.
Where to start
Van Graan says the best approach tojob hunting is a combination of yourown efforts and working with a recruitment agency.Agencies source staff based on the jobrequisitions they receive, but because ofthe downturn in the economy they havefewer jobs available.
"Working through a recruitment agency does have an advantage in that theagency has an established relationshipwith the client," Van Graan explains."Therefore they'd know what a company is looking for and can guide you inshaping your application."However, instead of solely relying onrecruitment agencies, you should keeplooking for advertised opportunitiesthrough career portals such as CareerJunction, Careers24 and PNet.
Most reputable agencies sign upto career portals to source activecandidates on the site."So yes, be online. Use the career portals," Van Graan emphasises."In these times I'd say you can'tonly use one avenue. The combined effort will be more advantageous than trying one avenue."
The power of social media
Royston urges hopefuls to use socialmedia to their advantage."Search on various Facebook communities. You'd be surprised how manysmall businesses post job adverts onthese platforms," he says. "These areless expensive avenues for advertisers."He also suggests putting out feelerswith family and friends.
"Perhaps theyknow of someone who needs help andcan put in a good word for you. Or theycan put you in contact with a potentialemployer."
Make your CV stand out
Your CV should be typed in a font that'seasy to read, with good spacing and nospelling mistakes. While it should becomprehensive and include all relevantdetails, it should be concise and to thepoint.Any achievements at previous placesof employment should be listed. "Highlight this on your CV as it is an advantage," Van Graan says. And if there areany gaps between periods of work, explain what happened during that time.
Pay attention to wording
If you're applying for a job in a specialised field that doesn't match your previous job description, but you're confidentyou can fulfil the role, adapt your CVto use similar keywords, Van Graansuggests."Say you're a customer liaison consultant, but a company is seeking a customer service consultant, make sure youdescribe the customer service dutiesyou've done," she explains."A company receives so many applications, they'll just discard those that don'tmatch. A lot of the initial screening isabout matching."
Ace that cover letter
Start your cover letter by explaining thereasons for your application. Then mention how your experience matches thejob requirements and how you can makea difference at the company.Describe why you believe you shouldbe considered based on the requirements described in the job advertisement.
If you're familiar with the companyculture, motivate why you feel you'd bea good fit.Don't be put off if the job requirements differ from your previous jobdescription. Use the cover letter todescribe transferable skills."For example, someone working in thehospitality industry, which isn't open yet,could work in a restaurant," Van Graansays.
"You might work in a differentsector but perform a similar function."End your letter by stating when you'dbe available. "Can you start immediately,or do you need to serve a notice period?This is information prospective employers need."Depending on the nature of the job, it'salso worth mentioning whether you havethe facilities to work remotely.
How to nail a video interview
So you've landed an interview but becauseof social distancing measures the companywants to conduct the job interview viavideo call.A video interview may not seem as intimidating as a face-to-face interview but itcan be tricky as it's more difficult to createa good first impression or find that humanconnection over a laptop screen.However there are simple things you cando to ensure a virtual interview goes well.
Choose a neutral background
Don't sit in front of a bookshelf full ofbooks, says Paul Bailo, author of TheEssential Digital Interview Handbook."People think it makes them look smart,but it's distracting. Interviewers will belooking over your shoulder trying to readthe titles."Your workspace should be as clutter-freeas possible.
"About 85% of a successful video interview comes down to how you look and howyou set up your surroundings," Bailo says."These days, lots of people just aren'tbothering to put their best foot forward."
Ensure the lighting is good
Avoid overhead lighting as this casts toomany shadows."It also darkens your eye sockets and emphasises the area under your eyes, so youlook 20 years older," Bailo warns.Use natural light as far as possible as thismakes for a softer reflection on-screen.
Look the part
Wear solid colours as stripes and patternslook too busy on video. And even thoughthe interviewer is unlikely to see your feet,wear shoes - it has an important psychological effect.
Know when to stop talking
Keep your answers brief and to the point,suggests Marc Gasperino, managing director of the digital practice at recruitmentcompany ON Partners."It's harder to build a personal connectionon-screen than face-to-face," he says."So you can easily miss those subtle nonverbal cues that someone is bored or wantsto move on to the next question."
One of the main reasons people don't gethired is that they bombard the interviewer with much more information than wasasked for, Gasperino adds."Give a general overview of your careerso far, and of particular accomplishments,but pause often to ask whether or not theinterviewer would like more detail. If youthink you might be speaking too much, youprobably are."
Could you freelance?
Freelancing is by no means an easy option, as it takes time and effort not onlyto get going but to keep going. It's alsonot an option with all types of work.However if it is possible in your line ofwork, it's a great way to develop yourskills and in a sense be your own boss.
But becoming a successful freelancertakes time."Don't expect money showering downfrom the sky as soon as you jump intothis lifestyle," says Cristian Barin from99designs, an Australian freelancerplatform."Freelancing also has very particularrequirements, like great time-management, client networking and financialplanning."
The best place to start looking for freelance jobs is within your immediateprofessional circle, says Benek Lisefski,a UX/UI designer who's been a freelancerfor nearly 20 years."Ask your previous employers or colleagues if they know of anyone whoneeds your services," he says.
You shouldalso ask family, friends and school connections."Local connections make for greatertrust, easier communication and lesscompetition," he adds.If you're struggling to find a permanentjob, freelancing in the interim can giveyou an idea of what self-employmentrequires, and you'll also be able to gaugewhether freelancing full time is feasiblefor you in the long run.Check out these websites: eva.co.za,nichemarket.co.za, upwork.com/l/za,nosweat.work
Could you turn your passion into a business?
The idea of getting paid to do what you lovemight seem like a dream, but actually turningsomething you have a passion for into a business is no easy feat.It requires planning, dedication and theright attitude. But if you're willing and ableto take that leap of faith, it can be incrediblyrewarding, says Evadne Cupido, who turnedher love of cooking into a business.
In 2015, after nearly 20 years in the mediaindustry, she was retrenched. A new motherat the time, she turned to freelancingto earn money. But after a year of writingthe odd story here and there, she sawan opportunity to change direction."I've always loved food, and a friendsuggested I make curry and rice and getthe word out via a few people," she says.
"That first time I got around 50 orders- and I didn't know how to cook for 50people!"But it was the start of something great,she says.Evadne now owns a company called Madewith Love by Evadne. "I do home-cookedmeals in the week, as well as platters andprivate catering for small functions."
You need to be realistic about the time andeffort it takes to turn a hobby into a way toearn money."You work extra hard because it's something you're building and there's the constantfear of failure," Evadne says. And if you employ people to work for you, there's also thepressure and responsibility of paying youremployees.
And it's not only about the actual productyou're making or the service you're providing. Marketing is also important - your business idea might be great but that means littlewithout clients or customers.The most important thing to consider iswhether you'll still enjoy your hobby whenyou have deadlines to meet and targets toreach.
When you have to do something forhours on end instead of whenever you like,it can take the enjoyment out of it.But for Evadne, that didn't change."I really love what I do. I've always been onefor hectic deadlines - that was what excitedme. But this is a different kind of excitement.I have no regrets."
Top tips:
- Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date. LinkedIn helps you network with people within your profession and can be used as a job-hunting tool. It's also where recruiters and hiring managers search for candidates, so a presence on the site is important.
- Have a professional social media presence across all channels and ensure they all have the same information.
- If you have mutual connections at a company you'd like to work for, don't ask them to get you a job. Rather ask for an introduction to someone in the human resources departent and take it from there.
