In 2019, the unemployment rate in countries using the euro currency increased from 8.0% to 8.1% in just a few months in the 2nd half of 2020, with a total of 13.2 million people out of work. The increase in Europe’s unemployment rate during the Covid-19 pandemic has still been modest in comparison to many other countries, however, there are still many people affected by the economic crisis as a result of the challenges of 2020. Economists are also predicting that the unemployment rate could hit double digits in coming months as wage support programs expire. In such an uncertain time, how do you navigate a job search? We’ve put together a list of six tips for navigating the job search in 2021.
Optimize your resume
- A well-designed resume goes a long way. Pay attention to the first impression your resume may deliver, and if need be, spend some time using design tools available to you to enhance its appearance. Online blog Speckyboy.com lists a number of digital tools to build your resume, and Canva offers a free resume builder.
- With increasing numbers of job applications, it’s important to make your resume skimmable. Job search engine Workopolis has created a resource to help you make your CV stand out.
- Consider tailoring your resume for different jobs and industries, using relevant industry language and keywords, where appropriate.
- Gone are the days of plain PDF and word document CVs. Make your CV interactive by making elements clickable to your email address, social media profiles, portfolio, and work experience.
Make the most of digital tools available to you
- There are large numbers of online job portals that can be utilized to submit job applications.
- LinkedIn is also a powerful digital tool to search for job listings, sign up for employment opportunities, and show the world that you are open to work. LinkedIn has a new “open to work” feature which can be utilized to let recruiters know you are available. This article in Forbes does, however, caution on how to use the tool, and offers some additional guidance.
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Work on your personal brand
- Social media can be a friend or foe in the pursuit to find employment. Do a clean-up of your social media profiles, and ensure that the image you’re portraying is the one that could land you your dream job.
- Becoming well-known in your field is also a sure way to increase demand for your services / for you as a candidate. This doesn’t mean you have to become a social media influencer. However, showcasing your thought-leadership skills can go a long way. If you can publish personal thought-pieces or at least comment on industry-relevant news, you can showcase your knowledge. The same goes for looking for opportunities to do podcasts and other media features.
Use your existing networks & prepare
- Don’t shy away from speaking to family and friends about what jobs they know of that may be available, and letting them know you are on a job search.
- Get referrals from friends, family, and previous employers and co-workers. You could also ask people you know to endorse your skills on LinkedIn.
- While you have extra time on your hands, spend time upskilling yourself. There are a host of free courses online that could better prepare you for your future job.
- Prepare an elevator pitch about yourself and your experience. You never know when an opportunity may arise, and you don’t want to let that go to waste.
Diversify your opportunities & stay motivated
- Don’t be afraid to look outside of your comfort zone. Don’t just stick to the industry and job role that you know. Diversify your search and seek something that could be a match for your skill set.
- Consider other avenues for income such as freelance or part-time work for multiple companies.
- Be careful not to consume too much news about unemployment rates and the downturn of the economy. Rather stay focused on your goal, and remember that whilst a job is essential to make money, not having one is in no way a reflection of your worth as a person.
While applying for a job can be overwhelming it is important to keep a healthy mindset, and not let the stresses get you down. These changing times could signal an opportunity, and with these tips to navigating the job search, we’re sure you will land numerous interviews that will help you find the career that is right for you.