8 tips for finding work during confinement

Were you in the middle of the process of applying for a new job before COVID-19, or are you looking to change jobs?

It is a difficult time, but do not panic, hope is the last thing you should lose. The Labor Orientation Coach, Nieves Rodriguez offers you advice on how to finding your dream job even during these uncertain moments in the middle of confinement.

• Related article: "Work stress: causes, and how to combat it"

Tips for finding work during the months of confinement

Keep these keys in mind to face the challenge of finding a job in the context of the coronavirus crisis.

1. Manage your job search expectations to the new normal

The world has changed with the coronavirus, and we all need to adapt to the new normal. When we look for a new job, this means that we have to be patient with response times on vacancies. But that doesn't mean you forget to follow up after 1-2 weeks.

Remember that your job is to look for work. It can be difficult looking for a job while still working for another (it's a good place to be but you can relax), which brings me to the next point ...

2. Get started now: organize your time wisely

Organization is key. Your new job is to find a new job and you will get a proportional return on your investment.

You can't improve what you don't measure, so prepare a spreadsheet to track your job search progress, so you can control the deadlines, who you have applied to, etc.

This is what your productivity sheet should have:

• Create a list of your target market and companies.
• Record each contact you have made for each company (1st grade, 2nd grade ...).
• Record each job you have applied for.
• Write down when you have contacted the company.
• Record when you have interviewed.
• Record when you need to follow up.
• And each day it records how many hours you have spent searching for a job. That way you will raise awareness and see if you are putting enough effort into your job search.

3. Update your CV and cover letter

You know what 80% of CVs are read by a robot? You have to have a master version of each one, but always, always, adapt your CV and Cover Letter to each role you are applying for. If you don't use the keywords, the robot won't filter you.

4. Improve your digital presence

It's time to update your LinkedIn profile to make sure it's aligned with your CV. Also consider an up-to-date professional photo of yourself and ask for recommendations (between acquaintances and colleagues) of skills you would like to highlight to employers and recruiters potentials.

Clean up your other social media pages, basically removing anything you don't want a potential employer to see.

5. Effective job search

Once you have completed steps 1-4 above, it is time to get started on your job search.

You must diversify your search sources- After you've been through your preferred industry's typical online job sites and LinkedIn, it's worth it consider directly checking the website of a particular company to submit an application direct.

It is important to have a goal in mind, but you must be open to it. sometimes a step backwards, or sideways, can help you take three steps forward. Having a job (and income) in today's climate is always better than unemployment, and it can also give you experience.

Regardless of what you decide to do, make sure you have the filters and alarms aligned with your objective: industry, company, type of work, title, location ...

6. Work your network of contacts

80% of vacancies are not published. 80% of the roles deal with networks.

Therefore, if you want to find a job, and taking advantage of the confinements, you must shift your attention and job search to talk to people, and use social media and spend most of your time here. Talking with the people.

The good news is that it is not very different from the "normal" networks, it is just that any meeting will be held virtually, and also, if you live in a big city, you avoid the time of commuting.

Start by making a contact box: ex-colleagues, ex-clients, ex-bosses, alumni... Then contact the person by email, InMail, text, or a call. You are going to have career conversations. You are not asking them for work, you are asking for advice.

Another strategy worth executing simultaneously is personally search for the hiring manager of the target companies on LinkedIn to discuss opportunities in your area of ​​interest; they are more likely to respond to a direct message and you will stand out from other candidates.

7. Telephone and video interviews

Even before COVID-19 it was a reality. Video or telephone interviews are convenient for recruiters because they help them make a first filter and screen candidates.

And that is why it is so important that you are prepared and feel comfortable doing them. Because is the first filter. And the previous steps will have been of no use if you underestimate this one.

This is what I recommend for video interview preparations:

• Monitor your environment for appropriateness, download and test video calling software beforehand, and have a backup plan in case there is a technical problem.
• Most importantly, treat the telephone interview as an in-person interview.

8. Improve your skills

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected jobs that require a lower level of education around the world.

Most people have more free time during this period of confinement, Because even if you keep working, that time to go / come back from work, you can assign it to other things. Now is the time to prepare to excel and improve your knowledge and skills..

Last but not least is finding a mentor or coach. That person who will help you streamline your search and be more effective. Many people see it as a cost, but you should see it as an investment since the return will be exponential and will help you find a job much faster.

In this sense, Nieves Rodríguez offers this free Masterclass "Get The Job You Want", on February 18. And if you want to know how coaching can help you, book a 30-minute consultation session with Nieves through your contact card.

Remember: you will find your way. Consistency is the key to success. Create a plan for 2021, and take small steps every day that will get you there.

If one day you are blocked, stay away from the laptop and take advantage of the time allowed to walk and oxygenate yourself. Once you have clarified your ideas, go back to the attack.