8 tips for finding work during confinement

Strategies for finding work in the COVID-19 crisis confinement situation

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

It's a difficult time, but don't panic, hope is the last thing you should lose. Career Coach, Nieves Rodriguez offers tips on how to find the job of your dreams even during the find the job of your dreams even during these moments of uncertainty in the midst of confinement..

Tips for finding work during the months of confinement

Keep in mind these keys to meet 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 we need 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 a job. It can be hard to look 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. Start now: organize your time wisely

Organization is key. Your new job is finding 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 prepare a spreadsheet to track your job search progress, so you can keep track of deadlines, timeframes, and other important information.so you can keep track of deadlines, who you've applied to, etc.

Here's what your productivity sheet needs to have:

• Create a list of your target market and companies.
• Record every contact you've made for each company (1pt, 2nd grade...).
• Record every job you have applied for.
• Record when you have contacted the company.
• Record when you have interviewed.
• Record when you need to follow up.
• And each day record how many hours you have spent looking for a job. That way you'll create awareness and see if you're putting enough effort into your job search.

3. Update your resume and cover letter

Did you know that 80% of CV's 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 right keywords, the robot will not 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 updated professional photo of yourself and ask for recommendations (among acquaintances and colleagues) of skills you would like to highlight to potential employers and recruiters.

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

5. Effective Job Search

Once you've completed steps 1-4 above, it's time to get your job search underway.

You should diversify your search sourcesAfter you've gone through the typical online job sites for your preferred industry and LinkedIn, it's worth considering checking a particular company's website directly to submit a direct application.

It's important to have a target in mind, but you should be open to the fact that. sometimes a step backwards, or sideways, can help you take three steps forwards.. Having a job (and income) in the current climate is always better than unemployment, and it can give you experience.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you have your filters and alarms aligned with your goal: industry, company, type of work, title, location....

6. Work your network

80% of vacancies are not advertised.. 80 % of the roles are handled by networks.

Therefore, if you want to find a job, and taking advantage of confinements, you should shift your attention and job search to talking to people, and use social networks and spend most of your time here. Talking to people.

The good news is that it's not much different from "normal" networking, it's just that any meeting will be done virtually, and also, if you live in a big city, you avoid commuting time.

Start by making a contact list: ex-colleagues, former colleagues, former clients, former bosses, alumni... Then contact the person by email, InMail message, text or a call. You're going to have career conversations. You're not asking them for a job, you're asking for advice.

Another strategy worth executing simultaneously is to personally seek out the hiring manager of 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 among other candidates.

7. Phone and video interviews

Even before COVID-19 was a reality. Video and phone interviews are convenient for recruiters because they help them to screen and screen out candidates.

And that's why it's so important that you're prepared and feel comfortable doing them. Because it's the first filter. And the previous steps will have done you no good if you underestimate this one.

Here's 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's a glitch.
• Most importantly, treat the phone interview like an in-person interview.

8. Improve your skills

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected jobs requiring lower levels of education around the world..

Most people find themselves with more free time during this period of confinement, because even though you are still working, that time going to/from work, you can allocate to other things. Now is the time to prepare yourself to excel and improve your knowledge and skills..

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

In this sense, Nieves Rodriguez 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 her contact form.

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

If one day you are blocked, step away from the laptop and take advantage of the time allowed to walk around and oxygenate yourself. Once you have cleared your head, get back on the attack.