How to Find a Job During Lockdown

Unprecedented and challenging times they may be but that doesn’t mean you have to put your career on hold. And there is no reason why you can’t successfully job hunt during lockdown either.

There are ‘winners and losers’ in every situation. UK lockdowns have affected the tourism industry as well as the hospitality sector, with half a million hospitality staff in the UK out a job. It would be easy to assume that lockdown and local restrictions have caused all industries to fall back into the ‘go slow’ position. But that isn’t the case.

There is still a high level of vacancies and unfilled posts in the education sector with healthcare vacancies remain high, with funding for nurse apprenticeships also buoyant. 

The UK Government released and updated Shortage Occupation List which shows job roles that are essential but with skilled people to fill these roles in short supply. A shortage of dancers and choreographers are listed alongside web design and development professionals, as well as welding trades, social workers and paramedics.

Finding the next job in your career path is not impossible during lockdown and neither is a change in career direction, especially with the growing range of free online courses. But the current situation presents a unique set of circumstances for the job hunter and the employer. Just how do you clinch your dream job against the backdrop of a global health crisis?

#1 Update your CV

When you apply for any job, you want to showcase your qualifications, skills, talent and experience. And the document you need to do that is your CV.

The ‘do’s and don’ts’ of a CV are often touted as being the reason why applicants don’t get interviews but the truth is, most CVs are poorly written, with spelling errors and incomplete information. It is a basic document but one that is important, so writing a good CV is important.

Spend time editing and updating your CV before you start the process of applying for jobs in lockdown. This way, you have the important document ready to attach to online applications with just your cover letter to worry about.

#2 ‘The Killer Cover Letter’

What are you going to bring to this role? Why does this job excite you?

The cover letter is an important document too and should o more than just say ‘I am applying for this job, here’s my CV’. But what should it say?

Business professionals suggest that a strong cover letter focuses on the future, as well as adding more detail about you.

Starting with a strong opening sentence also captures attention immediately. A stand out cover letter means a recruitment manager is more likely to look at your application and CV.

If you are applying for a batch of jobs at the same time, you do need to tailor the contents to fit each vacancy you are applying for. It is possible to spot a ‘general’ cover letter. If you really want the job, take the time to write The Killer Cover Letter.

#3 Flexibility & agility

We are set to learn many things from the last few months, one of which is just how agile (or not) a business and its employees are at adapting to a sudden change in environment and circumstances.

Whilst some companies and organisations have embraced a new way of doing things and that means they are looking for employees who are agile and flexible. Uncertainty is unsettling and so forward-thinking businesses are seeking resilience in what they do and how they deliver it.

That means you need to be open-minded and not only willing to adapt but perhaps have ideas about how you would.  

#4 Smash the virtual interview

With face-to-face meetings impossible, employers favour the virtual interview. Zoom, an online video and conferencing platform, reported an increase in revenue of 169% in the first quarter of 2020 – and its fortunes have remained buoyant. Employers may also use Skype or another platform. In essence, they all work very much in the same way with a connection made in a click of your mouse.

The virtual interview is just as important as the face-to-face one. And whilst some Zoom fails may be funny, if you want the job you are being interviewed for, a glimpse of your pyjamas or a major tech fail is not going to clinch it for you.

To make the right impression on a virtual interview you need to dress appropriately and check your equipment and tech beforehand. Show that you have and are prepared, as well as tech-savvy.

If you get the job…

Congratulations! Starting a new job will bring a whole host of challenges, no more so than during a pandemic. The likelihood is that some, if not all, of your onboarding process, will be carried out remotely.

Clearly the safer option at the moment, remote onboarding doesn’t give the same experience as turning up for your first day at the office. It presents issues for you and your employer, none of which are insurmountable. Embrace the process because this could become commonplace in the future.

If you don’t get the job…

There are others and there will be other opportunities. Most employers will offer feedback, although many people find that although they are more than qualified for the job, they fall at the first hurdle and not passing the AI test. It could be that with a few tweaks and changes, you could make the impression that puts you in number one spot.

Staying positive & focussed

Applying for jobs, not getting interviews or being told you were ‘number two choice’ is tough. It can impact on your mental health and how you see yourself. Keeping your mindset positive locks in your job hunt goals.

But it can be hard to do, especially against a backdrop of such uncertainty.  For some people, applying for a new job is something they have to do, with hours cut or as a result of being made redundant. For others, hunting for a job now is as a result of having the opportunity to push their careers forward to the next level. If the time is right to find your next dream job, go for it!