Financial Blog

Whether you’ve just graduated, or are in the middle of switching careers, the coronavirus pandemic has changed how we find jobs. It’s tricky enough to get hired under normal circumstances, but job hunting during pandemic? That requires extra discipline and a solid game plan.

Here are tips & tricks on how to get a job during this challenging time:

1. Set a clear job hunting timeline.

Get ahead on your job search. Set a timeframe on when you’d like to get hired, but also manage your expectations. During these tough times, you can expect a slower job hiring and onboarding process as companies adapt to the new normal.

Here are a few things you can do to get the most out of your applications:

Set SMART goals. Check that they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This can be anything from “I’ll send out 10 applications today” to “Get 3 online interviews this week.” Focus on things that you can control to help you feel productive and keep you motivated.

Check for job opportunities on social media. In addition to applying directly on company websites and job boards, be on the lookout for job openings on social media. With more and more people spending time on these platforms, companies are also beginning to use them to connect with potential candidates.

💡 Tip: you can get updates on our latest job openings by following the Security Bank Careers Facebook page.

Be extra prompt and responsive to recruiters. That quicker response time and extra thoughtfulness can make all the difference in landing a job. Virtual interactions tend to create an extra layer of distance, so you have to make up for it by being more attentive to the person you’re communicating with. This also emphasizes your interest in the job.

2. Update your resume.

Make sure it’s polished, professional-looking, and written with both the hiring bots (read: Applicant Tracking Systems) and hiring managers in mind. This means including the right keywords so your application passes the bots’ initial screening and is forwarded to a human recruiter.

Be sure to highlight your transferrable skills as well. With all the uncertainty right now, you may need to explore other industries outside of your own. It’s important to consider how your skills could be applied to other roles.

3. Get used to online interviews.

Job interviews are now done virtually as we observe social distancing. But the same rules still apply as with face-to-face interviews: dress appropriately (both the top AND bottom half!), maintain eye contact through the webcam, and connect with the interviewer by keeping the discussion conversational.

When preparing for online interviews, find a quiet, well-lit, and clutter-free spot – preferably one where you can close the door.

For phone interviews

Take advantage of “cheat sheets.” Have a copy of the job description, your talking points for anticipated questions, and a list of questions to ask the interviewer.

For video interviews

Download and test the video call software ahead of time. Conduct practice interviews with a family member or a friend to help you get used to being in front of a camera, as well as familiarizing yourself with the technology. This also allows you to set up the ideal audio volume, camera position, and lighting.

Make sure your internet connection is working smoothly beforehand, but also have a backup plan. Share your contact details with the interviewer in advance, so in case you experience technical issues during the interview, you can easily switch to a phone interview.

4. Boost your digital presence.

Update and improve your LinkedIn and Facebook profile, first and foremost, and make sure it’s aligned with your resume. Take time to also clean your other social media accounts. Remove anything that you don’t want potential employers to see.

5. Make time to network – and get comfortable doing it online.

Reconnect with existing colleagues and reach out to your friends who graduated years ago for a potential job opportunity in their current companies. Tell your family and friends that you’re currently looking for a job, and ask them for help.

You can also seek out like-minded professionals online by joining Facebook and LinkedIn groups, and attending online events.

6. Upgrade your skills.

With extra free time in your hands, now’s the perfect opportunity to broaden your skill sets. There are many available courses online that cover a wide range of skills and industries.

To figure out which skills you need to brush up on, check out the job descriptions of the top jobs you’re interested in. List them down and prioritize the most in-demand ones.

Read more: Online Courses Available at Edukasyon.ph

7. Learn more about potential employers.

The COVID-19 crisis can give you a sneak peek into a company’s culture. Check the news and social media to see how leaders are dealing with this situation and how they’re responding to it.

Read more: How Security Bank is Responding to COVID-19

You can also use this knowledge during a job interview to show that you understand the company’s concerns, and position yourself as someone who can help them address these concerns if hired.

8. Use the time to reflect.

While finding a job seems to be more important now than ever, be sure to still make self-care a priority. Maintain a positive mindset by eating healthy, exercising regularly, consuming uplifting content, and spending more time with loved ones (even if just virtually).

Finally, be patient with the process. If you’re not hearing back from hiring managers as quickly as you hoped, be considerate. It’s a tough time for everyone, and we’re all doing the best we can to adapt.