COVID-19 proof your job search!
Do you feel like you are at a standstill in your career during COVID-19?
Whether you are currently employed, unemployed or questioning your current job, here are five ways you can plant seeds for future opportunities and connections.
This is an incredible opportunity to show up as a thought leader. Get active where your potential employers and future co-workers are hanging out (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) Comment on their posts, share your feedback, share articles you find interesting and relevant. You are laying the groundwork to reach out later on.
Reach out to any potential contacts and just check in. You aren’t asking for anything here you are just letting them know you are thinking about them and hope they are safe and well. If it feels organic (i.e. you are freelance) you could offer yourself as a resource should they need support. There is a big uptick in contract work right now which could work in your favor! This could look something like this:
Hi [NAME],
I wanted to reach out and let you know I'm thinking of you all at [COMPANY NAME]. I can only imagine how crazy it is over there. I am safe and sound in Mexico City with a lot to be grateful for.
I’ve been following [COMPANY] on [SOCIAL CHANNEL] and have been really impressed with how you are offering online education to all your students. It is so impressive you were able to pivot and get that up and running. Technology is really rising to this occasion in helping us all stay connected and sane!
If your or your team needs support with [SOMETHING YOU CAN OFFER] in the coming weeks or just an extra set of hands, I'm here as a resource. Let me know how I can help.
Stay safe and healthy!Use this time to really strengthen your personal brand (resume, LinkedIn, cover letter, portfolio). As I said, this is all temporary so think of this as a gift of time to get your ducks in a row so that when companies are rehiring, you are beyond ready and can put your best foot forward.
Look at how companies you are interested in are showing up right now. Are they supporting relief efforts? Are they treating employees in the best way they can? The way companies are handling this crisis are very indicative of their people and culture practices. Take note.
Don’t stop looking! Don’t take this as a time to kick your feet up. That is what everyone else is doing. Use this time to get even more clear on what type of roles you are interested and what companies you want to offer your talent to. Continue to check out job postings on Linkedin and directly on companies websites.
I hope these tips are helpful. If you have any questions on how to navigate the job search during this time, feel free to reach out! I