The pandemic hasn’t left yet and people are still looking for jobs, however, things are starting to look up.

Despite an increasing number of workers are being laid off or furloughed, job openings have started popping up. Even if a company is currently not hiring, this is not the time to give up on networking. Here are some tips on getting a job during these difficult times.

Frequently modify your resume

Your resume, or LinkedIn profile, isn’t permanent. Don’t treat it like it is. Whether it’s the actual design, the keywords, or the bullet points, be prepared to change everything based on your job search.

Don’t rely solely only on online job applications

Most job searches are filled through networking. While it’s a good idea to scout through LinkedIn and Indeed, it’s best practice to reach out to your connections on LinkedIn. If you’re interested in a specific company, reach out to their human resources manager for an informational interview. Get comfortable reaching out to people and asking for advice. The odds of you landing a job will go up exponentially.

Make sure your LinkedIn profile screams remote-friendly!

Right now, it’s going to be difficult getting a job that isn’t a remote role. Although you may think it’s a given, certain recruiters will use keywords that narrow their search specifically to those that are in the market for remote roles. While including the terms remote and remote-friendly is a good start – your resume should also indicate that you have the traits of a self-sufficient employee. Employers typically look for individuals who are self-motivated, have excellent time management skills, communication skills and technologically savvy.

Always follow-up

If you are in touch with a hiring manager or a recruitment firm and you don’t hear back, make the follow up yourself. Due to these odd circumstances, it’s easy to get drowned out in the sea of applicants. While you don’t want to come off as annoying, you need to stay persistent. The competition pool is big, so stay on top of their mind and the top of their inbox.

Set realistic goals for yourself

Looking for a job is draining. Treating it like a 9-5 job can burn you out. Your days should be goal-oriented, not time-oriented. Set yourself up for success by creating goals that you can achieve. Messaging 4 recruiters a day or making 7 informational calls a week is far more productive than a week of burnout.

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