After a long furlough or layoff, many Americans find themselves searching for work during one of the worst economies our country has ever seen. However, just because it is more challenging to find a job now doesn’t mean that nobody is hiring. Here are some strategies to reinvigorate your job search in the current climate.
- Industry Research: Certain industries have maintained or increased their hiring in order to meet demands of the public during the pandemic. Some top industries highlighted by the Department of Labor as the most in-demand right now include healthcare, warehousing and delivery, grocery stores and pharmacies, and IT support. Take a look at these industries and try to find jobs that align with the skills you already have, while still giving you an opportunity to grow and develop in your career.
- Employer Research: One important thing to keep in mind during your search is that many employers who are posting jobs are not able to actively hire for positions due to a hiring freeze. Several different sites, including an article in our own Handshake Resource Library, offer information about employers who are currently hiring. You can also find information about company culture and values on sites like LinkedIn or Glassdoor. However, the most reliable way to conduct employer research is to tap into your personal network and ask someone you know.
- Networking from Home: Did reading the word “networking” just make you cringe? Fortunately, when networking from home you don’t have to put up with the same awkward small talk you might have to make at a typical work event. We’ve put together a great resource guide on Networking from Home, available here in Handshake.
- Professional Development: Although you definitely want to focus your job search on positions that require skills you already have, it’s a great idea to continue to grow your skills as you hunt for your next role. For example, if you were recently laid off from your job as a Recruiting Assistant, but you are interested in pursuing a job as a Training Coordinator for a local online order fulfillment center, it might be helpful to have additional knowledge of adult learning or instructional design software. Our Online Professional Development Resources listing contains lots of links to free resources available for both WGU students and alumni!
No matter where you are at in the job search process, Career & Professional Development is here to help. Please contact us today to get started working on a personalized plan to help you reach your immediate and long-term career goals.
