10 Comprehensive COVID-19 Job Search Resources You Need

Whether you were in a search before the COVID-19 pandemic or have been laid off as it’s spread, this is an unprecedented time to be searching.

To be real, it’s a tough time to be job searching. But I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.

To help I’ve put together a list of the best job search resources available. Everything from who’s hiring right now to help with networking, online job searching, and video interviews.

HIRING RIGHT NOW

Andrew Seaman an editor at LinkedIn has developed a list of companies that are hiring right now. You can check out the complete list here.

You can also use the hashtag #nowhiring on LinkedIn to search for posts. It’s being actively promoted across LinkedIn. When I searched new updates were being posted minutes apart. You can also choose to follow the hashtag so it shows up in your newsfeed.

**PLUS SIDE** As of this post there were around 31,000 followers so not everyone on LinkedIn is aware or following the hashtag. You’ll be ahead of the crowd if you check it out now.

COMPREHENSIVE JOB SEARCH GUIDE

This comprehensive job search guide is being added to continuously as changes are happening with COVID-19 and in the job market. It includes advice in the areas of finding a job, networking, mental health, your resume, finances, video interviews, and what to do if you’ve been laid off.

What I like most is that it is offering expert advice that is being added to as quickly as things are changing. It’s a great foundational resource.

NETWORKING

While many people are used to networking in person we’ve now shifted to online networking. Now is the perfect time to use a networking letter or networking email. If you need inspiration writing one you can find sample networking letters here.

HIDDEN JOB MARKET

The Hidden Job Market Guide includes tips for finding jobs offline without necessarily having to meet people in person. Advice includes:

• Make a list of all of your existing offline connections (your holiday card or Christmas card list can be an excellent source to start).
• Write a list of employers you’d like to work for. Next, focus on identifying anyone you know who currently works for that company.
• Read the Business section of your local newspaper and any local business journals weekly to look for companies in the hiring mode.
• Get involved — whether online or “in real life” with groups, organizations and associations by volunteering and participating in activities and events.

JOB SEARCH JUMPSTART

In case you’ve been laid off, this free PDF shows “7 Things You Need To Do To Get Ready for Your Job Search.” Tips include:

• Update your resume. While ideally your resume is customized for a specific job, having an up-to-date resume targeted for a specific “type” of position is the next best thing.
• Develop — or update — your LinkedIn profile. A LinkedIn profile doesn’t replace the resume…it complements it. Someone looking for a candidate with your skills and experience might search on LinkedIn and find your profile. Yes, this is something your resume writer can help with.
• Know what you’re worth: conduct salary research. One of the most often-cited reasons to consider a job search is to increase your salary. But how do you know what you’re worth? Websites like Glassdoor.com and Salary.com can help you see how your current salary and benefits package stacks up.
• Build your network. It’s estimated that 40-80 percent of jobs are found through networking. Networking effectiveness is not just about quality — although that’s important. It’s also about quantity. It’s not just about who you know. It’s about who your contacts know. Many times, it’s the friend-of-a-friend who can help you land your dream job.

VIDEO INTERVIEWS

Video interviews have been used sparingly but because of the recent virus outbreak, many employers are swiftly moving to video interviews instead of bringing candidates in.

Most job seekers haven’t had to do video interviews previously so it’s an important time to prepare and practice.

This infographic shows the most valuable ideas to prepare for a video interview.

Video interviews provide an apples-to-apples approach to assessing candidate applicants. All applicants are asked the same questions, and the manager can review and rate the responses.

• Practice doing a couple of Skype interviews with family or friends before your job interview. Check the lighting and your volume.
• Clarify with the interviewer who will initiate the call and double-check the username. Also, be sure to account for any time zone differences.
• Even though the interview is being conducted by webcam this is a real live interview and you should be as prepared as if you were sitting across the desk from the interviewer.

JOB MARKET INSIGHTS + EXPERT ADVICE

This living document from Austin Belcak of Cultivated Culture is being updated daily as the market changes and new information becomes available. It’s lengthy but running over with insights and advice from the top career experts in the industry.

2020 NEW GRAD HELP

Are you a new grad or know someone who is graduating soon? This roundup is a collection of targeted help for new graduates. It includes advice from career experts, college career services directors, career development specialists, executive directors, and more.

WORKING FROM HOME

Working from home comes with its own set of challenges, never mind the fact that most of us have our kids home while we’re trying to work.

Need more help for working remotely? This article takes on your greatest remote work challenges, conquers your questions, and is filled with no fluff advice plus over 100 resources related to remote work. These guys are the experts. I’ve been following them for years and they know what they’re talking about.

What else can I share that would be helpful for you during this challenging season?

Reply to this email and let me know.

PS. For a limited time, we’ve lowered our pricing to make our resume services more accessible to those most affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our new pricing reflects a 40-50% discount off our regular pricing and will only be available for a very limited time. You can check out the website to review packages and signup online or schedule a free consultation with Gina here.