Brian Snyder/Reuters
- January is prime time to start a job search — it’s usually when companies get new budgets and start ramping up their hiring.
- However, job searching might look a little different this year because of the pandemic.
- Insider has compiled a guide for anyone who is looking for a job right now, from early searching to nailing the interview.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
To put it lightly, job searching during a pandemic can be a challenge.
Worldwide lockdowns have forced remote work, and the resulting recession has caused the US to lose 140,000 jobs in December alone, ending a seven-month streak of payroll additions.
Even though it may be tough, job-seekers can still find work if they look in the right places and adopt the right strategies.
Insider has gathered the tools to help you do so. Below, we’ve compiled a list of advice from a range of experts, from career and executive coaches to HR leaders and recruiters, on how you can set yourself up for success this year.
Not sure where to start? Pick an industry on the rise
Jobs in healthcare, for example, are booming right now. Some industries, like management consulting, have suffered because of the pandemic, but are still hiring for internships and full time roles.
The stories below will help you bring a fuzzy goal into focus.
Use these templates to write a standout cover letter that will get a recruiter's attention at top consulting firms like McKinsey and Bain
10 industries booming during the pandemic that are hiring for fully remote jobs right now
Searching during a recession is difficult, but not impossible
To up your chances at landing a job during a downturn, career coaches suggest trying virtual networking. Don't be afraid to reach out to people in your network who you think might be able to help you find work.
It's also a good idea to consider a career pivot. Think about the skills you have, and how those can apply to jobs in a variety of industries.
Check out the stories below to learn how to grab a recruiter's attention or make that next big move.
How to write an email that gets the hiring manager's attention at your dream company
8 steps to improve your career while self-isolating, so you can land a plum job after the quarantine
12 books to read right now to help you get a job and find success during a recession
Preparing your application
It's important to show hiring managers why you're uniquely suited for a specific role. You can do that in your application materials.
Your résumé is the single most important document you'll provide to a potential employer. That's followed closely by the cover letter, which is an opportunity to connect the experiences you've showcased in your résumé with the needs of a specific company.
Keep reading to see how to make the most of your unique skills and background.
Read more: Use this interactive template that we created with a career coach to build your perfect résumé
34 common language and formatting mistakes to remove from your résumé right now
5 mistakes job seekers make that immediately turn off recruiters that try to 'poach' them for a role
38 common résumé mistakes that hurt your chances of getting hired
Acing the interview
Congratulations! You've made it to the interview.
In the age of coronavirus, virtual interviews are becoming much more popular - a trend that's likely to continue after the pandemic is over.
When virtual interviewing, it's good practice to make sure you have a neutral background in a well-lit room. Make sure you make eye contact with the recruiter, but don't worry too much if you get interrupted by a barking dog or crying baby. It's likely they'll understand the challenges of working from home.
Here's a handful of stories to get you started.
Read more: Use this simple technique from recruiters to craft a compelling story about your career and impress any hiring manager
8 tips for improving your Zoom interview skills to increase your chances of landing a job
21 surprising behaviors that affect whether you get hired after a job interview