Prepare for the Unexpected
Even with the best plans, sometimes things happen. Right now the job search market is dealing with something no one expected – COVID19. Let me assure you, businesses are just as frustrated as you are right now. Try to remember a lot of companies have been hit hard economically. They are unsure what the future holds. Once they do open, they are dealing with the re-entry processes and deciding how to navigate workforce issues too. So know you aren’t alone in the feelings of “nothing is as it was.”
In today’s environment you need to be prepared for cancellations, delays, and changes to the interview process. Most companies are using phone and video interviews instead of in-person meetings. Here’s a quick video to make sure you’re up to speed on how to interview successfully online.
Get the Right Mindset
It can be frustrating, stressful and depressing if things aren’t moving as quickly as you’d like. Be mindful of this and take time for you. Watch the negative self talk. Find ways to turn your negative thinking into positive encouragement. Every day doesn’t suck, even if today does. Instead think of it in terms of “Tomorrow I’ll do ‘x’ to make sure it’s not a repeat of today.”
Don’t allow fear to grab hold. It’s easy to think you’re not enough during a job search. You’ve got skills and experience. It just takes time to make sure the right people notice. Our minds begin playing tricks on us and that turns into roadblocks. We begin to look for excuses not to try anymore. If you see yourself sliding into this mindset, stop and take a few minutes and think about how you define success for yourself. Don’t allow your present situation to define your future. Some of the most valuable things in life have little to do with our paychecks.
Additional tips
Don’t send out your career material (resumes, cover letters) with errors or mistakes. Typos, misspellings, and bad formatting will give the reader a reason to toss it in the trash. Have a second (or third) set of eyes look over anything before you send it out.
Make sure your search is focused correctly. It doesn’t need to be too narrow or too broad. however, you don’t want to be throwing resumes at just any opening you see. Don’t get stuck on a job title. Really take some time to look into what the position offers and what the responsibilities will be. Don’t get caught up thinking you shouldn’t apply for something just because you don’t have 100% of the items on the list. If you think you’re at least 80% qualified, give it a shot.
Remember, a bad Interview doesn’t mean you’re a bad interviewer. If you were brought in for the interview, they already thought you had the skills. Interviews are more about determining fit –do I want to work with this person every day – do they fit out culture. Make sure you prepare for the interviews. Do mock interviews, research popular interview techniques and questions and prepare your answers
Finally, know your value to the employer. What is it you bring to the table? What problems can you solve? What business function can you improve? What are typical salary ranges?
If you plan ahead and prepare, you’ll be the candidate they all remember.