When finding a job during a recession you may have noticed that there are less roles out there. Being in this uncertain time both personally and professionally, you may be struggling where to start, especially in terms of job hunting in the pandemic.
As there are less jobs available during a recession, it is important to make yourself stand out from other applicants and consider all of the options out there.
Here we are going to discuss what a recession is, how you can search for a job, what you can do to help yourself to look for a job and how you can improve your employability.
What Is a Recession?
When looking at finding a job during a recession, it is important to understand what a recession actually is and what the repercussions are so that you can be prepared when going into job hunting.
An economic recession occurs when there is a shock to the economy whether that be due to a political, economic or heath-related cause. During a recession there will usually be a drop in the stock market, an increase in unemployment, and a decline in the housing market.
Currently, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK has entered another recession. This is due to the lockdown and the amount of time that businesses in the UK were forced to close and stop selling.
This means that, unfortunately, for anyone searching for a job there are less opportunities and it can be difficult to get noticed by employers.
Searching For a Job
Job hunting in the pandemic is a tricky task.
It is a fact that there are less jobs available as businesses are more reluctant to recruit new people who they may not be able to meet in person. The process for hiring can be trickier and there are many industries that are unable to work online, meaning that they can not hire new people.
In terms of finding a job during a recession, there are certain ways you can find a job suitable for you.
There is of course the usual search on job boards and sites to see what is out there, however, keep in mind that most people searching for a job currently will be looking at these too.
To find more jobs you could consider working with a recruitment agency who will have contacts in the industry you are looking for. They may be able to find jobs that are not posted online on the job sites.
As your job hunting will be taking place online, you could have a look at any networking events that will help you to grow your professional network.
This is a good idea as you never know when an opportunity may present itself so by keeping in contact with people in your network, you could find yourself talking to them about job opportunities.
You can also join networking groups on LinkedIn and Facebook to interact with others and make yourself heard. This allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise, all while showing who you are as a person too.
This not only helps to build up your confidence but can lead to growing connections with potential employers or people who work for a business that is hiring.
You could also end up finding a job during a recession by attending virtual job fairs to see what is out there and make connections with employers. As this is a difficult time to find a job you need to be confident in talking to people online and taking any opportunities that come your way.
Remember that even if you do not end up in your dream job, you can still be job hunting in the pandemic all while working.
This means that you may have to be flexible to begin with but it will not last forever and soon enough you may be back out there, searching for that dream job.
What Can you Do?
It goes without saying that this is a strange and uncertain time in our lives. If you are also looking for a job currently, it can be an overwhelming and difficult process.
There are some things that you can do to make the process easier on yourself that we are going to go through to help you.
Firstly, to help yourself while job hunting in the pandemic, you should set up relevant job alerts so that you are not spending all of your time scrolling through job boards. This means that when an alert comes through you can get working on the application right away and will never miss an application deadline.
Depending on how urgently you need a job, you should also consider flexible roles such as those that are temporary, remote and part-time.
They are a good way to earn money all while continuing the search for your perfect job.
Another tip is to have a look at the current industries that are hiring to see what jobs are in high demand. This is because when finding a job during a recession or job hunting in the pandemic, there are certain industries that are overwhelmed, and therefore require more workers and some that have halted recruitment.
For example, retail jobs (especially supermarkets) and delivery services are hiring due to their increased demand.
Improving Employability
As there are less jobs available during a recession, you want to make sure that your employability is the best it can be. There are a few things you can do to improve this which could be the difference between an employer considering your application or selecting another.
Each employer will be looking for different key skills and experiences.
By going through your CV each time you apply for a job and adding in the keywords on the application, you are automatically going above and beyond a large number of applicants.
There are recruiters out there that use technology such as applicant tracking systems that scan your CV and application to see if you have the skills and requirements that they are looking for. By tailoring your CV to each job, there is a higher chance that the employer will consider you for the role.
Spend your time at home while social distancing wisely by looking at courses that are recognised in your industry.
There are both free and paid for courses that you can add to your CV to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable in your area.
This also shows that you have used your time in lockdown well compared to others job hunting in the pandemic who may have wasted their time instead of using it to improve their employability.
No matter what industry you work in or are looking for employment in, LinkedIn is a great resource for both employers and job seekers. By updating your profile to showcase all of your achievements, it means that any employer looking you up can be wowed by what you have accomplished.
You should be writing cover letters for each job you apply for.
This shows that you have taken the time to write about why you would suit the job you are applying for and gives the employer something to read as a summary of who you are and your skills/qualifications/experience.
Remember to keep it short and to the point to not waste your time or the employers. Finding a job during the recession will be a tiring process so by going the extra mile to show that you are dedicated to the company you are applying for, you are showing them a quality that not all applicants will have.
Finding a job during a recession can be an overwhelming and disappointing process but remember to keep positive and keep in mind that this stage of your life will not last forever.
Whether you have been job hunting in the pandemic or are looking for a job in the aftermath, it is important to keep your spirits up so you can demonstrate to employees that you are resilient and hard-working.
Keep those job alerts on and get online to make connections and find a job even if you find yourself in a temporary role or in a role that is not your dream job.
Know you have the necessary knowledge so that you can get out there, search for a job and improve your employability. Good luck!
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