A Job Search Plan That Works During Coronavirus

“I found out Monday that I’m getting laid off. It’s actually not because of coronavirus. It’s because this is a startup that is not getting any more funding – but in interviews I’m going to lump this all in with coronavirus layoffs because that’s an easier thing to say. But my question is: I’m not even sure where to begin.”

On top of unemployment hitting record levels, entire industries going through hiring freezes, and uncertainty regarding federal stimulus payments (Do you qualify? When’s it coming? Will Congress authorize another payment next month?), there’s the question of whether it’s smart to be job searching at all right now. The short answer is “yes.”

Three of the job seekers I’m working with landed jobs this week. And all three of these opportunities started during the coronavirus pandemic. You have to bear in mind that while some sectors have stopped hiring, others have slowed down, still others are absolutely bringing new people on board. Here’s what you can do:

Clear Your Mind

Now, more than ever, is the time to focus on the role you want and why. This is not the time to be open to anything – that shouldn’t be the case during normal, non-coronavirus times. Therefore, it shouldn’t be the case now.

For example, if you have an operations background and your experience includes hiring people for the operation and leading those teams, can’t you open yourself up to human resources jobs, so you can pursue more opportunities?

No and yes. (Really, mostly no.) This is where the “why” comes in. Why do you want a role in human resources? Is it because you genuinely want to pivot to a role centered on people leadership? Or because you want to make sure you don’t miss out on a possibility? If you’re really thinking you just don’t want to miss out on a possibility, this is not a strong enough reason from the employer’s perspective.

Concentrate on operations 1st – that’s the stronger story. That’s where the bulk of your experience lies. That’s where the employer is going to see a record of achievements. 

Clear Your Inbox

While your 1st impulse may be to go to the major job boards and set up alerts to come to your inbox, resist this urge. There are several reasons why. First, investing the time in what seems like would ultimately be a timesaving activity is really nothing more than spinning your wheels but staying in the same place. It’s activity because it feels like you’re doing something, but that doesn’t mean it’s productivity – there’s a difference.

Second, you will be buried by the tsunami of emails you get about jobs that allegedly match your preferences – many of them in fact will not. And you’ll soon see that these automated alerts will send you repeats. All those will have you thinking a job looks good, spending time looking into it, then realizing you saw it before – even applied for it before and got rejected.

One jobseeker I advised to clear his inbox of the automated alerts did so, and within 2 days was amazed at how much more time this opened up for him to concentrate on pursuing real roles that actually matched what he wanted to do. Don’t spend time combing through the automated alerts.

Clear Your Search History

Just do it. Then start over. And this time, do it a different way. This time, watch your syntax. A search for [marketing director] without quotes yields different results than a search for [“marketing director”] inside of quotes.

Experiment with your search terms: [“sales consultant”], [“enterprise sales”], [“account executive”], and [“business development specialist”] can all open your eyes to different possibilities – all of which match your background because they all have to do with sales.

Start your job search from a place of clarity – that’s the correct way to open yourself to a range of possibilities that squarely align with your background. Move forward with your job search now. You won’t have to get ready as long as you stay ready. Reach out to me in a direct message or [email protected] for a career advancement plan customized for you.