This past year has brought along quite a bit of new things (such as a pandemic, a presidential campaign, and a push for more equality). But something else that was also defining of the year was a rise in unemployment. And considering the number of furloughs, layoffs, and businesses that have closed, it’s quite easy to see why the employment rate was hit so hard.
However, this increase in joblessness has also raised the competition in the job market (making it much harder for those who were actively trying to seek a job before the pandemic and those who were recently displaced).
So, the big question that you all might be asking is “How do I get a job during this pandemic?” Well, the simple answer is to be proactive when applying for jobs and to take the following steps to boost your resume in the meantime (and increase your chance of getting hired).
Earn Certifications
One thing that you can do while you are preparing to apply for jobs is to earn certifications. Why? Well, having certifications on your resume helps to show that you are continuing to learn and can help verify that you have the skills for the job.
Also, having certification from an accredited company helps to provide you with credibility and increase your chance of landing a job (although the certification test can be quite expensive).
However, if you still want to demonstrate that you have the skills for the job without breaking the bank you can check out inexpensive options such as:
Apply for Internships
Another thing that will be beneficial is internships. This is because you can gain skills and knowledge for a career (or job) without the commitment to the pathway. And if you actually like it and make a good impression with your boss, you could actually receive a job offer.
And a great thing about it is that even though you are social distancing, you can still look for virtual internships that you can apply for. Also, there are a lot of companies that are temporarily allowing their employees to work from home, so a lot of intern positions are remote too.
If you want to learn more about where to find virtual internships, you can read this post here.
Related: NEED AN INTERNSHIP? 5 VIRTUAL INTERNSHIPS THAT YOU CAN ACCESS REMOTELY
Start Networking
When people think of networking, they often think of face-to-face interactions. And, although that’s part of it, technology has made it so much easier to network with others.
What is networking? Well, networking is simply connecting with others. So, you can always network with people through online methods such as emailing and video chatting (Skype, Messenger, Zoom, etc.). Or, you can use professional networking websites like Linkedin.
And if you are wondering why I am advocating for networking, consider this. Not all job positions available are advertised, and those that are take different approaches to attract new applicants. So, creating a bigger network can help your job search by broadening your job options. And you can meet great people along the way too!
*They can also serve as references in the future.
Start Volunteering
Another thing that can do to build up experience on your resume is to volunteer. And you can still volunteer while social distancing (although some individuals might be comfortable volunteering in person). You can do this by simply donating your time to organizations that offer opportunities to volunteer online.
Not only will this look good on your resume, but it will also allow you to network with new people, gain knowledge, and learn skills.
Try to Gain Work Experience
Something else that you can do to improve your resume is to gain more work experience. Even working a job unrelated to what you want to do can help you demonstrate to future employers that you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to complete the job
And if you can’t gain work experience by the traditional route, try getting a remote job. This will allow you to gain the same skills while still social distancing.
Hopefully, you enjoyed learning about how to boost your resume!
Hannah Roberts is the creator of Do. Live. Study. She loves to learn new things and hopes to help others as they go throughout their journey as an adult. You can connect with her below.
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