Covid has changed the employment landscape – for now. Where previously job hunters were competing with up to 50 other potential candidates, many of our clients have reported over the last 9 months that employers advised them they received upwards of 300 applications. Now is perhaps not the time to go for your ‘ideal’ or ‘dream’ job, depending on your circumstances. If you are able to wait, then go for it. But if you need a job sooner, then there are some keys to making this happen.
If you are not currently working, then make looking for a new role your full time job. Set your alarm at the same time that you did when you had to get up each morning to go to work. Make a plan, set realistic goals and do some Internet research. Regardless of what may have led you to desperately needing work, you are faced with two choices: let the situation dictate your outcome or take the reins of your life back and create a path through for yourself. We have been advised that employers are currently receiving applications from candidates with higher levels of experience and qualifications than their advertised role requires, so it is very important to meet the criteria of a role you are applying for as closely as possible. For example, if you live in Wellington and are applying for roles in Auckland, your chances may be slim, as the employer will be receiving many highly qualified applications from job hunters in Auckland who don’t have to go through the hassle of relocating.
Understand that this situation is temporary. Taking a job that may not be what you really want to do during this time does not mean you cannot return to the career pathway you were building towards when things settle down. Doing work that is not aligned with your long-term goals can be an opportunity to diversify your skill base and gain knowledge and experience that you would not have otherwise been able to attain.
Being willing to do the hard yards and applying for anything and everything that might get you back to earning a living is your best strategy to finding work as quickly as possible. Use all available resources. Some industries are booming at this time – why not go fruit picking? Add remote-friendly keywords to your CV, letters and LinkedIn profile and if possible, be willing to work from home and prepared to demonstrate that you can be as productive as working in an office environment.
Create job-hunting systems for success – monitor social media for prospective job opportunities – LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram are often used to promote brands and connect with talent. Leave no stone unturned – along with searching job boards such as Trade Me and seek.co.nz, talk to people – everywhere you go, in as many conversations as possible, let people know you are looking for a job. A high percentage of roles are filled by this kind of networking. Perhaps most importantly, maintain a positive attitude and mindset. Take any rejections as a prompt to move you on to the next opportunity. We advise that you do not wait for responses to particular job applications, as in New Zealand that process can take a long time, but keep putting the applications out there until you have secured a new role.