Since the start of Covid-19, the economic fallout of the pandemic resulted in unprecedented job losses. Some people were lucky to eventually find work, and others, unfortunately, are still struggling. For anyone looking for a job, it might be of help to consider certain aspects, to get you employment with as little struggle as possible. Alphonse Uworwabayeho, a lecturer of mathematics at the University of Rwanda’s College of Education, says it’s important to note that the process of searching for a job has changed, especially during this time when people are still trying to adjust to the situation. He says anyone in the process of hunting for a new job should acknowledge that things aren’t the same anymore. Once you understand this, he says, you are able to accept the current situation and work towards plan B. “Understand that what worked for you before won’t be as relevant at the moment, therefore, better strategies are crucial,” he says. However, do not give up on what you want, even in the face of hardship. “This will help you get something good. The search will also present opportunities for you to learn something new,” he says. In Lisa Rabasca Roepe’s article, ‘What Does the Coronavirus Pandemic Mean for Your Job Search?’ published by The Muse, she writes, “Be prepared for job openings to be put on hold or disappear, even if they’ve been open for a while. That doesn’t mean they won’t open up again in a few months. If you can afford to put your job search on hold, you may want to wait it out, because it could be challenging to get on a hiring manager’s radar right now.” What to consider: Patience Even if one has initial contact with an employer looking to hire, it is best to remain calm and patient to allow things to fall into place. Remote setups and challenging obstacles make it difficult for companies to operate, and recruiting is no different, therefore, having patience as companies or organisations adapt to the new normal is essential. Versatility The role you may have wanted or been interested in before the pandemic may not be available. Or it may be different from what it was. For this reason, it’s advisable to consider casting a wider net. Be open to different roles that you are well suited for, in other words, be flexible at all times. Temporary roles There are many companies looking to hire at the moment, if you are not able to find full-time permanent work within your field, it is recommended to consider a temporary job or freelancing as you continue with your job search. This is also believed to be a great way to make connections and keep a stream of income flowing at the moment. Online network Even if employers are not hiring, it’s still very important to put yourself out there. Building a network and making it known is one way to show that you are ready to make a career move. Updated skills In an ever-changing world, there is no doubt that the skills and traits companies and organisations are looking for will continue to change with time. It is also now clear that in job markets, they are looking for people with technology skills. Also, people who are flexible, adaptable, and have strong management skills are in high demand at the moment, therefore, having such skills will put you ahead of those who don’t. “While many industries have and will continue to be hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, others are still hiring. If you’re unemployed and need a stopgap, consider looking there or wherever else you can find an opportunity that makes sense for you—and pays the rent and puts food on the table—in the meantime,” Roepe notes.
