The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on job markets all over the globe. Not only has it changed the way we work, but it has revolutionized the job search process. As we kick off a brand-new year full of new beginnings, it’s time to look past all of the setbacks faced in 2020. Polish up your resume, update your LinkedIn profile, take a few online courses, and, most importantly, remind yourself to stay positive and hopeful throughout the entire process. The 5 job search tips listed below will help you successfully navigate the “new norm”. 

1. Do your research 

Job Boards

Set some time aside each day to research job openings in your field. Take advantage of the host of job boards available, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster.com, along with the internal job boards listed on the websites of staffing agencies. Click here to review all of the current client openings at Comrise. 

Company Culture and Employee Reviews

Now that the interview process is virtual, additional research may be necessary to fully understand a company’s culture. Prior to submitting a resume, check out the company’s social media, as well as their Glassdoor reviews, to get a better understanding of what it’s like to work there. For example, do the employees seem positive, creative, and collaborative or tired and burnt out? This step is crucial, yet, also commonly overlooked. 

Always review the core values listed on the company’s website to ensure they align with the type of work environment you are looking for. To learn more about the company culture at Comrise, click here. 

2. Polish up your resume 

Even if you have already reviewed your resume several times, grab a cup of coffee and review it with a fresh mind. As you read through, put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager and ensure that the format of your resume looks something like this:

• Organized with proper job titles, years of employment, and company names
• Professional font, format, and reduced usage of various font sizes
• Bullet points start with different words when describing your roles and responsibilities 
• Clear and concise language that explains your past work experiences
• No typos, grammatical errors, or wrong word usage 

Send your revised resume over to a family member, a friend, or a mentor to receive a different perspective prior to submission. 

3. Update your LinkedIn profile 

After you’ve updated your resume, it’s time to fine-tune your LinkedIn profile. Some are hesitant when it comes to creating a LinkedIn page because they feel as though they do not have enough experience. However, nowadays, a strong LinkedIn profile is just as important as a strong resume, regardless of the amount of experience you have.  

By showcasing your education, experience, expertise, career interests, and past achievements, LinkedIn helps build trust with employers and recruiters. 

For inspiration, check out our team page to review a few impressive LinkedIn profiles.

4. Continue to boost your skills 

While you wait to hear back from hiring managers, continue to broaden your skills and knowledge. Researching industry trends and news will help you stay up-to-date with all of the latest advancements. 

Moreover, if you have some extra time on your hands, take advantage of the online courses offered by Coursera or Harvard. Ranging from $0 to $50, these courses are cost-effective, no prerequisites are required, and you can learn at your own pace. Upon completion, you will be rewarded with a virtual certificate that could be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile.  

5. Be flexible and adapt to the “new norm” 

Finally, you must be flexible and adapt to the ever-changing market. In 2021, it’s important to become comfortable with online networking (i.e LinkedIn), virtual career fairs, and virtual interviews. 

As you prepare for your next virtual interview, review this quick checklist: 

• Select a location with:
  • Good lighting and a clean background 
  • Strong internet connection
  • Outlets to charge your laptop and any other devices 
• Ensure your environment is quiet and free of distractions 
• Dress for success 
  • Dress the same way you would for an in-person interview 
  • Prior to the scheduled interview day, turn on your laptop camera to see how the outfit looks

We wish you the best of luck during your job search and encourage you to check out the job board on our website. Together we can, go Comrise!