Adapting to the Remote Work Revolution in Job Hunting

As the world of work evolves in response to social distancing requirements due to COVID-19, many businesses and educational institutions have moved to a remote work and learning model. Job seekers have had to adapt to this new way of finding and engaging with employers in order to secure jobs and build careers in these trying times.

The Benefits of Remote Job Hunting

Remote job hunting can actually be a more efficient and effective process in some ways. Virtual job fairs and job boards make it easier to find jobs and connect with employers without having to travel. Many professionals can make a stronger impression via video interviews than in person, as they can create a professional in-room setting and edit out mistakes in post-production. Moreover, in difficult times, employers may appreciate seeing a candidate’s resilience in the face of a job market challenged by a pandemic.

Crafting the Ideal Resume and Portfolio

In any job hunt, a well-crafted resume and portfolio are key. A resume should clearly and concisely detail your skills, qualifications, and experience while still highlighting knowledge or past projects that may benefit the potential employer. Your portfolio should be tailored to the kind of job you are applying for and should include visual or written examples of projects you have completed or processes you have used.

Making a Great Impression in Video Interviews

Video interviews can be tricky, so do your research. Plan ahead of the call so you know what you want to insert into the conversation, and if possible, create visuals of pertinent information to upload to a sharing platform. During calls, use body language and show enthusiasm for the job, and try to maintain eye contact even if it feels a bit uncomfortable. Once preparation is complete, find your perfect environment for the actual call: make sure your background is organized, the lighting is good, and any audio issues have been dealt with.

Staying Connected and Networking

Networking has always been important in job seeking, and it’s even more essential in a remotely focused job hunt. Social media networks, professional online platforms, and other virtual means of connecting are invaluable for staying abreast of job postings, updates, job fairs, and other opportunities. LinkedIn is a great place to start connecting, as it provides a central hub to network, and recruiter activity is usually high on the platform.

Do Your Homework: Research is Crucial

It’s not just about finding a job in the remote work revolution, it’s about finding the right job. Knowing what you’re interested in and the industry you’d like to work in is important. Once you have the basics, do your research: read up on trends, news articles, and social posts relevant to the job you’d like. Use platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed to learn what employers have been looking for in the past couple of years.

Don’t Rely on Job Alerts or Bot Applications

While it may be tempting to rely solely on job alerts to do all the searching for you, this isn’t the best approach. It’s important to review bot applications for job listings as well. These bots often miss out on fresh job openings or industry-specific roles because they follow broad industry trends or keywords. Instead, look for job opportunities that align with your interests, and check out the qualifications and experiences employers are seeking in each job.

Connect with Past and Current Employers

Another way to stay in touch with potential job opportunities is to keep an open line of communication with your current and past employers. Ask for feedback or advice on where you should be looking, as well as any insider knowledge they may have. Getting feedback from your professional network helps give a behind-the-scenes look at what employers may be seeking, so you can tailor your job search to fit their needs.

Stay Positive and Don’t Give Up

The most important thing to remember in these uncertain times is that no matter how tough the job market looks, there are still opportunities for those willing to put in the work. Stay positive and don’t give up! With patience and dedication, the right job is out there waiting. Adapting to the remote work revolution can bring lots of rewards, so don’t miss out on the chance to succeed.