17 Apr 2020
”Will the coronavirus pandemic slow down an already slow-down hiring process? Will there be layoffs and hiring freezes?” My answer? It depends.
In fact, not every industry slows down in an economic downturn and not every company within an industry slows down. Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the market was being competitive. This crisis did make job searching harder but before that the world was still facing shortage of skilled talent, leading to difficulty with talent retention. Therefore, no matter what, job seekers at all levels need to remain competitive and consistent to survive through this period. When one door closes, even temporarily, another often opens.
1. Continue searching job
The bottom line is people get hired during layoffs and hires happen even when things slow down. Trying to time when is the best time to get hired is fruitless, just start the search. Don’t stop even in times when you think no one is hiring like the holidays. Hiring did not merely due to a virus outbreak, the hiring pace was normally dependent on an organization's strategic plans for the year.
2. Take benefit of being one step ahead
Certainly, the added benefit of continuing now, gives an edge over the individuals who halted. By simply proceeding, you are in front of potential employers where others aren’t.
3. Grab opportunity
Now that companies are asking employees to work from home, but not all companies and their employees are prepared to work remotely or from other remote offices where the virus hasn’t spread. There would be a chance of vacancies once they eliminated those who can’t help during the crisis. Therefore, be prepared to showcase your achievement to make yourself more valuable, for instance, highlight your ability on working virtually to plot how you could adapt into the company quickly, make yourself get a higher chance to get hired.
4. Do what should be do
A candidate’s responsibility is now to catch up consistently. Go through more and more platforms to search for chances, never be shy about requesting the subsequent steps which are interviews. Utilize all your social media platforms to get exposed. Lastly, leave message for requesting looking forward on any updates after the interview procedure
It’s important to note that the candidate market has always been competitive before the virus and companies have continued to take their time to process candidates and hire the best person for the job. That’s the fact which not going to make a change or difference.