Looking for work can be a challenging and emotional process at the best of times.  During a pandemic (and subsequent recession), it can often take a lot more effort to secure a role.

If you are in a position of looking for work, here are some strategies that may help:

Be Visible

Thanks to networks like LinkedIn, it’s possible to network efficiently while in lockdown.  Ensure that your profile is up to date and engage in professional groups that align with your career goals.   Engage with your network by commenting on posts and increasing your influence through curating thought-provoking content while also creating your own.  LinkedIn also features articles showcasing companies which are hiring, which is a helpful resource for job seekers.

Get Comfortable with Virtual Interviewing

According to the New York Times, Anthropologist Ray Birdwhistell believes that more than 65% of communication is non-verbal.  If you’re actively looking to improve your body language in virtual interviews, it pays to smile, nod and reduce the amount of gesturing while mirroring your interviewer.

Determine your Unique Selling Point (USP)

Often used by Sales people in reference to a product or service, a Unique Selling Point (USP) helps to identify how a product is different to competitors.  When matched against customer needs, this proves to be a strong pillar on which to position a product or service.

In relation to a job search process, USP’s help differentiate you against your competitors and should be matched against what you perceive your potential employer’s needs are.

The most effective USP’s are in areas of growth and/or are difficult to find. Finding and marketing your USP effectively can go a long way to securing your dream job.

Develop a ‘Career Story’

If your work history doesn’t take a conventional path or you have had some time out of work, plan your ‘Career Story’ in a way that that engages potential interviewers.  A ‘Career Story’ is really just a narrative that describes your career path with a ‘highlight reel’.  Developing a Career Story early in the job search process is useful as it will help shape the writing of your Resume, Cover Letters, LinkedIn Profile and during the interview process.  While it’s unlikely that you will be asked to describe your ‘Career Story’ during an interview, you may be asked the questions: ‘Why are you a good fit for this position?’ or ‘Why should we hire you?’

If you would like further support during your job search process, speak to the team at Flexi Personnel.