It’s fair to say that 2020 was a difficult year for everyone, full of unexpected challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic left many out of work, and it completely reshaped the labor market.
But as we begin to adjust to life during a pandemic, you might be ready to shake up your job search and get your career back on track.
The problem is, even as we try to return to some sort of normal, job hunting will remain a little different this year.
To help you get to grips with this, we’ve pulled together four ways you can modernize your job search for 2021.
Consider remote work
The remote workforce sky-rocketed in 2020, with lots of organizations shutting their doors and moving their teams online.
However, remote work might not be something you have really considered in the past, as it can take some getting used to.
But with many businesses still not allowing their teams to return to work in person and some choosing to offer more flexible positions, there are a lot more remote work opportunities out there than to choose from.
So if you’re hoping to find a job in 2021, you certainly need to open yourself up to the possibility of a remote role, even if you will eventually be able to return to the workplace.
Be prepared for video interviews
In January 2021 more than three quarters of businesses revealed that they are now conducting video interviews regularly.
With remote interviews growing in popularity, you need to make sure you are prepared for the virtual recruitment process.
But with video interviews still new to so many of us, this can be understandably nerve-wracking. So as you go about conducting your job search, it’s a good idea to practice your virtual interview techniques.
It’s also a good idea to get clued up on best practices for this type of interview format. For example, testing out your technology, dressing the part, and eliminating any distractions from your background.
Evaluate your transferable skills
The pandemic has left many re-evaluating what they really want to do for work, while others have been forced to switch industries as their current career path continues to suffer.
Either way, transferable skills are more important now than ever before.
So, in order to succeed in your job search this year, you need to evaluate the transferable skills you possess and either spruce up your resume to reflect these or consider taking on some training or work experience to sharpen your skills.
For example, transferable skills such as communication, organization, decision-making, and problem-solving are more desirable than ever – especially with so many roles now operating remotely.
So you should dedicate some time to working on your transferable skills and shouting about these to potential employers.
Attend online career events
Career and industry events can be a useful way to network, find job opportunities, and boost your industry knowledge. Unfortunately, lots of these events have been canceled in the past 12 months. But this doesn’t mean you can’t still attend.
Lots of these events have been moved online as virtual events, and though these may be different, you can still attend and network with professionals in your industry.
These can also be a valuable way for you to listen to lectures, build your knowledge and skills, and look out for any exciting job opportunities.
So this year, consider how you can use online events to boost your job search.
It’s time to shake up your job search
Although the labor market might be a little different this year, by using our advice above, you can prepare your job search for the modern world.
These simple changes are all it takes to maximize your chances of landing a job in 2021.
About the Author:
Andrew Fennell is the founder and director of Job Description Library and StandOut CV, two leading UK careers advice websites. He is a former recruitment consultant and contributes career advice to publications like Business Insider, The Guardian, and The Independent.
