Last week I wrote a blog post on Job Searching In The Corona Virus Crisis.
A couple of updates to this prompted by one of my clients who has just received a job offer with the whole assessment process done online.
She reminded me of a blog post I’d written back in 2016, so coming up for 4 years ago. In this article Key word Research Tool I include details of Jobscan where you can check your CV against the job description.
Also she reminded me of my recent article on customising your CV where I say: if you are spending more than 30 minutes tweaking your CV with key words, then you may wish to consider if you are a good fit for a role.
Finally she said to tell anyone who is struggling/ worrying/ desperate, that she is finding that recruiters are more open to having a chat on the phone at the moment. With a quiet job market she said she would advise anyone who is worrying to pick up the phone and talk to recruitment agents so that they remember you when companies start hiring again.
I’d also like to do some more thinking
How are you finding working from home?
Is this something you enjoy and want more of or realise you need to be in the workplace. Think about the benefits and negative points. When this is all over you could then seek the type of working environment that is right for you, both in your current company and if you move on.
Assessing your skills
In my last article I’d said that this was a good time to keep up to date, and you could develop new skills. It is helpful to do some self-assessment and identify what skills are a bit out of date. Info changes so fast that although you are qualified and experienced, are you following best practice? You can also look at the skills you most like to use – so you have your transferable skills and look for other industries where your skills could be required.
This previous article on MOOCs could be helpful.
And this too, from almost 6 years ago on what have you done to learn and develop yourself this week.
Look to the future
What will organisations be like next year. Which will have survived, which will thrive. It’s worth doing research into both your current industry and any you consider a move to.
When on a Video Call
Great tips here if you want to be like the professionals
- Put the computer up on a stack of books so the camera is slightly higher than your head, about the top of your head.
- Point it down into your eyes
- Take a tall lamp and set it next to the computer on the side of your face you feel is best. The lamp should be in line with and slightly behind the computer, so the light falls nicely on your face.
- Put a piece of white paper or a white tablecloth on the table you are sitting at but make sure it can’t be seen in the frame. It will give you a bit of fill and bounce.