As Ontario residents continue to live under strict restrictions due to the pandemic, people are eager to get back to some sense of normalcy. It’s been particularly challenging for Torontonians, having experienced multiple lockdowns and stay-at-home orders — many residents are wondering if that sense of normalcy will ever return. However, as vaccines finally start rolling out and the city adapts to new and updated health and safety regulations, Torontonians look forward to what’s to come.
Are you one of the people who have conducted a job search during a pandemic? After working from home for so long and having so much time to think about your current career situation, perhaps you’ve realized that it’s time for a change.
But, you may be thinking, how can I look for a new job when there’s nowhere to network physically? Or you may be wondering if companies have the budget for new hires during a pandemic? These days, online networking is more prevalent than ever. Here are a few tips on how you can land the job of your dreams just by using your computer or smartphone at home, plus you’ll learn about which businesses are hiring during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Create a Website
Since you can’t necessarily meet in person right now, you want to be as virtually accessible to employers as possible. Do you have a portfolio or a body of work that you’d love to show off to the world? Take an afternoon to set up a personal website. If you don’t know how to do that, consult with a friend or colleague who has a professional site to give you some starter tips.
Once you upload your past work and professional achievements, resume, and anything else related to your career, you can insert the link for your online networking profiles. Human Resources (HR) professionals can check out your work easily and quickly, without even meeting you face-to-face.
Work with a Professional Recruiter
If you’re struggling to find a job you’re suited for — sending out resume after resume and never receiving a response — then your best bet is to work with a recruiter. There are recruitment agencies in Toronto that specialize in professional industries of all sorts, from marketing to IT to retail. The right recruiter will work with you to find a position tailored to your skillset and ambitions.
You’ll gain access to position openings that aren’t advertised anywhere else, and your recruiter will work hard to get you the job that you deserve. And the best part is, you can conduct all of your meetings online! There’s no need to worry about meeting in-person and socially distancing.
Free Up Space on Your Computer and Install Zoom
Whether you’re meeting with your recruiter or interviewing for a position, there’s a high chance that it will happen online. You may already have Zoom downloaded on your computer, but if you don’t, consider getting it. You can read about Zoom etiquette, tips and best practices .
Zoom is the online video conferencing service that allows people to interact in real-time using video. You’ll be able to chat with your recruiter, hiring managers, and eventually — your new coworkers!
Consider New Industries
If you have transferable job skills and don’t mind changing industries, consider applying for jobs in industries that are doing well during the pandemic. The following industries have been successful during the pandemic:
- grocery stores
- cleaning companies
- game (puzzles, board games) companies
- liquor stores
- fitness equipment companies
- tutoring services
- used car market (people are avoiding public transportation)
- landscaping services
- home renovation services
- home health providers
- behavioural health providers
- tech companies
You might think that looking for a job during COVID-19 is daunting, but it’s a lot simpler than you might think. With the power of technology and some perseverance, you’ll land that dream job in no time.
