Job Hunting during difficult times – 6 must do activities

This post contains affiliate links.

Job hunting is not easy at the best of times, especially during global pandemics, economic downturns or a global financial crisis where it can be even more stressful, hard work and demoralising, but throw in all of life’s other challenges such as parenting, sport activities and it’s a wonder you have time for job hunting at all!  However, staying proactive and focused can significantly enhance your chances of success. In these trying periods, it’s crucial to adopt strategies that set you apart from the competition and help you navigate the job market more effectively. This introduction outlines six essential activities that can make a substantial difference in your job search during tough times. By following these tips, you can maintain momentum, build resilience, and increase your opportunities for landing a new job despite the challenges.  I have detailed 6 key activities that you can do to hopefully make job hunting a little easier.

1. Update LinkedIn & your Resume

Love it or hate it, LinkedIn is the go to place for recruiters and would be employers, so make sure you udpate your profile to include the most current information on you and your career, paying particular attention to detailing the scale of your role (e.g. led a team of 30 or P&L responsibility for $20m), skills and accomplishments as well as asking for recommendations from your network.

Optimize your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, a compelling summary, and detailed job descriptions and also engage with industry-related content and connect with professionals in your field.  Also, try to publish an original post, something that is relevant to your current role/area of expertise or even better something to help you get that new job.  This will show potential employers that you have got more to offer than other candidates and they will also get a clearer idea about you and how you could be the solution to why they are recruiting in the first place.

Turning on the Career Interests will let recruiters know you’re open to new job opportunities, this button can be found under your profile as below, you should then add in your preferred location, job titles and industries helping recruiters to narrow down potential job options that they will present to you.  This feature is only open to recruiters and will not be visible to your current employer.

2. Looking after your self

Job hunting can be particularly stressful especially if you don’t have a role to go to or are unhappy in your current company, so you need to pay particular attention to how you are feeling.  What I find helps is to get those closest to you to make you more aware of your actions, especially if they are hurting others around you.  If job hunting is getting you down trying scheduling some time out (put that in your calendar) to go for some exercise, go to the gym, take in a yoga class, or take a leisurely walk round your local park.  You can’t just rely on others, so you to need to be self-aware.  Here I am talking about Self-reflection, which is all about in making time in your busy lives for yourself to focus (without distractions) on your behaviours, life goals and general state of mind, a chance to catch-up with yourself.

When #jobhunting you need to pay particular attention to how you are feeling Share on X

3. Networking a.k.a “The Hustle”

Get out there arrange face to face catch-ups/coffees/lunch with your network, friends, past colleagues, vendors you have used or those recruitment agents you trust.  If you are already employed and have decided that your current role and company is longer for you, meeting others will have to be done with a degree of circumspect.  If you are no longer employed then treat job hunting like a full-time job, its hard work and results are not always immediate, but keep going, your face time with others will pay off.

Heavily utilise your calendar to schedule meetings as part of your search as well as when to follow up on conversations and emails.  Make sure you can access your calendar and email on your mobile device, so you never miss a meeting opportunity or email when you are on the go.

Also try to attend as many on line seminars, conferences or workshops as these are great places to network, meet peers or even your future boss.  These events are also an opportunity to pick up current and future trends, as well as how customers have deployed or use particular solutions, all helping you remain relevant.

If you are no longer employed then treat #jobhunting like a full-time job, its hard work and results are not always immediate, but keep going, it will pay off Share on X

4. Enhance your skills

There are any number of ways to achieve this, volunteering can be a great way of expanding your skills and network, to fill in those gaps in your resume and the sense of giving back and helping others is just a good thing to do.  If you don’t have a job to go to it is also a great way to keep busy and will help put life in to perspective, it might even help your sense of wellbeing.  Also taking advantage of online courses and certifications to enhance your skill set. Platforms like Coursera, Stanford online Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer valuable courses in various fields.  Also staying updated with industry trends (such as AI, automation, Cybersecurity, Data) and advancements by reading relevant blogs, articles, and books.  By continuously enhancing your skills, you can increase your employability and potentially open up new career opportunities.

5. Social Media

You may just have to get a bit more creative in your job hunting so you can stand out from the crowd, being active on social media will certainly help raise your profile to potential employees.  By posting relevant content on platforms such as your own blog, medium, X or LinkedIn  with well-constructed comments will also demonstrate your expertise and knowledge.  In today’s digital age, social media has become an invaluable tool for job hunting not just for social interactions—they can be powerful assets in your professional arsenal. Utilizing social media effectively allows you to network with industry professionals, showcase your expertise, and stay informed about job opportunities and industry trends. By leveraging these platforms, you can enhance your job hunting strategy, connect with potential employers, and create a strong online presence that reflects your professional and personal brand.

6. Stay Organised and be Prepared

With lots going on it is critical to stay organised by keep track of the jobs you apply for, including details like application dates, contact information, and follow-up actions. I have used the trusty spreadsheet, but there are job hunting apps available such as Tealhq.  Without being too desperate it is always worth following up on applications with a phone call after a reasonable period. Persistence shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on the radar of potential employers.

Be it LinkedIn, Monster, JobServe or Seek there are a myriad of job boards to choose from, make sure you set up automated email alerts for jobs that interest you, that way you don’t miss out.  Job boards are ok, but I would not use them as your main source of job hunting, you will be competing with 10s or even 100s of others when you apply, that’s why the hustle along with LinkedIn and social media are my three favoured approaches to job hunting.

When you get past the first stage and get an interview, if it is a virtual interview familiarize yourself with common video conferencing tools like Zoom, Google Meet Microsoft Teams, and Skype. Ensure your technology works smoothly on your home computer, you have a good camera (my go to is Logitech),  speakers (I don’t rely on inbuilt speakers) and a big enough monitor (I went for a 32″ curved screen, so you can have multiple tabs/browsers open).  Personally, I don’t like using headphones for interviews, but that is a personal choice.  Also ensure your environment is professional,  I tend to have a blurred background then it does not really matter what you have behind you.  I would also recommend putting a note on the door of your room/office where you are set up for the interview so your family know not to disturb you (well you can try at least).

In-person job interviews (and virtual ones) are a crucial step in securing your desired position, providing an opportunity to showcase your skills, personality, and fit for the role. Being well-prepared is essential to making a strong impression and increasing your chances of success. To help you navigate this important process, here are some essential tips I found useful to ensure you’re ready to excel in an in-person interview (you can of course also use some elements of these when preparing for virtual interviews):

• Research the Company:
  • Learn about the company’s history, mission, values, and culture. Understand their products, services, and recent news or achievements.
  • Familiarize yourself with the industry and the company’s competitors. This knowledge will help you answer questions and show your genuine interest in the role.
• Understand the Role:
  • Carefully read the job description and identify the key responsibilities and qualifications. Match your skills and experiences with these requirements.
  • Prepare examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks listed in the job description.
• Practice Common Interview Questions:
  • Anticipate common interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work here?” and “What attracted you to the role?”
  • Practice answers to behavioral questions, such as tell me a time when?
• Prepare Questions for the Interviewer:
  • Develop thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the company, team, and role. This shows your interest and helps you gather important information.  I always ask an interviewer who is new to the company “What attracted you to the company in the first place”? and for interviewer who have been with the company a long time “What keeps you here”?.
  • Avoid questions about salary and benefits in the initial interview unless the interviewer brings them up, but be prepared regardless.
• Dress Appropriately:
  • Choose professional attire that is suitable for the company’s culture. When in doubt, opt for more formal attire, but as you have done the research you will know the dress code of the company you are interviewing with.
  • Ensure your clothing is clean, ironed, and fits well. Personal grooming and hygiene are also important.
• Plan Your Journey:
  • Determine the interview location and plan your route in advance. Account for traffic, public transportation, or parking, and aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early, using Google maps to check on the day well in advance to see how long it will take to arrive, just in case of accidents or heavy traffic.
  • Have the contact details of the recruiter, interviewer or HR department in case you need assistance or experience any delays.
• Bring Necessary Materials:
  • Carry extra copies of your resume, and any other documents requested by the employer.
  • Bring a notepad and pen to take notes during the interview.
  • I also come prepared with a printed off list of questions I want to ask during the interview.
• Body Language and Etiquette:
  • Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. These non-verbal cues convey confidence and professionalism.
  • Be polite and attentive throughout the interview, listening carefully to the interviewer and responding thoughtfully.
• Follow Up:
  • Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview, expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the role.   Also ask for feedback if unsuccessful.
  • A bit of personal reflection on the interview to identify areas for improvement and adjust your preparation for future interviews accordingly.

Stay Positive and keep Hustling

Job hunting during difficult times requires a strategic and proactive approach. By updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, actively networking, enhancing your skills through online courses, tailoring your applications, preparing thoroughly for virtual and inperson interviews, and staying organized and persistent, you can navigate the challenging job market more effectively. These activities not only boost your visibility to potential employers but also demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and adaptability. With determination, a positive mindset and the right strategies, you can increase your chances of securing a desirable position even in tough economic climates.

So how have you managed to make job hunting easier on you and your loved ones? leave a comment below to help others.

This post contains affiliate links.