Top Tips for Job Seekers during COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic hit the economy hard. Many businesses were forced to shut down. Those that
made it have had to make changes to their processes to survive. With more workers being laid off or
furloughed, the competition for any one position has increased. However, this doesn’t mean that you
can’t land a job during the pandemic. The tips above will help you navigate the process of seeking a job
in the pandemic and increase your chances of success.
Intensify your online networking efforts
Going out to meet people at events or over lunch isn’t going to be as effective as it once was. With more
people working remotely, you would have more success meeting like-minded professionals virtually.
Step up your online networking efforts by attending virtual events. Join professional groups on LinkedIn,
Facebook and other social network platforms. Be active on online forums and make valuable
contributions whenever you can, e.g. by writing articles. This will make you more visible and
demonstrate your expertise in your field.
Be patient
Applying for jobs during the pandemic requires even more patience than before. Not only is the
competition greater and the number of opportunities fewer, but you can also expect the hiring process
to take longer than usual. Many companies aren’t hiring right now. However, that doesn’t mean that
they won’t be hiring in the future. Therefore, you shouldn’t give up if you don’t hear from a company for
a few weeks after submitting an application.
Your goal should be relationship building. Strive to stay in touch with the company and keep up with changes they are making. Try to connect with them on a human level if possible. Instead of asking them to help you, ask them if you can assist them, e.g. by offering your skills as part of a virtual team on a part-time or voluntary basis.
Your goal should be relationship building. Strive to stay in touch with the company and keep up with changes they are making. Try to connect with them on a human level if possible. Instead of asking them to help you, ask them if you can assist them, e.g. by offering your skills as part of a virtual team on a part-time or voluntary basis.
Boost your skills
This is a great time to reflect on what you have to offer and determine if there are areas that you can
improve on. Go through job descriptions for positions that you aspire to hold. What skills are you
lacking? Seek out courses or ways to acquire the skills you need to boost your resume. Use your free
time to make yourself the best candidate for the position. You may even discover a talent or interest for
a different field that you may want to pursue as a fulltime career.
In conclusion
Although finding a job may seem difficult, especially during the pandemic, it isn’t impossible. You simply
need to change your approach to the job search process.
Posted On:02/26/2021
Posted By:Jennifer White
How to Compliment an Employer in a Cover Letter
A cover letter is important when you apply for a job; this is your chance to show how your abilities and
skills match up with what the employer wants. The cover letter is also the employer's first glimpse into
who you are. It's your chance to make an excellent first impression. Many job seekers have questions
about whether it's appropriate to compliment and an employer in a cover letter. The short answer is yes,
but you must do it correctly to avoid making a negative impression.
Sincerity shines through
It's acceptable to give a general compliment, as long as you mean it. If a compliment is not sincere, the
recruiter and employer will easily pick up on it. You may be seen as untrustworthy and dishonest. It's
better to not give a compliment than to give an insincere one. Even if you mean everything you say, if you
pour too many compliments on, they come off as insincere.
Do your research
Learn as much as you can about the company. This makes it easier to come up with a suitable
compliment. Consider one of the following ideas.
● Compliment a recent business accomplishment that you've heard or read about, such as awards or special recognition.
● Praise the way the company is run or something unique that the company offers; the way they look out for employees or help the community, for example.
● Compliment a product that you've used that was made by the company. If the product exceeded your expectations, mention it.
● If the company has an excellent reputation, praise it.
● Discuss something that you admire about the company or employer.
● Be specific when you offer a compliment.
● Praise the way the company is run or something unique that the company offers; the way they look out for employees or help the community, for example.
● Compliment a product that you've used that was made by the company. If the product exceeded your expectations, mention it.
● If the company has an excellent reputation, praise it.
● Discuss something that you admire about the company or employer.
● Be specific when you offer a compliment.
Flattery is always nice as long as it's professional and true.
Avoid overly personal compliments
Your cover letter is not the place to get too personal.
● Avoid discussing physical features.
● Don't compliment houses, cars, and personal items.
● Stay away from compliments about fashion unless you're applying for a career with a fashion designer.
● Don't compliment houses, cars, and personal items.
● Stay away from compliments about fashion unless you're applying for a career with a fashion designer.
Personal compliments can make the employer uncomfortable. You may be seen as trying to get too
familiar with the boss. Keep things purely professional throughout the cover letter.
Keep compliments brief
The cover letter is not the place to go into long-drawn-out praise. Keep your compliment brief and to the
point. The compliment is just a little something extra; it is not the main point of the cover letter. The
employer is much more interested in what you can do for the company. Overly long compliments may
seem forced and inorganic.
Now start that cover letter and make the employer feel good with a nice compliment; just make sure you mean it. It's a good idea to read your cover letter out loud to make sure you're happy with the way it sounds before you turn it in. You may even want to have a third party look it over; a fresh set of eyes may spot issues that you missed.
Now start that cover letter and make the employer feel good with a nice compliment; just make sure you mean it. It's a good idea to read your cover letter out loud to make sure you're happy with the way it sounds before you turn it in. You may even want to have a third party look it over; a fresh set of eyes may spot issues that you missed.
Posted On:01/26/2021
Posted By:Jennifer White
5 Helpful Tips to Help you Prepare for an Interview
No matter how many times you go on interviews, there is always a bit of anxiety that comes with them.
You can reduce this anxiety by making sure that you're prepared for the interview. The more prepared
you are, the more confident you'll feel, and that shines through during the interview.
1. Learn about the company
Research to learn as much as you can about the company you are interested in working with. The more
you learn, the better. As you gain more knowledge about a company, you can showcase how your skills
are an asset to them. Do some research on:
● The company background
● The type of work they do
● Their client base
● The type of work they do
● Their client base
Learning about the company is an excellent way to feel more comfortable during the interview process.
You'll also find valuable information. This information can make you like the company more or could
make you decide you don't want to work there.
2. Know why you want the job
It's important to understand why you want a particular job. Of course, money is a motivating factor
when it comes to working, but there has to be more. There is a good chance that the interviewer will ask
why you want to work for the company. Have your answer ready. The “why do you want to work here?’
question stumps many job candidates.
3. Practice interviews
● Look online for sample interview questions. Don't just pick the easy ones. Chances are good that
you'll meet some difficult questions during the actual interview.
● Schedule a couple of practice interviews with friends or family playing the part of the interviewer. If you don't have anyone to help you, practice answering the questions out loud in front of a mirror. Talking to the mirror might feel strange, but it's helpful.
● Schedule a couple of practice interviews with friends or family playing the part of the interviewer. If you don't have anyone to help you, practice answering the questions out loud in front of a mirror. Talking to the mirror might feel strange, but it's helpful.
The more you practice, the easier it will become, and the more comfortable you will be. Make up several
different interviews with a variety of questions.
4. Dress for success
No matter what type of job you are going for, dress appropriately. Leave the jeans and T-shirts at home.
Opt for a professional look.
● Clothing should be neat and clean.
● Press clothes the night before to remove wrinkles.
● Present a well-groomed look.
● Press clothes the night before to remove wrinkles.
● Present a well-groomed look.
5. Leave the house early
Give yourself plenty of time on the day of the interview; it's better to be early than late. Your
interviewer won't appreciate excuses about traffic or the alarm not going off in the morning. Being late
for an interview is not a good way to introduce yourself to the company.
The interview allows you to make a good first-impression. Being prepared is the best way to do this.
You want to stand out to the interviewer as someone who goes above and beyond the others. Competition
is fierce. Do everything you can to stand out and impress the interviewer. Follow the above tips, and
soon you'll be starting your new job.
Posted On:12/30/2020
Posted By:Jennifer White
Tips for Coping with Work from Home Fatigue
Many of those in the workforce dream of how wonderful working from home would be. Now that so
many employees are working from home, thanks to COVID-19, reality has set in. Working from home
may not be as great as you imagined; work-from-home fatigue is a real thing. The following tips will help
you cope with this condition and thrive while you learn to navigate your new normal.
Dress for work each day
It can be tempting to stay in your pajamas or an old pair of sweats, but don't do it. Get dressed each day
just as you would if you were heading out to work.
● Dressing for work signals your brain that it's time to be productive and focus on work.
● Change out of your work clothes at the end of the day to signal the brain that it's time to relax.
● Change out of your work clothes at the end of the day to signal the brain that it's time to relax.
Stick to work hours
When you work from home, you may be expected to do more work than you would in the office. Avoid
this by sticking to a schedule.
✔ Don't check emails after hours.
✔ Don't make work calls.
✔ Stay off the computer once your workday is over.
✔ If you can, turn your phone off once your workday is over.
✔ Don't make work calls.
✔ Stay off the computer once your workday is over.
✔ If you can, turn your phone off once your workday is over.
Setting up a separate area for work is helpful. A clear separation makes it easier to leave work mode
behind at the end of the day. One thing that you should never do is work in your bedroom. The bedroom
should be a place to relax; if you don't have a home office, try the dining room table.
Lunch and fresh air
Make sure that you take a lunch break. Even if you're not able to go out for lunch, you can sit on the
deck or patio. When the weather allows, take a walk during your break. The fresh air will help you
refresh and recharge. Sitting in front of the computer all day can be tiring. Take mini-breaks and set a
timer to remind you to get up and stretch throughout the day.
Learn to say no
● Don't agree to do extra work just because you're working from home. When you take on too
much work, you easily become overwhelmed, and that adds to the fatigue you feel. It's okay to
say that something is more than you can handle.
● Say no to family and friends who ask for favors because they know you are working from home as well. Treat your workday the same way you would in the office
● Say no to family and friends who ask for favors because they know you are working from home as well. Treat your workday the same way you would in the office
Get together with friends
Make it a point to get together with family and friends. Set up a weekly date night or dinner with a
friend. Getting out to do something fun will do you good; make doing this a priority.
By following the few simple tips above, you'll do away with the fatigue that often comes with working
from home. Balance is the key to a happy and successful work-from-home arrangement.
Posted On:12/15/2020
Posted By:Jennifer White
More and more recruiting events are virtual these days due to health and safety concerns, as well as to
make them more accessible and easier for the recruiters and attendees. These virtual meets require a bit
more effort to get noticed than traditional in-person events. The following tips will help you stand out at
these events and increase your chances of being noticed.
Prepare in advance
● Research the company and learn as much as you can about them.
● Read the event description to know what to expect.
● Go over your resumé and update it.
●Check on your technology. Install any updates that are needed. Make sure everything is working correctly.
● Set up your meeting space. Choose a calm, quiet location that's away from pets, children, and outside noise.
● Read the event description to know what to expect.
● Go over your resumé and update it.
●Check on your technology. Install any updates that are needed. Make sure everything is working correctly.
● Set up your meeting space. Choose a calm, quiet location that's away from pets, children, and outside noise.
Practice and practice some more
Think about the points you want to make and the things you want to say. Then practice saying them with
a friend. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll feel during the event.
Dress for the job you want
Make a great first impression. Even though you may be sitting in your living room during the event, don't
go casual with your attire. Be well-dressed and well-groomed when you log into the meeting.
Body language says a lot so keep the following in mind:
i. Smile and look interested.
ii. Participate when the host speaks and asks questions.
iii. Don't look at your phone or surf the web.
iv. Sit up straight.
v. Make eye contact.
Slouching, fidgeting, and being distracted gives the host a poor impression.
Body language says a lot so keep the following in mind:
i. Smile and look interested.
ii. Participate when the host speaks and asks questions.
iii. Don't look at your phone or surf the web.
iv. Sit up straight.
v. Make eye contact.
Slouching, fidgeting, and being distracted gives the host a poor impression.
Ask about what happens next
Don't be afraid to approach the recruiter with questions. Ask about the next step, and when you can
expect to hear from them. Ask for the recruiter's contact information. Now is not the time to be shy.
Follow up
Follow up the next day with a thank you note to each of the recruiters at the event. Not only is this polite,
but it also keeps your name in the forefront of the recruiter's mind. The note reminds them of what a great
prospect you are.
A virtual event may feel uncomfortable at first, but it is something that you may have to get used to. These days, virtual events and meetings are the norm. Things will likely be this way for a long time to come. Remember to put your best foot forward, be prepared, dress professionally, and be engaged in what is going on.
A virtual event may feel uncomfortable at first, but it is something that you may have to get used to. These days, virtual events and meetings are the norm. Things will likely be this way for a long time to come. Remember to put your best foot forward, be prepared, dress professionally, and be engaged in what is going on.
Posted On:10/30/2020
Posted By:Jennifer White
Preparing for any job interview can be stressful; a video interview can compound the stress. In
addition to all of the usual concerns, you're not actually in the same room with the interviewer, and
you have the added concern about your technology working correctly. It's a lot, but fortunately, we
have tips to help you prepare for the interview and hopefully land the job.
Choose Your Location
Choose the best room for your interview. If you're interviewing from home, choose a calm and
quiet location. Video with a friend to make sure they cannot hear noises from the rest of the
house. Make sure the room you choose is neat and clean.
Check Devices and Internet
Make sure that your devices are working and are up to date. You don't want your device to shut
down in the middle of an interview so it can install an update. Also, make sure that your device
works with the platform that you'll use for the interview. Do this ahead of time so that you can make
adjustments.
On the morning of the interview, check all wires, connections, and your internet to ensure
everything is working correctly.
Practice Ahead of Time
While you may not know the exact questions that the interviewer will ask, you can ask friends or
family to come up with a mock interview. Doing this will help you come up with answers to some
common interview questions so that you're not left stumbling over your words during the actual
interview. Search the internet for some practice interview questions
The Night Before
Stay home the night before so that you get enough sleep. You want to be bright and well-rested
during your interview. Wake up well in advance of the interview so that you don't appear groggy. You
also need time to get dressed.
Interview Day
Just because you’re interviewing from home doesn't mean that you can treat it as a casual occasion.
Get dressed, as you would for an in-person interview. Be on time. Don't wait until the last minute; get
online a bit early, so you're ready and waiting. If you run late and keep the interviewer waiting, you've
already gotten off to a bad start. Sit up straight and don't fidget. Keep your language and demeanor
professional. Keep in mind that you want to make a great first impression.
Follow the above tips for a successful video interview. By following them, you will have prepared as well as you can. And if you are currently looking for a job, check out our website here.
Follow the above tips for a successful video interview. By following them, you will have prepared as well as you can. And if you are currently looking for a job, check out our website here.
Posted On:10/13/2020
Posted By:Jennifer White