Getting a Job During the Pandemic: What You Should Know

It’s a scary time for many workers across the U. S. right now. As some companies furlough and lay off employees while others move to remote work environments with more limited hours, you may be worried about your job status or perhaps you know someone who is.

You may be wondering if you should start sending out resumes or crossing your fingers for the next stimulus check. Is getting a job during the pandemic possible? It’s not only possible, but it’s crucial. When your income gets reduced or eliminated completely, this has a direct negative impact on your finances, as well as you and your family’s wellbeing. In order for the economy to stay afloat, people need to have an income.

In this post, I’m going to share with you the best options and strategies for getting a job during the pandemic.

First, Let’s Get a Refresher on Supply and Demand

You may remember learning about supply and demand back in school. This was probably one of the most important things to learn growing up because it affects us all each and every day. In order for people to keep their jobs, there needs to be a demand for that product, service, etc.

During a situation like what’s going on currently, demand has shifted but this doesn’t mean it’s gone away completely. People’s needs have changed and some companies are thriving while others are struggling to survive.

In a perfect world, I wish that every business and venture would be successful but that’s just not the case. If you’re trying to get a job during the pandemic, you need to shift your focus to where the demand is right now in the marketplace. This may involve pivoting your career path for the time being, learning a new skill, or stepping out and taking new risks.

When it comes to getting a job during the pandemic, you have 3 main options.

Option 1: Target an Industry that is Currently Hiring (For Traditional Employment)

Unemployment is at an all-time high right now and it sucks. However, there are some industries that are actively hiring.

Essential jobs are often hiring new people. These include your convenience stores, restaurants, grocery stores, courier services and more.

According to LinkedIn, Amazon is looking to hire over 100,000 workers. Amazon Fulfillment warehouses are all over so they will need people to help package and deliver orders.

There are also companies like UPS and FedEx who may be hiring help. A lot of trade jobs seem to be available as well just by doing a quick search on job boards like Indeed. Alternatively, if you are a business owner these tips for hiring remote workers are useful during this time.

Some office positions are still being posted on job boards too including companies that are offering remote work options. These openings seem far and few and I’m sure they are competitive too. One of my best job search tips has always been to be quick and efficient. If you’re going to try job boards, submit an application early on as soon as you see the job posting. Some job boards will allow you to apply automatically with the resume you have on file when you create an account.

Other Options/Tips to Consider:

• See if there may be receptionist or customer service opportunities for businesses who do find themselves busy during this time. For example – with summer right around the corner, some HVAC businesses may need another person to work at the front desk to answer phones or set appointments. The same goes for a leasing office as another example. This could even be something you can do at home.
• Know what employers really want. This is a solid tip that can help you find and keep a new job. It comes from Chris Huntley the Director of Marketing over at Studenomics. He says:

“I know as an employer the biggest thing I’m looking for is someone who has their own ideas.  The less I have to do as an employer, the better.  So whether it’s sales, marketing, management or other, if you sit across from my desk and I envision a future of me having to tell you exactly what to do and how to do it, I won’t be interested in hiring you.  So my advice would be to do your research before your interview. Read everything you can about the business. Maybe secret shop them or their competitors. Come in having done your homework and with ideas to improve the business and you’ll stand head and shoulders above other applicants, degree in hand or not.”

• Really understand the impact of the situation on the interviewing company’s industry. This tip comes from Anna Barker of the LogicalDollar.com who says:

“When I was going to interviews during the last recession after graduating, the most frequent questions I received were looking for my knowledge and understanding of the financial, policy and regulatory impacts on each company’s area of work. This wasn’t a simple explanation of the general situation. They wanted to really see I’d done my research and had a solid grasp on how their work was affected by what was going on.

And while we may be entering a different recession now, the concept for interviewing is exactly the same. That is, make sure you’ve read everything you can and are prepared to discuss the ins and outs of the effects of all this on your industry. By showing you have a strong understanding of what’s going on in this area, you’re going to best position yourself for stepping into the role that will help them navigate the storm.“

• Call temp agencies! This tip comes from Kelly Pahman, a therapist who says:

“My husband is on the hunt for a job and one great tip he got was to call temp agencies and ask them who is hiring them for positions- it gives a better idea on how best to market yourself and what prospects are available.”

Option 2: Find a Work From Home Job (Either W2 or Contract)

The work from home industry has been booming in recent years but it’s really growing in light of everything that has been going on. If you’re looking for a W2 work from home job, there are plenty of opportunities available right now. For starters, FlexJobs is one of the best sites to scour if you’re looking for legitimate work-from-home job leads.

In fact, FlexJobs has a HUGE list of companies hiring for remote work right now. This list is updated regularly and includes opportunities with:

• UnitedHealth Group
• Customer Service
• USAA
• Zoom
• Imperfect Foods
• Bookkeeping
• And More!

Applying for a work from home W2 job is similar to apply for jobs in person.

I’ll be the first to say that working from home is not always easy. Distractions are constantly popping up and you may not always feel super motivated to work – especially if you can stay in your PJs all day or only have to get dressed from the waist up. Remember, if you are planning on finding stay-at-home work, you may be expected to have a basic understanding of systems like Zoom, Microsoft Excel, and accounting software.

Still, it’s best to get on a schedule and find what works best for you. Most jobs will give you a schedule so that does help.

Don’t forget there are other flexible/contact work from home options as well right now.

The gig economy may have shifted in terms of demand, but it’s still booming just like before.

I’ve seen lot of people try out food delivery apps like DoorDash and grocery delivery services like Instacart and Shipt for extra money. I like these gig opportunities because they’re easy and will help you get paid quickly if you need money fast.

If you would prefer to work completely at home, your best option is to learn a skill that can be practiced over the computer. Some of the best options include:

• Customer Service – Amazon, Apple, BCD Travel, Concentrix, Live Opps, Sykes
• Teaching and Tutoring – VIPKid, Education First
• Accounting/Bookkeeping – Check out the companies hiring here.
• Typing/Transcription – Rev, AccuTran Global, SpeakWrite, Ubisqus, Daily Transcription, DMR Transcription
• Data Entry – Check out the companies hiring here.

Other Options/Tips to Consider:

• Contact the right person and follow up. Landing a new job can be tricky if you don’t know who to contact or follow up with. Make sure you read the description in detail to figure out how to apply and you may even want to follow the company on LinkedIn for updates or connect with the hiring manager. So many people miss out on an interview or call back because they don’t follow up.
• Use LinkedIn to the fullest. This tip comes from Ell Martinez who had found job search success with LinkedIn and says:

“Write a compelling headline. Be thorough in describing your experience. Make sure to list all software you have used. List any and all volunteer work and education. Make sure to interact with content on your feed and join groups to network. It’s even more critical to be plugged into the online networking space since people are not meeting in person.”

• Make sure your skills align well with the role. This is another tip by Kelly who says:

“Work with what you have. Take a clear inventory of the skills you have and don’t forget to note the intangible valuables of showing up and giving your best. Too often people are looking to paying to add to their skill set when they are full of  fantastic unrecognized skills waiting to be marketed.”

• Try niche career sites. Online job boards may be overwhelming even if you can filter through to your desired career field. Consider trying out niche career sites that may offer more work options based on your skills and interests.

Option 3: Create Your Own Job/Flexible Business

I know this sounds like the riskiest option at a time like this, and maybe it is. When you see businesses closing their doors left and right, this may make you feel the economy is tanked. On the contrary, I’d challenge you to look at this situation from a different perspective. This could be the opportunity for you to strike out on your own and monetize your skills and passions.

If you start offering a product or service that others need right now and keep your costs low, you have a better chance of being profitable. Plus, you won’t have the same problems that a big company has like paying for retail space, having multiple team members to compensate, and so on.

My friend Jason lost his job right before the pandemic and has been flipping items on eBay to cover his expenses right now. eBay was just a side hustle in the past but now it’s helping him pay the bills and he enjoys doing it.

I know other people who have decided to help other businesses with video editing or provide virtual assistant services at this time.

As a freelance writer, my clients still need content and the topics have just shifted. I’ve been writing more about work from home opportunities, reviewing financial products that can help people at this time, and even covering stories about Covid-19.

Related: Learn How I Built a Successful Freelance Business From Scratch

It’s important to realize that money has not stopped circulating. Unfortunately, many companies are going through a hard time, but there is a shift happening in what people need and find valuable. This means there’s a shift in regards to where and how you can make money.

Are you searching for a job right now? What have you found challenging or surprising while getting a job during the pandemic?