Job Hunting During the Covid-19 Pandemic

The Corona Virus attack has dealt the economic world a major blow. From hiring freezes to layoffs, the pandemic is determined to render many jobless – engineers included. Whether you are out of employment or looking for greener pastures, finding something good to hang on to is now a tall order. But if you position yourself right, the Covi-19 may actually be a blessing in disguise. So what can you do to increase your chances of securing a god job in the face of perhaps the worst crisis of the 21st century?

1. Take advantage of online training curses

Training is highly underrated in the fast-paced world we live in. Unless your employer initiates it, it is easy to curl up into a comfort zone and forget to improve yourself altogether. Well, unbeknownst to many, picking up a few skills from time to time is highly beneficial in the end. If you have time on your hands (which is highly likely), consider taking a few training sessions online. Lucky for you, some are free for a limited time currently. Grab those and run with them.

Here are a few links with some courses for engineers:

https://www.futurelearn.com/subjects/science-engineering-and-maths-courses/engineering

https://www.coursera.org/browse/physical-science-and-engineering/mechanical-engineering

https://www.udemy.com/courses/teaching-and-academics/engineering/

2. Network online

To secure a place in the industry, you need to grab the attention of decision-makers. Thanks to the internet, building relationships is now easier than ever before. One of the most effective strategies is using LinkedIn and Facebook. Join as many engineering career groups as you can. Look around and determine some of the trending topics. Once comfortable, strive to comment on other people’s discussions, generate debates yourself, and message your connections directly. This takes consistency and courage but it is a powerful tool that sets your apart from the rest of the pack.

3. Double down on application

Now, more than ever, there’s an increased need to be aggressive. Reach out to as many clients as you possibly can. If you used to apply for one job per week in the past, think of increasing that number up to five. You’ll be surprised to know that there are plenty of employers looking for talent in the face of this nightmare. Look them up on their websites. Check your job boards constantly including Campus Biz, Career Point Kenya, Brighter Monday, and right here at Mgeni Engineer. In short, don’t just sit around and get comfortable making a few applications per week. Be very proactive. Something will come up sooner rather than later.

4. Build a strong profile on LinkedIn

Again, a sheer number of engineers are yet to realize the potential of LinkedIn. Their profiles are incomplete and vague. Many can’t be bothered to keep tweaking their profiles to make them meaty. Some don’t even have a professional picture in there. Recruiters have flooded this professional social media scouting worthy candidates. Rather than winging your chances on LinkedIn, consider taking full advantage of it. Log in from time to time and network as much as possible. If you are lost when it comes to creating a catchy profile, enlist the help of pros. They are everywhere if you look closely.

5. Prepare for a video interview

Times are changing fast. Working remotely is increasingly becoming the norm in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. Employers in the engineering sphere have been forced to adapt or else lose business and compromise their health and that of their workers in the process. As you throw your CV around and network, keep the possibility of a virtual interview in mind. Although different from a one-on-one interview, the principles are generally similar. You need to be confident, gracious, dress right, and have your facts right. Don’t be afraid to laugh or ask a question when you get the chance. Most importantly, don’t turn down the opportunity of doing a virtual interview if it does present itself.

Looking for a job during the Covid-19 pandemic is no easy thing. However, it is not rocket science either. It all boils down to how aggressive you are when it comes to building relationships and making applications. How well you use your free time matters as well. By implementing these tips and being patient, doors of opportunity will soon open for you.

Alice Cheptoo is a chemical and process engineering graduate and a seasoned technology niche writer with 7 years extensive writing experience.