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Don’t be shy, this is not the time to be proud. We all need help sometimes, and there are resources available for this very purpose. Take advantage of them.”

—Carla Isabel Carstens, Career Coach

How the times have changed. For the first time in a long time, we are no longer in a candidate-driven job market. For those who were already unemployed prior to COVID-19, and for those recently furloughed, laid off, or fired, how do you navigate this unstable career landscape properly, and, most importantly, get a job?

For insight into how exactly to enter the job market in the midst of COVID-19, we turned to career coach Carla Isabel Carstens for her expert tips and tricks. Job seekers, prepare to take notes because she’s dropping major knowledge on staying positive, cutting yourself some slack, and navigating the market, ahead.

Where We’re at Today

It’s okay to feel anxious and unsettled about your job prospects right now. It’s nearly impossible for anyone to make a statement with 100% confidence about the future of our careers and industries in the coming months.

But, one thing’s for sure—doing nothing is not an option. You cannot control how this virus affects you, your loved ones, or the job market, but you can take action. When you understand and accept what’s changing, you have the opportunity to better manage your own outcome. What’s hard about these situations is your lack of control, but acceptance can give you that sense of control back.

There are quite a few incredible companies still readily hiring. I’ve seen incredible entry- to mid-level positions open at PepsiCo., Clinique, Condé Nast, Apple, TikTok, Nike, and Warner Music Group that were all posted on LinkedIn over the past few days. Not months ago. Posted in the past three to ten DAYS.

These companies are waiting for go-getters like you to send them your resumes. However, your success in getting a job during such a competitive time comes down to applying effectively, and standing out amongst the pack

Short-Term Job Search Strategies

First things first, look into available financial assistance options depending on your situation. Don’t be shy, this is not the time to be proud. We all need help sometimes, and there are resources available for this very purpose. Take advantage of them. Check out this article by lawyers Brenda Shamy and Tara E. Faenza to get a better understanding of what assistance you may be eligible for.

Supplement your income. Consider looking for part-time, freelance, remote, or gig work until you get a longer term offer. It’s a great way to build experience, sharpen your skills, and, bottom line, get paid. There are many options available for people with little or no experience, such as data entry or transcribing audio files.

Just remember, the goal here isn’t always going to be to find “the perfect gig.” The goal is to get incoming cash flow and to keep you occupied. Let’s be real, you cannot spend all day working on your resume, networking, and looking for jobs. It’ll start feeling like “Groundhog Day.”

Another great use of time would be to take advantage of the available free knowledge being offered by various education institutions and businesses. There are tons of courses now being offered for free, or for incredibly low prices. If there are skills missing from your resume, now is the time to learn them! Not so great at Photoshop? Adobe is offering free short-term access to some of their programs!

If you’re really feeling down, consider giving back. Studies show that by turning our attention toward helping others, we make everyone feel better—ourselves included. This can take the form of virtually volunteering your skills for charity, which is a twofer for your resume, or mentoring someone younger than yourself who is interested in gaining experience in your industry or skill set.

Lastly, shed the guilt you have surrounding having more free time than usual. As long as you are diligently doing what you need to do, allow yourself to savor this free time to pursue long lost hobbies, organize your apartment, read, or lay around with your dog. Who knows when you’ll have an opportunity like this again?

Long-Term Job Search Strategies

Now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Bottom line, if you are unemployed, or find yourself unemployed, you need to keep applying. But first, take stock in regards to what career you are hoping to pursue. Is it still thriving in today’s world? Do your best to understand the market and focus your efforts toward companies that have the capability to continue business (to the best of their abilities) through this crisis.

Do your research: which industries are poised to breeze through this moment? Digital, health, gaming, you catch my drift. If your dream career is in hospitality or travel, the list goes on, sadly you have to be honest with yourself and reconsider your path. Not to say there isn’t a future there, but why spin your wheels now?

Once you have an idea of the types of jobs you’re seeking, it’s time to evaluate your materials. To optimize your search, compare your cover letter and resume to potential job opportunities. Tailoring your resume and cover letter is a must, not an option. Once you identify a job posting you’d like to apply to and are an actual candidate for, scan the listing and apply relevant keywords to your resume and cover letter. Address any requirements, skills, and qualities you possess, that are also in the job posting.

Ask yourself, Would my resume be appealing to an employer based on their job posting? Does my cover letter expand on my most relevant professional experiences, certifications, and qualities as it pertains to each specific job?

I know this sounds exhausting as hell, but you need to remember that the point is to stand OUT. Half-assed job applications will yield half-assed results. And let's be honest, you have a bit of time on your hands.

As for those jobs you’re applying for. Ask yourself, Are these jobs truly a good fit for my skills, background and level of experience? Applying to everything under the sun will get you nowhere, and is mentally draining. Don’t quantify your success in seeking employment by the number of jobs you apply to. It’s better to apply to one job you are qualified for rather than 50 you’re not. Make sure you are applying to opportunities you are actually qualified for. If you aren’t at minimum 80% qualified, it isn’t a fit.

It’s of utmost importance to stay on top of your job search. It is not a time to be lazy in such a competitive hiring environment. Applying to a position a few weeks after it’s been posted doesn’t help your chances at all, because the first resume is typically received within 3.5 minutes after a position is posted online.

Make it a habit to look for jobs once or twice a day. Set saved searches on all the career websites you frequent, and sign up for the email alerts and make sure they don’t go to junk. That way when a job posts, you are on it. Create & Cultivate has a great weekly newsletter with amazing opportunities.

Just don’t fall into the trap of hitting refresh on your web browser all day. It won’t change job availability, or collectively nudge all the recruiters in all the land to post jobs. Look twice a day, and then leave it.

Networking and LinkedIn

Invest time in beefing up your LinkedIn profile. Add in all your experiences, skills, certifications. Link out to proof of your incredible work. Once you’re done, go through and power add all those people you’ve met, but never got around to adding. You never know who they know, or what opportunities they are aware of that aren’t posted online.

It’s not the time to fully depend on online job postings—an estimated 70-80% of jobs are not posted online, rather, are filled through personal networks. Make it known that you are seeking employment, and what you bring to the table.

If you’re a bit more senior, establish yourself as a thought leader and post articles or re-purpose interesting content specific to your sector that will attract attention from your peers and, hopefully, recruiters.

Lastly, lean in to the virtual world, and set up “coffee dates” via Zoom or FaceTime with old clients, colleagues, or new contacts. Catch up, offer to help them on any potential projects, and make them aware of your job search.

Some Last Words About Job Hunting During COVID-19

Remember that employers may be taking some time to answer questions that may affect their conversation with you. You may get an interview, and not hear back for a while. You can’t go into this with any specific expectations. This is uncharted territory, and while some businesses have a clear game plan, many don’t as the impacts of this are unknown.

Be patient and continue to check-in on potential job opportunities at reasonable, and empathetic intervals. Everyone is going through it one way or another. Everyone is affected by this. The emails you send those applications and cold emails to? They are opened by humans just like you and me! Don’t forget that. Did you answer every email you ever received? Didn’t think so.

On that note, it’s not the time to be mass cold emailing, especially small businesses. Be strategic about the companies you target, as I mentioned earlier.

Focus on making yourself, and your work capabilities and availability known within your community, apply to jobs that are recently posted online, read that dusty book, invest in yourself and your well-being. Most importantly, trust that everything is gonna be all right.

About the Expert: Carla Isabel Carstens is a career coach and keynote speaker who specializes in helping professionals under the age of 30 take control of their future by taking a proactive approach to attaining their dream career, leading to increased self-confidence and a deeper understanding of what makes them unique. Notable media coverage and speaking engagements include: Forbes, the New York Times, Ladders, the Everygirl, Bloomingdales, Harvard, Columbia, and NYU. A serial entrepreneur, she is the founder of multiple businesses, including FreeFashionInternships.com, the top internet resource for fashion internship opportunities.