How to Overcome Job Search Challenges Post Pandemic

As the world returns to normal, in fits and starts, after the COVID-19 pandemic, people who are ready for a change or found themselves out of work due to business closures are starting to look for new opportunities. 

But let’s be honest: We’re all tired and stressed, and looking for a new job is not at the top of anyone’s “fun things to do” list. 

Here’s how to navigate job hunting after a pandemic, when everything is still figuring out how to be “normal” again. 

  • Set reasonable goals and expectations.

    You might think you have to apply for a certain number of jobs every day, or every week, in order to get a job in a certain amount of time. But if you’re applying for so many jobs that you’re not even sure where those applications are going, or if you’re addressing the right position in your cover letter, slow down. Remember that offices might still be short-staffed, and it could take longer to go through resumes right now. Try to send a reasonable number of applications each week, based on your life and your available free time, but don’t push for more. You don’t want to start a new job feeling mentally exhausted. 

  • Celebrate the little victories.

    Every time you get positive feedback from an application or interview, acknowledge it. Even if you ultimately don’t get the job, celebrate it! Every interview is an opportunity to practice telling your story and highlighting your skills. If you’ve met your application goal for the week, or the month, enjoy your accomplishment. If you want to send five applications in a week to good-sounding jobs, and you have that done by Tuesday, reward yourself for the rest of the week by taking that time and doing something you want or something that helps you relax. 

  • Give yourself breaks.

    Nothing happens overnight. If you haven’t found a lot of jobs for which you’re qualified or that sound interesting, shrug it off. It’s ok! Other opportunities will come. If you haven’t heard back from an HR representative within the timeframe they provided, don’t sweat it. Everyone is learning how to operate again. 

  • Try to learn something new.

    If you’re at home and between jobs, try picking up a new skill that might help you in your field. There’s so much to learn! Luckily, there are also tons of online tutorials and classes, many of them free or at low cost, that can help pad your resume while looking for work. You don’t need to learn a new language or master social media, but taking that initiative will also look good on your resume. 

  • Remember: No part of this is personal.

    Especially after a bad week, or a few rejection letters, you might start to feel like you’ll never land a new job. You might feel like the world is out to get you and that things are going to be doom and gloom forever. When you start to feel down, take a break. Go for a walk, or call a friend; watch an episode of a favorite show or listen to your favorite songs. Do something to take your mind off the moment and refocus your view on the long-term. Things will get better! 

Be easy on yourself and your future employer; however, it might be: We’ve all been through a lot, and the gears of the working world were thrown all out of whack in 2020 and early 2021. You’ll find something great soon! 

If you’d like a little help on your search, contact Debbie’s Staffing. We have a great team ready to help review your resume and offer advice, plus we work with companies looking to hire someone with your skills and expertise. Call Debbie’s Staffing today, and let’s get to work!