Job Hunting Tips for a Post-COVID World

Unemployment in the United States has been soaring since the pandemic began. With a record amount of people looking for work, 83% of Americans aged 18 to 34 have told us that having a cell phone is critical to finding a job. That’s why it’s important to us to make cell service free, or as close to free as possible, and offer affordable phone options for every budget. If the pandemic has you unexpectedly looking for work, here are some more tips to help you in your search.

1. Make sure your resume sings: A professional resume will help you catch the eye of a hiring manager, and there are a lot of free online tools to help you build one. I like the one provided by Indeed, which is also a great source of job postings. If this one doesn’t fit your needs, there are plenty of free options available with a quick web search, such as Novoresume. It also helps to write a cover letter to explain why you’re the perfect candidate. Once you’ve added in your work history, make sure to go over your resume and cover letter a few times looking for typos — a spelling mistake can be the difference between getting a call back.

2. Find the perfect job for you: To find the right job, you need to know where to look. I already mentioned Indeed, but you should also bookmark Monster.com and ZipRecruiter.com. They’re great resources for finding open positions in your area and will help you get in contact with the people doing the hiring.

3. Use social media for more than sharing pictures of your cat: Create a LinkedIn profile, use your new resume to fill it out, and connect with past colleagues. You can use the site to find job postings and your connections can help you network with your next employer. Include a picture, but remember — it’s a part of your resume. Keep it professional and save the beach selfies for Instagram.

4. Make a great impression: Your brand new resume got your foot in the door. Now’s your chance to shine at the interview:

• Do some research on the company beforehand to prepare and plan what you want to wear

• Get a friend or family member to help you practice answering some common job interview questions — and make sure your answers have examples of how you handled difficult situations and the results.

• Keep it positive by focusing on your successes and experiences, smiling, and avoid saying anything negative about your previous employers.

• A job interview is a two-way street. Have a few questions prepared in advance to ask the interviewer. It will show you’re engaged, you’ve done your research, and you’re excited to work with them.

5. Don’t forget to follow-up: Your resume is impressive and you nailed the interview. You’re not done yet! After the interview, send a quick note to your interviewer to thank them for their time and to let them know you’re excited about the next steps.

Searching for a job is a stressful time, but stay positive and use these tips to help you put your best foot forward. And if you need a way to stay in touch with potential employers, our free phone service is here to help.