WHAT SHOULD JOB SEEKERS BE DOING RIGHT NOW?

By Brighton Musevenzo

Nuggets for Effective Job Seeking from HR Experts and CEOs

The latest data continue to show declining hiring rates in most countries across the globe, with Africa already experiencing high youth unemployment levels even before the COVID-19 crisis. The current dismal hiring numbers around the globe may have many young people wondering what they should do now. These tips and guides are from the LinkedIn community of experts to guide job seekers who might have already lost hope during this time.

Keep Looking for Work

Hiring is still happening around the globe. The hiring rate we discussed above just mean it’s not happening at as robust a rate as it did last year. In some parts of Africa, it was never happening anyway. It’s important to note that “keep looking for work” does not mean you should immediately send out hundreds of applications. As many LinkedIn members said, your job search should be more nuanced, now more than ever, as should be always. “Think about what industries are hiring and are in need right now and use that to guide your search, and be targeting than throwing arrows in the dark.

Network. Network. Network.

Networking was the common theme among the dozens of responses on LinkedIn. This is a skill that any job seeker or business minded person should hold as a fort. Networking is one of the most useful actions you can take to make your job search a success. Generally, in life, networking is paramount. Everything you want in life is connected in a maze, that maze is connected by people, the people you meet on a daily basis. If you look at it, most people you meet definitely have something to do about your life, career wise or even otherwise. Tap into that golden opportunity and see your way through to your destiny.

“It's more empowering to be proactive vs. reactive, so make a list of companies YOU want to work for and network with insiders in advance of a job being available/posted. “Before you apply always look for someone you know who works in the company so they can give you the inside scoop,” wrote one of the LinkedIn HR experts. “You may be surprised what you learn. And if you don't know anyone, talk to everyone you do know and mention the company name so they can help get you a connection or information.” This is the power of social capital and social investment!!

It’s important to tell people that you’re looking for work. Many people bristle at that idea since they may feel embarrassed, but people often don’t know you need help unless you tell them. “It's tough at times to ask for assistance, but it's human nature for most people to want to help.” The key is to be genuine when networking with people. “Experts encourage job seekers not to make any assumptions about who may or may not want to connect with them during this time. “People enjoy helping people find work. I'm seeing it happening all over LinkedIn: If you don’t have an account, it’s time to have one. It’s not surprising that your next big opportunity lies with someone in your contacts or someone that you are going to meet in the near future. (This topic will be covered in Part 2 on the power of Social Capital and Social Investment)

Be Strategic and Unique

A lot of people create a generic resume/CV and cover letter that they spray out to as many potential employers as possible. Imagine receiving those documents as a recruiter or hiring manager. Would you be more inclined to reach out to a person who sent you generic documents or to a person who tailored them for your company? The diligence you indicate in your cover letter or resume should be first shown by your customized CV, at least. “Rather than being known simply as someone who 'wants a job', be a person who creates value. “Every candidate should view themselves as a 'product', and look at their experiences and ask themselves, 'what are the problems that I solve for businesses?' Think in terms of your own value add and position yourself in your resume and social media around that.” With more competition, you need to ensure you get past the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and land an interview for you dream job.

You need to know how these programs work and how to tailor your resume to get past the system. Part 3 of this article will comprehensively cover on how the ATS work and how you can eventually use it to your advantage.

Take care of yourself

Now more than ever you need to view Self-Care — especially now — as part of your job search. You cannot get a job or be a good candidate if you’re not able to do the work. During this difficult time, a big part of that task means listening to health experts like the World Health Organization to guard against the new coronavirus. You should also be mindful of your overall health. “It is very difficult to conduct a job search when suffering from anxiety, depression, substance abuse etc.

What more do you think job seekers should be doing during this difficult environment?

Thanks you for reading! Feel free to reach out to me if you have ideas on topics or questions I should address in future editions of #MentorHubAfrica. You can also email me on musevenzob@africau.edu