Job Seekers, Don't Let COVID-19 Stop Your Job Search

Have you been thinking about making a career move? Perhaps you are already a job seeker and have been attending interviews? If so, you may be tempted to put on the breaks following the recent outbreak of COVID-19 and consequent lockdown in the UK.

You wouldn’t be the only job seeker to have had such a thought and who could blame you? After all, businesses are temporarily closing, projects have been brought to a halt, people are being laid off, and there’s a general feeling that work and hiring plans have dried up.

As a specialist engineering recruitment agency that keeps regular contact with our clients, we are here to inform you that this is not the case, and that bringing your job search to a pause is not necessary. Although a number of companies have frozen their hiring plans, there is still a significant number of employers who are continuing to operate and are still hiring.

So, before you drop the ball on your job search, take a moment to consider the following:

MARKETS ARE QUICK TO ADAPT

Although you may have the impression that all hiring & business has stopped as a result of the corona lockdown, this isn’t entirely true. There has undoubtedly been a decrease in the number of companies hiring, but there is still a large proportion of employers that are continuing to recruit and cannot afford to do otherwise.

HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S NEWLY ENFORCED LOCKDOWN RULES?

Companies are adapting and, now more than ever, are turning to Skype and telephone interviews. Furthermore, companies understand that hiring the right talent will help propel their businesses through this challenging time. Instead of cancelling hiring plans and rescinding offers, many employers are still recruiting new employees but just with delayed start dates.

GET AHEAD AND START NOW! THE PROCESS OF MOVING JOBS USUALLY TAKES 4-12 WEEKS 

In a perfect world, you will have no notice period to work so you can start your new job immediately. You will find your ideal position straight away, and it will be a 1 stage interview process with the most fantastic job offer that meets your salary expectations.

UNFORTUNATELY, THIS RARELY HAPPENS. 

It may take a few weeks for you to find job opportunities that meet your requirements, and even then it may take several applications before you are invited to an interview. The interview is usually a 2 stage process staggered over the course of 2-3 weeks depending on schedules and interview availability. It may take a further couple of weeks to receive a job offer if there are other candidates to be interviewed. Finally, you have your notice period to work.

So instead of waiting for COVID-19 to pass, consider starting your job search now so that you can be in a position to commence your new role when the majority of others will just be beginning the process.

NOTHING TO LOSE, EVERYTHING TO GAIN

In times of economic uncertainty, it is not uncommon for people to cling to what they know. Whilst it is certainly key to take appropriate measures to ensure you are financially secure, it is important not to let better job opportunities pass you by.

In a time where candidates are scarce, employers that are in need of a particular skill set are taking the time to design competitive packages to attract the right talent. When applying for jobs in a more buoyant market, employers are often inundated with applications, and therefore have less incentive to make their packages as attractive.

Now is a great time to apply for roles as it is a time where your skill set will be truly appreciated by those hiring managers that are most in need.

IF IN DOUBT, KEEP YOUR EAR TO THE GROUND & SPEAK TO A RECRUITER

Wherever you are in your career move, whether you’re just contemplating changing jobs or are already in the process, it is important to leave your options open and keep yourself in the loop. During this time of uncertainty, it is important to gain different sources of information by having a confidential conversation with a recruiter that specialises in your skill set. 

Recruiters are on the frontline of the hiring world and a specialist recruiter will be able to advise you of the best job opportunities in your sector and what the hiring plans are. This advice is completely free of charge, and will help you determine your next steps.

As Napoleon Hill once said, Every adversity, every failure, and every heartache, carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.  It’s down to you to water that seed.

Author: Vanessa Ramkissoon

Precision People specialises in Technical, Sales & Management recruitment within the Engineering industry. To discuss your options, have a confidential chat with one of our specialist engineering recruitment consultants by calling 0116 254 5411 or register your CV here.