The coronavirus pandemic has caused the biggest unemployed spike in the history of the United States.
The US Labor Department reports the week ending on March 21st shattered the recording of jobless claims at 3.28 million. The previous record, held from 1982, had the number of jobless claims at 695,000. With the week ending on March 28, there are now 6.65 million jobless claims filed according to bloomberg. This is more than double the record from last week, and is nine times larger the record before that.
To give some perspective, there have been a total of 9.6 million claims in the last two weeks alone. This is the equivalent to the first six and half months of the 2007-2009 recession. To say the least, if you have been laid off because of the coronavirus, you are not alone. However, there is hope.
Listed below is everything you need to know about finding an IT job during this current market.
How to find a IT job during this current market:
Contact companies who are recession proof
Companies are hiring during this time, but they are few and in between.
When starting your job search in a market like this, it is imperative to target industries and companies that are recession proof and actually expand in a recession.
For example, Amazon put out a massive employment call, hiring an additional 100,000 employees to meet demand in their shipping facilities across the world. Additionally, Walmart is hiring 150,000 employees in wake of the pandemic for their stores and warehouses.
Industries that are recession proof
Grocery stores:
Dining out during a recession falls low on the priority list since sit-down restaurants isn’t an option. However, people will always need to eat.
Healthcare providers:
If any industry can be said to be recession-proof it’s healthcare. Many health care providers are currently hiring even for the IT jobs. This is a great place to start your IT career search. We understand that this is a high-risk area right now but most of the information technology jobs are in areas where patients are not located.
Financial advisor.
People have investments and want to ensure their assets are taken care of, especially during a time like a recession. Financial advisors often see an increase in work according to investopedia.
Auto Repair and Maintenance:
People are less likely to purchase new cars right off of the lot, and instead will shift their priority to repairing their older cars.
Home maintenance stores:
People will choose the do-it-yourself methods renovation or upgrades rather than paying contractors or building a new addition.
Rental agents and property management:
People buy less homes during recession, and unfortunately, some are often forced to sell homes. However, there will always be a need for places to live. This is where renting becomes a more attractive option to some.
You might be thinking, these aren’t IT industries and I’m an IT professional. That would be correct however, all of these industries need IT professional to keep their systems, network and/or software working properly.
Use job boards cautiously
With unemployment claims as 9.6 million in the last two week, there are millions of people applying for the few jobs available.
In fact, with our experience, this is one of the worst times to be using job boards. The odds of your resume getting lost with the hundreds or even thousands of resumes are extremely high.
To make your resume stand out as an IT professional, reach out to a professional recruiter They specialize in getting your resumes through AI software and more likely to generate face-to-face interviews, in our case now remote interviews. We are even working on exclusive opportunities that you can’t apply for on job boards.
Leverage a Recruiter
Leveraging a recruiter relationship is perhaps the best thing you can do in an economic recession. By leveraging a recruiter relationship, you are able to be presented with opportunities that you wouldn’t be able to find on your own.
By working with us, we are better able to market you to some of the best places to work. You’re more likely to get a face-to-face interview by working with us rather than by submitting your resume through a job board/ company website.
We are working with client’s that are hiring now during this pandemic. While many things are in a standstill these days you career shouldn’t be. It is your future…. why wait?
Build your professional Brand
In the digital day and age, a Linkedin profile is like your second resume. Hiring managers are looking and prioritizing your LinkedIn profile, especially during times like these, and you want to make sure it’s up to date and organized from here on out.
Be sure to check out this guide on the 31 best LinkedIn profile tips for job seekers. This is a great resource to use to build your LinkedIn credibility during this market.
Connecting with your network
Let people know you are looking for a job. Digital communication can be used to your advantage, and allow you to spread the word fast. It would probably surprise you on how many people will be eager to help. Recently, you’ve most likely seen the LinkedIn posts go viral when someone posts on how they were laid-off due to the changing times and circumstances of the pandemic.
Get Noticed
With the job market flooding with great candidates, it is imperative you stand out from the rest. This isn’t just about creating a great resume, either.
The question is, what is the best way to stand out from the rest?
This goes back to what we discussed when leveraging a recruiters relationship to get you in front of hiring managers. Other ways to get notice, other than a great resume, includes writing a great cover letter.
Set up Job Search Alerts
Most job boards/company websites have options where whenever there is a new job posting that matches jobs you’re searching for, the site will directly send you the listing as soon as it is posted. Be sure to look for these features as you continue your job search! These can only assist you more.
Get Creative
A great way to stand out after you apply for a job is to send the hiring manager of that company a personal LinkedIn message. This should include why the company interests you, as why your skills and experiences would be an asset to the organization. Make sure you include your contact information on this connection message.
Networking
Networking is key! Write and request LinkedIn recommendations for your current or past co-workers. This helps them elevate your LinkedIn page as well as their personal pages. Connections on this site are huge assets to building a professional profile.
Leveraging LinkedIn Groups
Joining various LinkedIn groups is a great way to network and grow your pages. Some great LinkedIn groups include:
- Career Growth Tips for Software Developers
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer / Software Developer/ Programmer / Coder / Computer Scientist
- IT Consultants of Cleveland
- NE Ohio IT Professionals
Conclusion
- Contact companies who are recession proof
- Use Job Boards Cautiously
- Leverage a Recruiter
- Build your professional Brand
- Connect with people in your network
- Build your resume
- Get noticed
- Set up Job Search Alerts
- Get Creative
- Networking
- Leverage LinkedIn Groups
Leverage our 20+ years with hiring managers, CIOs and CTOS across Northeast Ohio. Talk with a recruiter today to discuss your career options in this coronavirus market.