Job Searching in a time of crisis

For those people who are in-between jobs or looking for a new one, this is undoubtedly a tough time. We expect that companies will have to take action and there will be corona virus-triggered job cuts. For those people we are already working with and providing an outplacement service, our advice is to think about the following.

1. Rethink your expectations. By this I mean be realistic. There will be fewer job opportunities around which means you might end up being in the same situation for longer than you want. This can have consequences of course so finding ways to remain positive and optimistic are going to be important. Perhaps your most important job at this time is to keep a positive attitude and optimistic outlook.
2. Be open to new opportunities at the same level. Accept that it may not be possible to move to a new job with a bigger title and salary package. This may feel like a compromise or step backwards, but once you are in the job use your skills to show yourself and your potential and promotion can follow. 
3. Continue to network. Despite the cancellation of events and restrictions on travel, you can still be actively reaching out to your network. In-fact, one job hunter commented earlier how on how he is finding it easier to reach people in his network as most of them are working from home and happy to take calls and talk about how they are doing and managing in this crisis situation. Being interested in how other people are doing at this time is a good way to connect. We have put plenty of advice and articles on networking in the Resources section of our website, please look at those.
4. Keep yourself up to date. Ask yourself, how will my industry be affected by this situation? Are my skills transferable to another sector and if so, how can you leverage your experience? For example, are your project management, people management skills transferable?
5. Be patient with yourself. It is normal that you feel a range of emotions including frustration, anger, sadness. Being open and honest about how you feel with your loved ones and allowing them to help you and be patient with you, will help.
6. Stay physically healthy and mentally active. An obvious thing perhaps to state, but many of the 500 plus people we have supported with an outplacement program over the years have told us how important it was for them to stay both physically and mentally active.
7. Set goals. Setting realistic goals and keeping structure to you daily routine can also help. Maybe you will reconnect with a former colleague and important person in your network on one day, and research a new job lead on another. Our advice is to do at least one thing every day that might help with your job search.
8. Spend time with others. Avoid isolating yourself. You need support and you have time to connect with friends and family. As one manager who we supported with an Outplacement program told me, the support of others was what kept him motivated and on track. He benefited hugely from the encouragement of others. In current circumstances you might need to do this remotely. Video calls and group chats are a great way of getting back in touch with people we haven’t seen for some time.