The coronavirus pandemic has affected the world as we know it, and numerous industries and businesses are suffering (or, in some cases, gaining) from its powerful impact. Due to strict measures taken by governments across the globe, most companies are asking their employees to work from home. However, what about those who cannot do their jobs at home?
Looking at the job market composition during the COVID-19 pandemic, we can identify three main groups of people:
This refers to people who were either already job seekers before the pandemic, or who have been laid off due to the pandemic.
This refers to people who will lose a job because of pandemic and potential economic recession in the near future.
This refers to people who are currently staying at a job, but have been thinking about a career change, before or after the arrival of the pandemic.
If you are employed, your industry is not heavily affected by the crisis, and you’re happy at work, then relax. Wash your hands and stay in your home office. However, if you are in one of the above categories, read on.
Depending on which of these categories you fall under, your job search or career development strategy may vary. Let’s discuss each of the groups in more detail.
If you are a job seeker at the moment, a lot will depend on your industry. Obviously, there are sectors that are more heavily affected than others. Mainly, these are industries that depend on people going out or that require people to be present at a location; activities that cannot be replaced by virtual sessions. These include:
If this is the case for you, think of ways in which you can modify or adapt your business / job to the current situation, or other ways in which you can use your skills. Here are some tips on what you can do when faced with such a situation:
However, if you are unable to, or simply don’t want to modify your business, there are two main options for you:
If you choose the first option, think of the industries that are still hiring.
They are accustomed to working remotely and may be running business as usual.
Since the majority of companies are bringing their business online when applicable and possible, these vendors need new workers urgently, to help meet the increased demand.
Data shows that people are using their time in quarantine to learn new skills. Therefore, there will be an increase in the number of people using distance learning platforms. Increased business demand means an increased need for new hires.
Schools and offices are closed, which means that demand for entertainment has increased, since the easiest choice for many is to watch a movie or play a game. Companies like Netflix are therefore still hiring.
The healthcare sector is always under pressure to hire new talent. Today, this is especially true, as it never was before. Doctors, nurses and other medical staff are desperately needed in hospitals. Data specialists, researchers, scientists, and communications experts are also of utmost importance.
Pharmacies and medical technology companies are still hiring people to cover the current demand in the market.
If physical shopping is no longer possible, people will resort to online shopping. E-commerce companies are experiencing a boom in sales.
One way to deal with uncertainty about the future is to think ahead. The crisis will be over one day, and the world will become normal again. However, a large number of people will have lost their jobs or businesses. This means there will be a lot of competition out there. The best thing you can do is BE PREPARED.
Right now, we can say that jobs that deal with data (analytics, data science and so on) will be needed more so than before. Furthermore, since a variety of businesses are now going online, specialists who have expertise in digitalisation and e-commerce will rock the market.
Finally, this is the time to learn. And learn extensively. A lot of institutions provide their online courses either free of charge, or with extensive discounts. Use this time to develop the skills that you will be capable of selling later.
What if you are working at a secure job, but have been thinking about a career change? Is now the right moment to go about such a change?
Think of the strategies described above. The answer to the question of whether or not you should change your job now depends heavily on the industry and the role you have / want to obtain. Nowadays, it is crucial not to make any “occasional” decisions.
Think strategically and look at the market. Visiting a career coach or recruitment agency can be helpful in this case. The situation we are in now is unprecedented, and nobody can say with certainty what will happen next. However, investing into your own development is always a good idea.
Companies are still hiring, but the process may take longer. Instead of an in-person interview, you will probably meet online. What does this mean for you?
Stay calm and act.