The Coronavirus has decimated the job market in our nation. In just a matter of weeks the jobless numbers have skyrocketed and nearly 22 million Americans have started the process of applying for unemployment benefits. Given the social distancing requirements in our region, it is more important than ever that job hunters are able to harness the online resources that could help get them back to work.
The weekly claims reported by the Department of Labor as compared to the same period a year ago shows that while job losses have hit every state and territory, the damage has been unique to each region. New York, California, Washington, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have been especially hard hit.
In our last blog we examined the steps that job candidates should take to prepare for a virtual job fair. Today, we are taking a closer look at online resources that can assist in a job hunt that still allows for safe social distancing.
Search Online Listings
Even before COVID-19 had us hunkered down in our homes and apartments, online listings were a great resource to start any job hunt. Now they are a critical component of a job search.
Mass.Gov suggests checking out several online job listing sites that can help get you back to work. MassHire JobQuest offers an easy listing searchable by keyword, title, industry, and location. When you register, you also can post your resume for employers to see.
There are also notices about virtual job fairs for businesses that are looking to expand during this time including Amazon, commercial warehouses, grocery stores, and delivery personnel.
JobQuest also has mobile-friendly microsites that cover specific categories, including information technology, health care, education, creative, and green jobs.
Update Your LinkedIn Profile & Social Media
Given the massive changes that have occurred in the last few months in workplaces large and small, it is a good idea to update your LinkedIn status. If you need to update any conferences you went to or skills you have acquired now is a good time to add them in. This time at home has given us all an opportunity to update our social media sites that can help us land a job now or in the months ahead.
Social media can be an amazingly powerful tool to help you connect with the right people in the industry you are searching in. Your friend group can help get you connected to the right people. Just use caution when posting on social media because many employers check social media sites before hiring.
Attend Online Networking Groups
Networking is something that we usually think of as face-to-face activities. Due to social distancing requirements, networking has shifted considerably in the past few weeks. Use your LInkedIn connections or local Chambers of Commerce to help you connect with networking events in your field of expertise.
For more links to online resources for job hunting check out our resources pages at North Shore Career Center and MassHire North Shore.
