5 ways to set good habits when job searching during a pandemic

Have you found yourself sitting at your desk at home, or scrolling through your phone looking for a new job? Some can find it tiring, but we have some excellent tips to take your job search to the next level, using an efficient and productive approach to not only finding yourself your next opportunity, but increasing your employability in the process.

  • Take time to look after your mental health

Mental health is often overlooked, but in such strange times, it’s crucial to put it at the top of your priority list to ensure spirits are kept high and to have a sense of feeling control over the situation you are in. To better your mental health, choose to be productive in your everyday life. Stick to your usual routine as much as possible, start your day with a refreshing glass of water, sit down and set aside a bit of time to get on top of your finances so that you have a clear picture of where you stand for the foreseeable future. The more in control you are with other aspects of your life, the less time you will have to worry about them and thus can focus your full attention on finding that dream job. For more useful tips and advice on how to stay in control of your mental health during Coronavirus, see Mentalhealth.org.uk’s blog here: https://bit.ly/2YBvHWw

  • Set aside a specific amount of time during the day to look for jobs

Although sitting at your computer sifting through jobs boards for hours on end may seem like the best and quickest way to find your next opportunity, it may not be the most productive approach. Just as you would take breaks whilst at work, the same applies for job searching. You need the break from your phone/computer, whichever device you are using to refresh your mind and refocus. Not only that, but did you know, constant sitting puts you at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression and obesity? Take a 5 minute break every hour to get up and move around, even if it is a quick walk around the garden.

  • Think outside the box - make connections within the industry you’re looking to work in

So you have a specific company, or industry you’d like your next opportunity to be based in. If you haven’t already, create a LinkedIn account and take to the search bar to find hiring managers, recruitment agencies, even current workers working on projects within the industry of your interest. By building up a network of connections, you will not only undoubtedly be aware of any new opportunities by joining in conversations on the platform, but you will also be at the forefront of their minds and be more likely to get recommended/considered for new opportunities. Think outside the box! Get started with LinkedIn today: https://www.linkedin.com/home

  • Focus on bettering yourself to increase your employability

The one thing you probably have right now is time. Use that time wisely. By this, we mean as well as searching for your next job and connecting with people in the industry you want to work in, take a step back to analyse exactly what you want to do. Does the industry you’re looking to venture into have a particular skills shortage? If so, this spare time could be the perfect opportunity to look into studying that particular skill. There are some excellent websites offering short courses, some for free! Take advantage of this whilst you have the time. https://bit.ly/2YCdSGO

Not only will you benefit from learning new skills, but if you have been out of work for a period of time, but have used that time to improve your skills and knowledge, that will reflect on you as a person when it does come to interviewing. It will paint you in a very positive light.

  • Take it one day at a time and don’t panic

The main thing to remember is that you’re not alone in this. Remember that this is just a phase and it too shall pass. Your dream job is out there, but in the meantime, focus on bettering yourself, making yourself more employable and instilling control in as many aspects of your life as possible. As Conrad Hilton once said, “Success seems to be connected to action. Successful people keep moving.” Keep moving and positive things will come of it.

For an additional boost to your job search, sign up to First Recruitment Group’s job alerts to receive new job alerts matching your criteria, straight to your inbox. https://bit.ly/3flrcVH

Testimonials

Help us with our survey
Do you feel the jobs market has picked up?