As COVID-19 began to sweep across the globe, the hiring process changed drastically. Over a year into a pandemic-affected world and more people are still struggling with finding and keeping jobs.
Most of them scratch their heads and wonder what they did wrong. For people in the IT and related fields, it isn’t a decreasing number of job opportunities that keep them on the hunt for work—often, it’s simple mistakes they make when applying.
Here are 7 things to avoid doing when job-hunting:
- Applications Everywhere!
The loss of a job instills a sense of urgency in a person, urging them to jump on the job hunting train. Many people make the mistake of submitting applications in succession. Employers have even begun to see generalized resumes sent by the same applicants, but for different positions at the same company.
Once their resume is put together, people feel the need to apply to every job they’re a potential fit for. The result may be a large stack of haphazardly-constructed applications using the same resume.
Instead, take the time to select positions you would be the best fit for and tailor your resume to your potential employer. Applications, online or in person, should be treated with equal care, regardless of how easy it is to apply to jobs in a remote setting.
- Don’t Be Undervalued and Underpaid.
When you are on the hunt for jobs, particularly if you have recently lost yours, it’s easier to accept a position at a lower payrate for the sake of having financial stability. However, you should avoid it if possible.
The salaries for IT developers haven’t decreased as much as you might expect, even if the number of people being hired for positions has. Keep in mind that IT and similar fields are still in demand. You should be able to gauge your skill level and receive a salary to compliment it.
However…
- No Overestimating.
As employers shifted to remote positions, the application pool significantly increased. You shouldn’t necessarily accept jobs that have lower salaries but setting rates that are too high is bad as well.
The hiring process expanded for employers to factor a person’s standard of living into their criteria. Applicants with a higher standard of living, for example, may demand a higher salary from his or her potential employer. But, if that employer lives somewhere with a lower standard of living, that salary may be higher than they’re willing to pay.
- Different Time Zones & Remote Locations.
Open job postings that list ‘Remote’ as the location aren’t something to be ignored. Consider what would happen if an employer transitioned from remote work to in-person work. If you were living in a city halfway across the world, the likelihood of you moving to do that in-person job might not be something you want to agree to. Pay attention to the time zones and physical locations of businesses you’re applying to.
- Don’t Stick to One Thing.
Explore different areas of your field. You are applying with a much larger number of applicants with a remote position. Find jobs that borderline your field and apply for those. There may be less competition.
- Network Where You Can.
One of the most underutilized tools for a job hunter is networking. Use any connections you may have to your benefit. If a friend knows a company looking for a person with your skills, ask them for details or to share contact information.
- Be Less of a Machine.
While employers are, of course, looking for a qualified and capable candidate, too often people ignore other things. Achievements and communication can be excluded from applications due to a focus on listing skills directly relevant to the position. Communication skills are vital as well as any skills that may fall in a field indirectly related to the desired position. Don’t sell yourself short by excluding these things.
Conclusion
Don’t go into panic mode as you hunt for jobs. Be patient, thorough, and aware of the things mentioned above. Trust in your skills and get hunting!
