7 ways to stay ahead in the post-corona job market
The prevailing coronavirus crisis may change the face of the job market in coming days. Things are likely to be more difficult, more challenging. As it is, it is not easy getting a job in the best of circumstances in the country and now, with the pandemic hitting large, medium and small businesses hard, the challenge is even stiffer.
For those who have finished their education and have entered the job market, or for those who are wanting to change their jobs, the following seven points will help in staying ahead in the competition of the post-corona job market.
1. Take an online course
Having to stay at home during the ongoing lockdown, many people are finding a lot of spare time in hand. This spare time can be used to expand your knowledge. There are many courses being offered online. There is Udemy, Coursera and many other online platforms as well as some universities offering free certificate courses. Some paid online courses are also being offered for free in the prevailing circumstances. And those interested in a career in digital marketing, can take various certificate courses of Facebook Blueprint and Google. These certificates will be proof of your knowledge in these fields.
2. Practicing English
The knowledge of good English and correct use of the language is a big plus point in job interviews and in improving your career. There is no alternative but to have a good command over English for those who work in large organisations or multinationals. You must be strong in reading, writing, speaking and understanding English. But keep in mind, a certificate is not enough. You must practice to be perfect. Other than books to learn English, you can get help from various websites and YouTube. So practice from now and master the language.
3. Preparing a perfect CV
A job applicant’s first introduction is through his or her CV. Unless your CV is attractive and different from the rest, the chance to be shortlisted from among the hundreds of applicants will lessen. Many make the mistake of simply copying the CV format of another person. But a human resource officer goes through hundreds of CVs every day. A copied CV may have little credibility to that HR officer. So prepare your own CV in a creative and attractive manner to impress.
4. Preparing for a job interview
You can remain one step ahead by preparing for job interviews from now. Normally two types of questions are asked in job interviews. There are the general questions about yourself, your likings, 5 of your strengths and weaknesses, how you spend your free time and so on. Then there are subject-based questions. There are many writings with advice of how to face interviews and answer questions. You can practice that. If you are called for an interview, try to find someone who faced on interview in that company and ask their experience. Save the job circular to which you applied and read the job description well. Also take care of how you dress for the interview.
5. Learning to make excellent presentations
In getting a good job in a good company, you may have to face a series of interviews. You may have to make a power-point presentation. In any job you may take up, invariably you will have to make presentations. So learn how to make excellent and impressive presentations, different from others.
6. Preparing for written tests
You must prepare for all topics in a written test, not just focus on one subject. In most cases, you will require minimum pass marks on all subjects. During written exams, time management is vital. First answer the questions that you can complete quickly.
7. Developing general job skills
In post corona-times, just as it will be difficult to get jobs, it will also be difficult to maintain jobs. So develop general job skills. These can include Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point, preparing good reports, correctly writing e-mails and so on. Practice other soft skills.