Unemployment rates have skyrocketed during the COVID-19 crisis. And, as a result, landing a job may be more difficult than ever before. If you’re having a rough time finding a position that fits your skill set, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do to overcome this challenging situation.
Focus on Transferable Skills
Transferable skills or soft skills can be applied across different jobs and industries. Examples include things like leadership, time management, and teamwork. If you can’t find a position matching your specific training, look for an opportunity where you could successfully reapply your soft skills in a different setting. For instance, let’s say you had a job as a front desk clerk at a hotel. Chances are, you have strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. These attributes would make you an excellent fit for other customer-facing roles, such as working as a customer service representative for an online retailer.
Reskill Yourself
Maybe as you’re browsing the job boards, you see lots of interesting postings. But unfortunately, for each one, you’re missing one or two key skills. Start asking yourself, “Could I learn that?” Of course, you may not be able to go back to school right now. However, the internet offers lots of low-cost and free learning options. Check out sites like Amazon Future Engineer, Coursera, edX, and Udemy for more ideas. Or, if you can’t find what you’re looking for online, consider pursuing an internship, an apprenticeship program, or even volunteer work to build your skill set.
Call a Recruiter
If, despite your best efforts, you still feel stuck, contact an employment agency. Professional recruiters can help you make connections between your skill set and what companies need. In fact, they’ll probably think of something you overlooked. In addition, a staffing firm may be able to place you in roles that provide on-the-job training. So, you’ll get paid to learn something new! Plus, since staffing agencies charge companies not candidates for placements, you’ll receive all this assistance and advice for FREE. In other words, you have nothing to lose, and you could end up in a career-building opportunity.
Do You Need Some Help Finding a Job That Fits Your Skill Set?
The recruiters at Halpin Staffing Services are passionate about your success. We match skilled tradespeople, light industrial workers, and office professionals with top companies throughout Southeastern Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois. Learn more about the benefits of job searching with Halpin Staffing Services today!