YMCA Employment Programs
4 tips to help you continue your job search online during the COVID-19 outbreak
01 April 2020 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
We’re all grappling with new challenges right now, whether it’s adjusting to working from home, caring for a loved one, watching kids who would usually be in school, or spending more time inside. Looking for a new job while physical distancing certainly makes the list. But as much as it brings new challenges, this unprecedented situation also gives you some advantages! Here are a few pointers from our YMCA Employment team to help you tap into those unique opportunities and make sure you’re taking all the rights steps to land your next job.
1. Search smart online
The good news is, well before COVID-19, many of us were already consulting online job boards and websites, and employers were typically accustomed to using these digital tools too. As you continue your job search online, make sure you’re using reliable websites like Indeed, Job Bank, Monster, Charity Village, and LinkedIn. If there are particular organizations you’re interested in working for, check out their websites as well. Usually, they’ll have a page called something like “Join Our Team,” where they list out the positions they’re currently hiring for and explain how to apply. Similarly, some malls set up a careers section on their website where you can explore openings across their various stores.
2. Get automatic updates on positions you might be interested in
A lot of employment websites (like the ones we linked to above) let you set up alerts: they’ll automatically send you an email when an employer posts a new job. This is a handy feature we recommend to save you from having to comb through the same sites repeatedly, looking to see if there’s anything new.
3. Keep a log of your applications
It’s tempting to just start firing off as many applications as you can, as quickly as possible. But if you don’t keep track, you won’t be prepared for the next step: booking and preparing for that interview! Stay organized by keeping a log of each application you submit, with as much information as possible, including the date you applied; the title of the position you applied for; the job description; the company’s name, address, and phone number/email; the name of the person you contacted; and anything else you think might be important. This way, you’ll have everything you need when the employer calls you to set up an interview and you’re trying to prepare.
4. Cast a wide net
One reason we recommend keeping an application log is that we also recommend you apply for as many positions as possible. Of course, you want to make sure you’re applying for relevant jobs you’re actually interested in; it’s not a matter of quantity over quality. But we’ve had clients come to us wondering why they haven’t landed any interviews yet, when they’ve only been applying to one job a week. We recommend applying to at least five to seven jobs every day to give yourself the best chances possible.
Looking for more tips? Want answers to other questions? Even though our YMCA Employment centres are currently closed, our experts are still offering their services remotely, by email and phone. They can help with everything from crafting your resume, to identifying the right opportunities, to acing your interview — all for free! Book your free appointment today.
1. Search smart online
The good news is, well before COVID-19, many of us were already consulting online job boards and websites, and employers were typically accustomed to using these digital tools too. As you continue your job search online, make sure you’re using reliable websites like Indeed, Job Bank, Monster, Charity Village, and LinkedIn. If there are particular organizations you’re interested in working for, check out their websites as well. Usually, they’ll have a page called something like “Join Our Team,” where they list out the positions they’re currently hiring for and explain how to apply. Similarly, some malls set up a careers section on their website where you can explore openings across their various stores.
2. Get automatic updates on positions you might be interested in
A lot of employment websites (like the ones we linked to above) let you set up alerts: they’ll automatically send you an email when an employer posts a new job. This is a handy feature we recommend to save you from having to comb through the same sites repeatedly, looking to see if there’s anything new.
3. Keep a log of your applications
It’s tempting to just start firing off as many applications as you can, as quickly as possible. But if you don’t keep track, you won’t be prepared for the next step: booking and preparing for that interview! Stay organized by keeping a log of each application you submit, with as much information as possible, including the date you applied; the title of the position you applied for; the job description; the company’s name, address, and phone number/email; the name of the person you contacted; and anything else you think might be important. This way, you’ll have everything you need when the employer calls you to set up an interview and you’re trying to prepare.
4. Cast a wide net
One reason we recommend keeping an application log is that we also recommend you apply for as many positions as possible. Of course, you want to make sure you’re applying for relevant jobs you’re actually interested in; it’s not a matter of quantity over quality. But we’ve had clients come to us wondering why they haven’t landed any interviews yet, when they’ve only been applying to one job a week. We recommend applying to at least five to seven jobs every day to give yourself the best chances possible.
Looking for more tips? Want answers to other questions? Even though our YMCA Employment centres are currently closed, our experts are still offering their services remotely, by email and phone. They can help with everything from crafting your resume, to identifying the right opportunities, to acing your interview — all for free! Book your free appointment today.
