It seems that the impacts of COVID-19 have reached nearly every part of the globe. Schools have closed, businesses have shuttered and economies ground to a halt. In the US, 26 million have filed for unemployment benefits since the outbreak of the pandemic. A survey found that 99% of doctors in the UK thought the country was unprepared for the outbreak. The crisis has also caused political division and stock market crashes across the board.
But for people who are out of a job, life still needs to go on. Everyone still needs to bring in some kind of income to support themselves and their families. Thankfully, there are options. While many industries have found themselves completely in limbo, others are busier than ever during these times of need.
Which Industries Are Hiring?
Despite these trying times, there are still jobs available for people who need them, and some companies are actually in dire need of employees right now. For instance, Walmart plans to hire 150,000 temporary workers by the end of May to meet retail demands within their stores. And Walmart isn’t the only one needing employees at the moment. Other industries are also actively hiring: shipping and delivery companies, online learning providers, grocery stores and personal childcare (nanny or babysitter).
If you’re struggling to find work, think which types of industries and businesses might be considered essential. Many federal jobs, like the United States Postal Service, can offer entry-level positions with no prior experience needed. With online orders on the increase, people still need to receive their mail on a daily basis, so the USPS will always be up and running and in need of workers.
Working With Remote Companies
Remote working was becoming increasingly popular even before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Now, it’s becoming a reality for millions of Americans. Many employers, in order to keep their companies up and running, have allowed their employees to work from home to keep everyone safe and healthy.
The popular video conferencing company Zoom is continuously adding infrastructure and hiring new people to keep up with demand in the wake of this virus. Because more people are working from home, remote business platforms are trying to keep up.
Have you ever considered working remotely yourself? Now might be the perfect time to take advantage of any talents or skills you have that can be used digitally. Do you have any experience in graphic design? Writing? Editing? Over 57 million people in America do freelance work. If you’re just starting out, you may not be able to find full-time work as a freelancer, but it can be a great side hustle for now to make some extra income.
How to Get Hired Quickly
If you’ve been laid off, you’re probably trying to find a job as quickly as possible. While searching in industries that are hiring is a great way to start, it’s also important to make sure you’re a desirable candidate for a job.
When was the last time you looked over your resume? Is it up to date? When it comes to hiring, 40% of managers spend 60 seconds or less examining each resume. During this pandemic, when so many people are looking for work, it’s more important than ever for your resume to stand out. Make sure it’s updated and looks professional, and include personal cover letters with each job you apply for. If you’re searching for work online, make sure to protect your privacy and data by keeping an application log, taking advantage of company privacy policies and signing your name with caution when you apply for anything.
These are scary and uncertain times for everyone, especially if you’re currently out of work. But don’t give up hope on finding a job, whether it’s temporary or something leads you on a journey toward a completely new career path.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.
