Are you one of the millions who have been laid off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic? This ongoing crisis has significantly impacted the job market in many industries, nationwide and around the world.
As you recover, exactly what you should say about your Covid-related employment gap on your resume, in your cover letter, and during job interviews depends on your specific situation and personal choice. But here are four general guidelines that will help facilitate your job search:
1. Acknowledge – and then fill – the gap on your resume.
On your resume, be honest in acknowledging your pandemic-related layoff, and focus on transferable skills.
2. Stay positive and build your network.
Keeping an upbeat attitude can be challenging when you’ve been out of work – not to mention socially cut off from everyday life – for a while. But if you maintain and communicate your enthusiasm and keep building your professional network, you’ll be more successful in your job search, and you won’t feel like this time is all for naught.
3. Provide context in your cover letter.
Your cover letter has more room than your resume for flexibility and creativity. Add helpful context to support your job search case.
4. Be interview ready.
Be prepared ahead of time by anticipating which questions you may be asked during a job interview. Use your responses to relieve any concerns an employer may have about your time off.
The career development experts at PrideStaff Fresno can help from start to finish as you bounce back from your Covid-19 layoff. Whether it’s fine-tuning your resume, preparing for interviews, networking, or any other step along the road to success, we’re right there with you. Contact us today to learn more.