The United States Labor Department has projected that nearly thirty million Americans have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, contributing to the highest unemployment rate since the 2008 recession. As of June, the US unemployment rate has fallen from 14.7% to 11.1%, but with the expected arrival of the “second wave” of COVID-19, unemployment numbers are bound to rise again. If you’ve found yourself looking for work during this pandemic, an up-to-date professional resume and active social media presence are of the utmost importance.
According to research by Jobvite, around 85% of employers are hiring through remote, online processes. Nearly 60% of these recruiters are utilizing social networks like LinkedIn or even Facebook to find prospective employees, and they are generating more job postings on these social platforms. This increase in online job listings, combined with high rates of unemployment, creates a competitive hiring process where one must stand out in a sea of applicants. But how is this possible when face-to-face interviews are no longer feasible?
An updated, professionally prepared resume is the most important tool for jobseekers in this pandemic. Jobvite found that many companies now use analytical programs and applicant tracking systems to scan through resumes and look for keywords and data that match the position for hire. These programs simplify and hasten the ‘interview’ process by filtering out any seemingly unqualified applicants, as well as highlighting those who may possess necessary skills. As such, your resume must be suited to not only be found in an abyss of online job applications, but to also be recognized as the most interesting among them. Here at The Writer’s Block, we build your professional resume with these parameters in mind.
Along with your resume, your social media presence should appeal to employers as well. LinkedIn or other job site profiles and platforms are especially important during this pandemic, as recruiters often scour these resources and search for pages of potential hires. Your profile should outline your strengths, the jobs you are searching for, and your experiences, and they should project your personality.
This all starts with The Writer’s Block, where we utilize your specific job experiences and skills to create a resume, LinkedIn profile, or personal biography custom fit for you. As hiring has adjusted to the online world, we’ve adapted our services to fit with the internet-reliant employers of this pandemic, focusing largely on cultivating an impressive online presence through the creation of professional resumes and e-profiles. We pay attention to detail, using one-on-one interviews to capture the true essence of our clients. If you are a determined jobseeker during this pandemic and looking for a way to stand out to employers, contact us today.
