The area of staffing has hit a critical point due to COVID-19. As companies experience major fluctuations and adjustments due to the pandemic, we have needed to evolve and become much smarter in the way we recruit, interview, and onboard. In this highly competitive landscape, we’re seeing an uprise in ‘speed to market’ with qualified applicants currently saturating the market. With all that said, companies are looking for fierce new talent that are up for the challenge of maneuvering through our “new normal.” Now’s the time to leverage skills to strategically stand out among other candidates, explore potential options not available before, and expand your network.
Here are a few tidbits to help guide you in your work search and land your next big gig!

Stay Connected

It is vital that you connect with the right people. Make sure that you remain in the loop with your favourite staffing agencies and check in frequently. Keep on top of conversations in LinkedIn and other social sites, and ensure you are watching for messages regularly on those platforms. You never know when the opportunity to participate in a conversation with like-minded professionals will arise, so take some time to expand your current network and create genuine connections. And always have a professional picture of yourself on your profile.

Be Up-To-Date & Detailed

When was the last time you updated your CV and LinkedIn profile with current information and marketable skills? The key here is to not leave anything out! The more relevant your skills are, the more attractive you’ll appear to hiring managers. Of course, there are particular skills needed for each job, there are also core competencies required in all professions.

Here are 11 of the most sought-after employability skills that hiring managers search for in candidates:

  • Communication skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Teamwork skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Learning/adaptability skills
  • Self-management skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Computer skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Open-mindedness
  • Strong work ethic

Right now, diverse experience, special skills, and community outreach are being searched for, and if it’s not in your profile, then you won’t be top of mind. Remember that you are looking to stand out, so let your potential employer get a sense of who you are, and what you can bring to the table. You need to differentiate yourself and identify the kind of value offer.

Hone In On Your Virtual Interviewing Skills

Virtual interviews have become the norm for almost all organizations. When you are invited to pre-qualify with an agency and subsequently interview with the client, always arrive to the meeting in appropriate attire with your camera at the right angle meaning your upper torso is visible. Establish yourself in a controlled environment with little distraction or noise. You want to be able to hear the client as they ask questions and you want them to be able to hear you answer clearly. Try doing a practice run before the actual interview, this will help you become familiar with the task and ease any pre-interview jitters. During the virtual conversation, openly talk about your marketable skills and provide examples of how you have used your skills in the past. Try to mention all skills that are relevant for the position, especially the skills that were specifically mentioned in the job posting.

Do Your Homework

Prior to interviewing with a client, always take some time to research the organization. Equip yourself with as much knowledge as you can right down to the type of ERP their business operates on. This attention to detail will show the hiring manager depth and eagerness as they consider you an essential and effective employee. Also prepare 2 or 3 questions that you would like to ask during the interview. Almost every interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. If you have none, it will show a lack of preparedness. Always send a thank you email post-interview. If you are interviewing through an agency, send it to your representative at the agency and they will forward to the hiring manager.

During this process try to be agile, and flexible. Recognize that you may need to pivot and be more accommodating as everyone is still experiencing some challenges under our new normal. When you do land that next great contract or permanent position, be prepared for a changed world when it comes to the onboarding process. If you are working remotely understand that equipment and identification will need to be couriered to your home. Due to our isolated work life now, anticipate a bit longer of an upsweep in learning your new role. It takes longer to learn who the people are also because there’s no water cooler talk right now. In a nutshell – stay connected, keep networking, punch up your LI profile with key employability skills, and be patient through the process.

~Cherene Kambeitz, Marketing & Communications Director Levvel Inc. Reach out to Connect@levvel.ca