4 Tips For Getting A Job in 2021

Jun 29, 2021

The pandemic has squashed the entire planet into a slimy sanitiser. We're so sterilised and lockdown-ed that the whole scope of our activities, from work to grocery shopping, is performed remotely — physical interaction is a term and situation in near extinction. And you may be thinking, Why is it so hard to get a job in 2021? The unemployment rate, with 200,000 jobs vanishing in corporate Britain alone, has probably reached another galaxy. That's why!

From what I've observed this past homebound year, here are my 4 tips on finding a new job in 2021. Follow them and you'll get hired or manage a career change with the snap of a finger. Just read on!

Embrace video content

You've probably clicked on Zoom, Microsoft Teams and/or Skype more times than you flossed during quarantine. Video calling apps have saved us big time in 2020, and they aren't willing to bid us farewell in 2021. In fact, even when face-to-face communication bounces back to normal, it’s likely that video is here to stay precisely because it's convenient, especially during job interviews. (Let's normalise the slob-chic style, where there's no one to glam up for except your dog and that 9am Zoom lecture or conference, shall we?!)

Conducting a first-stage job interview via video can be a cost-effective and time-saving substitute to one-on-one contact. Because of its socially-distanced nature, no commuting is involved, while it's much easier to arrange a virtual gathering — all you need is an Internet-connected device, your smile, a blurred background (if you want to disguise your unmade bed) and voilà, you're ready to jump on your meeting. Besides, a video call offers a more personalised experience than a phone conversation. When you've got the candidate in the flesh, you can get a better initial feel of their working culture fitness, can't you?

I recommend recording a short introductory video of yourself and put it on display for potential employers. Kick it off with a cheery greeting, a wide grin, and with eyes fixed on the camera throughout so to impress by letting your enthusiasm shine through. Click here for further guidance on how to set up a mouth-dropping video.

Most of us have aced video this year, so make sure you befriend the idea of interviewing through it. Equally important is your tech-savviness. Are you as organised with video as you are as a person? If not, before you video call someone, double check if your app is up-to-date.

Also, ensure you've got the know-how to navigate these platforms and join the call on time. Technical glitches are justifiable, but if you’re running late, or you're unable to attend a video interview because you hadn’t signed up or downloaded the app, this won't work in your favour.

Keep an open mind to jobs

While Covid-19 has been stirring the virus soup with us inside for two years, some of us were burned professionally more than others — it really depends on the sector. Whereas industries such as hospitality and retail (brick-and-mortar stores) have suffered the most, others have bloomed.

So, if you're on a job search or looking into the prospect of pivoting careers, give the type of company you want to get in a good thought. Many businesses within tech, e-commerce and delivery services, as well as healthcare have slayed during 2020 because of the nature of their duties, and they won't cease to flourish throughout 2021. If you're signed up to email alerts for job listings, you might have noticed that 75% of the vacancies you receive are from these areas.

That said, if you're seeking employment, sift through the most in demand jobs and Covid secure roles first. These job trends may not be your dream career, but they're a smart leap for 2021 that will reward you with a robust toolkit and experience.

Learn a new skill

There's always room for improvement in everything you do, isn't that what they say? I add, what a time to be alive for upskilling, which will enrich your arsenal of skills and enhance your career. Having a plentiful on your plate for recruiters to choose from will make you way more hireable, indicating that not only are you capable of undertaking a role, but you also have a knack for learning new things to deliver better on your responsibilities and override your competitors. Why not dipping your toes in unknown waters and learn a new creative, soft skill or give an industry-led software a go?

Dust off your CV off

It's never too late to give your CV a good ol' refresh! Review it, scrap the waffle, and ensure that the end product serves its purpose. Your CV (and, in many instances, your cover letter) is a snapshot of your identity and suitability for the job. If they want a granular drill down of what you can offer, hiring decision-makers need to see and speak to you (that's why video is your ultimate go-to in this case). In order to impress, not in the fancy-graphics-and-photos kind of flex, you may want to make your CV clear, readable, and next-round worthy.

Some general tips for cleaning up your CV

Run through it with a fine-toothed comb and look out for textual inconsistencies or spelling and grammatical errors.
Update your timeline dates
Make sure your contact details, such as address, phone number and email address, are correct
Customise your CV to the job you’re applying for so if you have listed your key skills they should be relevant to those mentioned in the job description. Employers are probably going to skim through for keywords and key phrases on the document.
Add a concise bio at the top of your CV so that employers can get a grasp of what you do, what your competencies are, why you would be a good match for the team. Think of it as a 30 second elevator pitch and sell yourself!
While you’re decluttering your CV, why not also polish up your social media presence? Make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimised and representative of your personal brand. If you're on other social networks, such as Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter, double check whether they're work friendly. If not, privatise your personal accounts and never look back! If you have footage of you dry-heave vomiting or passing out on the pavement after those Saturday drinks which you wouldn’t want your grandma to see, then you wouldn’t want your boss to see it either.