FastForward trains for Virginia’s essential workforce, and while unemployment numbers are high, there are still some industries looking to hire. In this PBS Newshour round-up, the author cited a survey that indicated that 31% of healthcare providers were actively hiring. That’s one of our biggest training areas and one of the largest areas of need during a public health crisis. If you’re out of work and looking for a job, we’ve pulled together a few tips to help you stand out.
Informational interviews
Scheduling informational interviews is a great way to get your foot in the door. These interviews differ from a normal interview in that you’re learning more about a particular company and its positions – without there being a job officially on the table. These are great practice for real interviews and often result in more connections or even a job offer.
Research
To save yourself some time, be sure you’re researching and pursuing companies that are actively hiring. The Muse has a running list of companies that are hiring for positions across the board – from transportation and logistics to information technology.
New skills and training
We’d be remiss if we didn’t say FastForward or your local community college couldn’t provide you cost-effective training that could lead to a career studies certificate, degree or other workforce certification, but there are lots of other options available. Marketwatch published an article about job hunting during the COVID-19 pandemic and referenced free training opportunities through websites like Coursera, Codeacademy and Udemy.
Revisit your job profiles
Lastly, if you’re already on Indeed and have 15 minutes to spare, check out the video below featuring Indeed’s Director of Social Impact. She covers everything from the broader job market to leveraging transferrable skills. (If you don’t have the time, we hear you – here’s Indeed’s full list of COVID-19-related resources you can bookmark and save for later).
Looking for help taking your next step? From finding the right training to connecting you with potential employers, a FastForward Career Coach can help you every step of the way. Reach out and connect with your local coach to learn about your options.