COVID-19 has caused the biggest economic downfall in the global economy since the Great Depression. This economic and social disaster has affected employment as businesses close down or cut down on costs by firing employees. Moreover, this has proven to be an awful time to be graduating from college or to be looking for an internship. So, how do you find work during this time?

So, what should a recent graduate, or aspiring intern, do? How do they find work in the current scenario? Here are a few tips on how to find work and internships during the coronavirus:

Be available to employers online or offline: You never know when they might call!

Make yourself searchable to employers

There are numerous employment opportunities, you just need to be available to avail them. Update your LinkedIn profile and stay up to date with all the latest opportunities. Hence, make sure to make your profile as captivating as possible. Facebook jobs is another, more recent addition to such platforms. These platforms allow potential employers to search and approach you. Moreover, make a habit of picking up calls from random, unknown numbers as well. They may be potential employers calling for more information. Furthermore, there are various websites offering online jobs all around the world. Make use of them.

Be prepared for Video Interviews (recorded or otherwise)

With global social distancing in effect, companies are moving their operations online. This includes their hiring operations as well. Instead of face to face, interviews are now being conducted online as well, mostly on videocall. A strange experience, right? However, it is one you may have to get used to for the foreseeable future. This can prove advantageous to you as well, as you can give an interview in the comfort of your home. All that practice in front of the mirror or camera might come in handy! So how do you go about online interviews? Here are a few points to note:

Dress formally. Just because you are at home does not mean you do not have to be formally dressed. These things are very important, so be vigilant.

Choose your background wisely. Blank and white backgrounds are preferred, but if not available, please choose a simple, presentable one. No one wants to see a pile of undone laundry in your background!

Be prepared for mishaps. Choose a stable internet connection and be prepared for any problems that may arise. Have your interviewer’s phone number with you so you can call them and have a conversation over the phone if need be.

Look at the camera, not on the screen. While answering questions, look at the camera rather than the screen, as it may give the interviewer the impression that you are not being attentive.

Add skills to your resume

You have time now more than ever before. Plenty of online educational websites like Coursera and Udemy are offering free courses. Learn a new skill and improve your resume. Get a certification you may have been putting off for some time. This will not only help you finesse your current skills but will allow you to add greater value to any company.

You can find some of these resources for free through the following links:

Diversify with respect to geographical locations you apply to

This lock-down has caused companies to look for people who are comfortable with working at home. Apply to international offices and companies abroad. They may be looking to hire workers internationally since it would be the same to hire someone locally in the current situation.

There are still many employment opportunities out there!

Identify how you can contribute

With the economic crisis inevitable, you must differentiate yourself from the competition. Identify problems companies are facing and present them with possible solutions. This will catch their eye, and at times, they may even disregard your resume because you’ve proven resourceful to them regardless.

It is important to keep in mind that the job market will not be the same as before even after the pandemic is over. Hence, one must improvise accordingly. You should stay alert for employment opportunities. Also, at the same time prepare for the difficulties that are bound to arise not just during the pandemic, but after it as well.

You could also consider working on your own business idea, or start your own startup.

See: How to build a startup team