The wave of job cuts across the world due to the pandemic forces us to think of ways to survive and flourish during the crisis. DKODING analyses the job market, hiring trends as well as ways to stand out in the competitive job market in the post-COVID era…
Until last month, Rahul Sharma was working as a senior project manager with a reputed IT company in Bangalore. He had invested in a beautiful home and was sending his children to an expensive private school. His world came crashing down when he was informed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his company has lost major clients and as a result, he was laid off. Now without any source of income, Rahul who has around 20 years of work experience is finding it difficult to pay his monthly EMIs, children’s fees, and manage household expenses.
Related :
Kickstarting Business During The Pandemic — How To Capitalize On Uncertainty
Rahul is not alone. Like him, there are millions of employees (both mid-level as well as senior-level) who have lost their jobs and source of income. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown has affected businesses, brought about huge revenue losses with companies struggling to survive. From hospitality to retail and IT, companies across the board have let go scores of employees. While some have offered compensation and support, others have just fired their employees without any prior notice. As a result, there has been a surge of jobseekers registering with various job websites in the hope of getting a job.
Watch: Companies Firing People During Pandemic
Gloomy hiring outlook
Quoting naukri.com, a report in The News Minute reveals that at least 1 in 10 Indian jobseekers have confirmed that they have been laid off and nearly three in 10 fear a layoff is looming. With so many layoffs even by big reputed companies like Cognizant, Ola, Oyo, MakeMyTrip, Swiggy, and Uber, there is a huge pool of talented job seekers registering on job sites for a new beginning. As a result, some popular websites like Naukri and Monster have proactively created dedicated sections for those who lost their jobs due to COVID that offers career advice, advice on upskilling, and support to find the right job.
Are companies still hiring?
A report by Live Mint says that though hiring is a freeze in most sectors, there might be a handful of openings in e-commerce, healthcare, and online delivery sectors. Companies in consumer tech, financial services, edtech, and consumer goods are also searching for the right talent.
Talking about the hiring pattern, Anshul Lodha, regional director at recruitment consultancy Michael Page, tells Live Mint that there has been a surge of applications from sectors like travel and tourism that has been the worst hit by the pandemic. On the other hand, new job opportunities are in allied industries like consumer tech, edtech, and online gaming.
Ways to cope with a layoff
For many, being laid off is something that is unexpected and shocking. While you might feel angry, frustrated, and emotional about being laid off, you should always remember that it is never about a single employee. It is just an unfortunate impact of the company cutting its cost.
“While this is a tough time for those who have lost their jobs, it is imperative that they stay focused and positive. They should spend time in upskilling themselves to stay relevant and updated.”
Rohit Mohta, Founder, Lifcare
Here are some healthy ways to cope up with losing your job:
- Being upset with a layoff is normal, but don’t get depressed about it.
- Take a break and plan your next move
- Do a financial assessment of your savings
- Get in touch with your ex-colleagues, bosses or friends and ask for a reference.
- Rework your resume and write an interesting cover letter that highlights and expands upon the skills and experience in your resume.
- Register yourself on job portals and explore opportunities
- Stay calm and positive
Related :
Over 20 US Retail Giants, 20,000 Stores, and 200,000 Jobs have gone extinct since 2017
The next step – Preparing for a telephonic interview:
Assuming that you have landed yourself a telephonic interview with a prospective employer, it is imperative that you do your best to create a good impression and have them call you for the next round. Here are a few tips to ace your telephonic interview:
- Before the call, confirm all the details, including the date, time, and who you will be talking to.
- Answer the phone yourself and listen to the interviewer carefully.
- Research about the company in advance and have answers ready to show them how you match their criteria.
- Have your resume and important documents handy just in case you need them during the interview.
- If it’s a video call or Skype, ensure that the room is clean and there is no disturbance of kids or pets.
- Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
- Do take your time. It’s acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
- Avoid giving long answers. Try to stick to the point.
- Follow up with the interview by sending a thank-you email, and also reiterate your interest in the job.
If the caller feels relaxed and is asking more questions about you exceeding the time limit of the call, you can presume that your interview has gone well. Just cross your fingers and hope for the best.
A telephonic interview is a two-way street. Don’t get so involved in answering the questions that you forget to listen what he is saying or asking him questions. Ask questions to understand the nature of the job and see if it is in sync with your career goals
Gurinderpal Singh, Founder, Talent21
Skills that will be in demand in the post-COVID era
Technical skills, ability to play around with data and come to meaningful decisions as well as skills in IOT and Edge Computing will play a very important role post pandemic era, says a report in The Economic Times. Professionals specializing in cybersecurity, cloud computing and UI and UX engineers will be in demand. There is also a need for reskilling and upskilling to get a job during this crisis.
How Square Yards Emerged As The Guiding Light For India’s Real Estate Sector During The Lockdown
After Workforce Exodus In June, Dubai Witnesses A Lackluster Reopening In July
Facebook-Backed Unacademy — Climbing Swiftly To The Top Of The EduTech Ecosystem
DialDesk: Shaping A Future Where BPOs Run Better When Working Remotely
iPhone 12 Is Set To Be Apple’s Biggest Upgrade Since 5S! — Here’s What To Expect
Fast Food Selling At Snail’s Pace, Burgers And Pizzas Become Wealth Hazards
Air India’s Future: Making A Case Against The Privatization Plan
Post-Pandemic Schooling: A Golden Opportunity To Radically Re-imagine The Whole Learning Experience
The Unicorn Package: More Than Chinese Money, Indian Startups Will Miss The Perks That Come With It
