Tips for tailoring your skills for in-demand jobs during COVID-19

Improve your employability during COVID-19 by tailoring your skill set to in-demand jobs

About 2 out of 5 Malaysians were left unemployed by the pandemic, according to a JobStreet survey conducted in May. Despite that, there is reason for jobseekers to remain optimistic about finding employment: With Malaysia making a gradual recovery from the economic blows dealt by COVID-19, more companies are preparing to resume hiring.

According to the JobStreet survey, the top 5 jobs that will be in demand over the next 6 months are:

1. Administration / Human resources

2. Sales / Customer Service / Business development

3. IT

4. Marketing / Public Relations

5. Accounting

Retrenchment not a factor in hiring

Of these in-demand roles, 67% of employers seek to fill junior or entry-level positions. The survey adds that 71% of employers will not factor retrenchment from COVID-19 in their assessments of job candidates, and a quarter are more likely to consider candidates who lost their jobs as a result of the crisis.

Strengths and Skills to Hone

As the hiring freeze slowly lifts, new candidates can position themselves at the top of the recruitment choices by matching their skill sets to those required for in-demand roles.

Here are quick tips to help job-seekers prepare for new opportunities:

Identify skill sets

First, identify the skills you possess and then align these with the requirements specified in the job description.

Do you have skills that are job-specific, and required for the role you seek to fill? Do you have softer, transferable skills such as communication, time management, or collaboration that may help you succeed in the workplace you seek to enter?

Job-specific skills are straightforward, while soft or transferable skills may apply to your desired role, even if your previous experience is not directly related to the position you’re applying for. Take Customer Service as an example, where crisis management is a vital skill for mediating conflict between service providers and customers.

Other soft skills, like problem-solving and team-building will be very helpful for supervisory or management roles.

What needs improvement?

If you are exploring a different industry from the one left, you may identify skills, especially crucial one that need more work. You can do this by conducting a skills gap analysis on yourself.

List your skills and make an honest assessment of your own skill level at each one. Compare this list to the skills indicated in the job description. Address any skill gaps by creating an action plan and be ready to discuss this with a prospective employer.

Construct your resume to fit the job

The way you approached writing your resume for a previous job may not always be the best suited for a current post you are interested in. Tailor your resume to appeal to a prospective employer by leveraging on your existing work experience and achievements.

Pro tip: Be ready for remote or online interviews

It is essential to prepare for online or remote interviews in advance, so you can make the best possible first impression. Also consider that employers do experience difficulties with remote interviews. Look up what make up distracting mannerisms, if you don’t already know these things, and practice before the interview so you minimize the use of such gestures. Set up your video location well, and dress appropriately, as if you were doing a face-to-face interview.

With Malaysia easing its MCO (movement control order), the country is on its way to recovery and employers will resume recruitment. This is a prime opportunity for job-seekers to explore their opportunities through JobStreet.

If you are actively looking for employment, adding the #WorkNow to your profile will help you get hired faster. #WorkNow highlights your profile and connects you to employers with immediate hiring needs.

As a steadfast partner to employers and candidates, JobStreet has launched the campaign #TogetherAhead, with a specially set up COVID-19 Jobs and Resources Hub to offer guidance to both businesses and individuals through this crucial time.

#TogetherAhead, we rise above our challenges.