How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Hired During A Pandemic

17 June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked many issues around the globe, one of the top ones being the lack of employment in Canada. The pandemic created some jobs due to the COVID screening and vaccine appointment setters required. However, the economy witnessed more job losses or reduced working hours since many businesses have shut down temporarily or forever.

Canada’s labor market has seen a surge in the unemployment rate. According to the Labour Force Survey, the unemployment rate rose 0.6 percentage points to 9.4% in January 2021, the highest rate since August 2020. Thousands of jobs were erased, reducing income for many households.

At a time like this, job seekers need to go the extra mile to get hired in a legal position since the competition may be very high. Here are some steps you can take to get your application noticed.

5 Strategies To Enhance Your Job Opportunity

The pandemic situation is always a tough time to find a new job. But if you are going to follow these strategies, you will find a suitable position for you.

Here are the five strategies you need to follow to boost your chances of getting a job.

1.Consult A Professional

If you have switched up your resume, applied to all the positions available, but you are still unemployed, you may need expert help. Talk to a group of legal recruiters in Toronto who have studied the market thoroughly. Since legal recruiters spend most of their time helping people fit the right job, they will know what steps to take to get you hired.

Legal recruiters will find you positions that best suit your qualifications, saving you the time and effort of applying to multiple job postings.

2.Tailor Each Cover Letter

You already know the drill. Editing each cover letter to fit the job requirements that you are applying to is essential. However, it is not enough to change a few words and edit the name of the company.

You must research each company you are applying for and focus on all the details. When the employer notices your attention to detail and interest in the company, your application will stand out among others.

3.Make Networking A Routine

Having connections helps you wherever you go, but it is particularly helpful during a job hunt during a pandemic. If you continue to make connections through your friends, family, or social media, more people will get to know you.

Once you share your skills with the potential link, they might think of you when a position at their firm opens up.

To network efficiently, brush up your LinkedIn profile and look for people to connect with on the platform. Make sure your profile is updated and outlines your skills.

4.Use Rejections As A Lesson

Don’t get demotivated if you aced an interview but did not hear back from the employer. There may also be instances where you do not get called for an interview. All of that is okay. Use those rejections as a lesson by analyzing each step during the pandemic time. If you had an interview, figure out alternative responses to the questions the recruiter asked you. Practice those new answers for next time.

If your application got rejected before the interview process, go through your resume, cover letter, and social media platforms. Switch things around and see if it makes any difference.

5.Boost Up Your New Skillset

You are experienced or a fresher; this strategy is always effective to deal with the pandemic situation. Pandemic is never bringing you a good glamorous memory. But this is high time to brush up on your existing skillset. The pandemic and the lockdown situation bring you more time to learn new things. Utilize this time more positively.

The new skill learning always delivers the more profitable outcomes. Now, most of the excellent training institutes are offering online courses. Do research some of the latest trendy skills and try to utilize this time more positively.

Wrapping It Up:

Getting a job during the pandemic can be challenging, but you must hold on tight and give it your best shot. Due to the status of the economy, your rejections are not a reflection of your lacking. However, it will not harm you to follow the steps above to get your application noticed.

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Interview Attire for Men: Look Sharp And Make A Great Impression

The day before your interview, there is that one question that I always ask myself, "what should I wear for tomorrow's interview?" After being a part of this corporate industry and going for many interviews, I realized there is no hard rule to it. But I must say there are a few rules that you must adhere to. It would help if You did more than over-dress for a casual environment. Let's say you and your friends have planned to visit the beach-side cafe for your Sunday brunch, and you show up in a tucked-in shirt, formal pants, and a pointed boot. Sounds weird, right? Similarly, it would be best if you did more than underdress while you are about to be a part of the corporate suit culture. There is a vast and promising advantage of dressing appropriately- it speaks a lot about you. It shows how you like to pay attention to entails, respect opportunities, and, most importantly, your professionalism. In this blog, I will help you with tips and tricks about your ideal interview outfit for men and how you can ace your first impression. Read on…. Why Is It Necessary To Dress Appropriately? When you are going for the interview, the first thing that you must do is to impress your hiring manager. There is only one way which can help you impress the company manager you are going for. Now, if you fail to meet the proper dress code, they are most likely to believe that you won't be able to meet their daily expectations. So, it is a must to dress appropriately. The right outfit always helps you to look diligent. It helps to show that you have researched the industry and culture. This can also help you to fit in perfectly. Interview Attire For Men: Ways To Determine The Dress Code Now, the main question is: how to determine the dress code. Let's say you are working as a social media manager in a company where casual dress-up is acceptable. However, you are planning to move to a different corporate industry where the company follows a suit dress code. The best way to determine a company's dress code is to observe, do some research, and understand the dress code as per the industry. Dress Codes By The Industries When you are seeking a job, it is also essential to understand the proper dress code to fit in perfectly. For instance, in the finance, law, and corporate environment, it is always necessary to dress up in formal attire for the interview. You can complete your entire look in a dark suit in grey or navy color, paired with black shoes, a simple plain white shirt, and a simple tie. Let's say you are looking for a job in the government sector, hospitality and management, or the sales field. In that case, you can go for business attire. An intelligent shirt paired with smart trousers goes perfectly with the field. You can also wear blue, black, or khaki-colored chinos. If you are trying to add a professional touch, then top it off with a blazer. Lastly, you can go for a smart casual dress code if you are for an interview in a creative or technical field like an engineering and graphic designing role. You can choose dark-colored tailor jeans, pairing them with a shirt or a polo neck t-shirt. You can also wear a bright, casual blazer to complete your look. Fitted jackets and jumpers are also acceptable for interviews. Do Your Research Even though we got a glimpse of an ideal interview attire for men, it would still be best if you did some research beforehand. You can always ensure to conduct some research about the company or industry and their dress code expectations. This will help you impress the hiring manager and make you look like you can fit in perfectly. Additionally, you can always ask the hiring manager to clarify if there are any expectations. Make Your Impression With The Best Pair Of Garments If you can successfully choose the interview outfit, you can easily make an impression on the hiring manager. Here's a list of the best garments that you can consider wearing during an interview. Consider Wearing A Suit. Suits have always been a staple interview attire for men. Dark colors like grey and navy can be the perfect choice for your interview. You must pay more attention to your outfit because it speaks a lot about how you pay attention to the details. A Smart Shirt Can Be A Great Alternative! I have always believed that shirts are the best option for interview. If you wear a suit for a business look, you must include a well-fitted white shirt underneath your suit. You can also wear a shirt with double cuffs to add a pair of decent cufflinks. These cufflinks will help you to add a bit of accent to your attire. Now, if the dress code is a bit casual, then consider wearing pale-colored shirts like blue or pink. You can also wear shirts that have simple stripes and check patterns in them. I personally suggest you go for Oxford shirts. These shirts are always a great choice and never go out of style. Finish It Off With A Tie. Some people believe that ties are going out of style, but they are still valued in a formal business setting. If you see that the dress code says business smart or business formal, that means you can wear a tie. It would be great if you chose conservative designs. You can go for solid-colored ties, small patterns, and traditional stripes. Please try to avoid novelty ties since they are not appropriate for corporate settings. Chinos Can Be Business Attire, Too! When we talk about interview attire for men in the business industry, chinos perfectly fit between jeans and formal trousers. There are various tempting colored chinos, but I would suggest you choose tan, navy, and stone colors that go with everything. Top It Off With A Blazer. If we are saying that chinos are perfect trousers, then blazers can be their ideal match. The navy color goes with anything. You can pair light-colored chinos with a dark-colored blazer and dark-colored chinos with a light-colored blazer. A dark blazer can be an ideal formal outfit. Additionally, when choosing a blazer, always make sure that you are choosing the right kind that fits you. A blazer must hug your body correctly without making you feel stuck. Try to go for one size up because you can constantly tailor them to your needs. Smart And Shiny Shoes Shows speak a lot about a person. It is also an ideal component to impress someone. You must invest in a well-made pair that can last for a lifetime. You can go for a pair of black leather shoes For the formal interviews. I would suggest you go to the Oxfords. Similarly, you can also choose leather, suedes, and loafers to pair with your interview attire. Always try to keep your shows in good condition. This would help you wear the pair for a long time. Choose A Decent-looking Belt. Always keep a good black or brown belt in your stock. It is one of the crucial elements to add to the interview attire for men. It helps to complete the entire look. You can choose a simple-looking belt that matches your shoes. If you feel like your belt is worn out, get yourself a new one. Don't Forget About The Layers! Lastly, here are the tips for the colder months. During the fall or winter, you might need to add layers to your interview outfit to keep yourself warm. So, if you are going for an interview here, a business casual is accepted, and then you can add a jumper to your overall outfit. For formal business interviews, you can consider wearing a dark overcoat. Attire That You Must Avoid For An Interview When getting ready for an interview, you must avoid overly casual or ill-fitting clothes. Now, when you are going for an interview, the hiring manager wouldn't want to see you in a Hawaiian collared shirt and loose-fitted jeans, right? Here are the tips that can follow: You can avoid wearing casual clothing like athletic wear and jeans. Ill-fitted clothing, such as clothes that are too big or too small, is a big no-no! Try to avoid wearing inappropriate shoes like flip-flops or athletic shoes. You must avoid wearing too much perfume and after-shave lotion. While red can be a great color, it can also be risky in some cases. Wearing an unbuttoned shirt is not appropriate for business formal or causal decorum. Can You Wear Jeans To An Interview? While jeans are considered a casual fit, they can be appropriate for some of the interviews. If the company follows a casual dress code, then jeans might be suitable for the interview. You can check the company's website to see if the company follows any specific dress code. However, if you are a recent college graduate, you must avoid wearing jeans for the interview. I hope the tips and tricks will help you choose the proper attire for your interview. Always remember that you should be your priority. So, choose a dress that makes you feel comfortable and fits you in the corporate world. Be confident in what you are wearing. Confidence is the ultimate key! Read Also: Best Blue Collar Jobs For Women In 2024! Building Your Conceptual Skills A Guide for Career Growth What Is a Remote Job? Everything You Need to Know

What Is The Scope Of Doing A Bachelor’s In Economics?

Economics is a part of our everyday life. It affects our daily lives in obvious and subtle ways. Supply and demand, opportunity costs, the law of diminishing marginal returns, and the trade war are the applications of economics in the real world. You contribute to the economy by buying a Starbucks coffee and chocolate-filled croissant. As our lives are influenced by macroeconomic trends, like inflation, interest rates, and economic growth, an in-depth understanding of economics is imperative to make informed decisions and gain a global perspective. In-depth knowledge of economics allows individuals to drive positive change. Economics helps think strategically and optimize the outcome. Economics graduates are in huge demand across the world. In this article, we will discuss the literal meaning of economics, how it impacts our lives, and why studying BA in Economics and Business Administration is essential for creating a rock-solid career foundation. What Does Economics Entail? Economics study people, their behavior, decisions, and reactions in the face of scarcity and successes. It is a combination of politics, sociology, psychology, and history. Studying economics provides a high level of mathematical and statistical skills. This discipline also allows individuals to apply economic principles and models to business or finance problems. Moreover, pursuing economics equips individuals with a broad economic concept that can be applied to understand complex data and the relationship between things in the broader context. Upon completing a bachelor’s in economics, you will develop a wide range of skills, including communication, numeracy, problem-solving, and analytical skills. What Can You Do With A Bachelor’s In Economics? BA in Economics graduates has various employment opportunities across a spectrum of industries. Common career paths for BA in Economics graduates include: 1. Economist As an economist, you will study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services by gathering and analyzing economic data and researching trends to provide financial advice to businesses. 2. Investment Banker As an investment banker, you will be working towards raising capital for corporations. Investment bankers usually combine financial services, analytical prowess, and practical communication skills to support institutional clients in raising money and acquisitions. 3. Data Analyst Data analysts solve business problems by collecting, cleaning, and interpreting data sets. They identify key business insights using data analytics, data cleaning, and statistical knowledge. 4. Actuary These professionals evaluate and advise on the impacts of financial risk and uncertainty in business. With business and economics acumen, actuaries provide reports and assess the risk of potential events. 5. Financial Analyst As a financial analyst, you will evaluate investment opportunities, create financial modeling for investors, assess stock performances, and evaluate outcomes for business decisions. Conclusion If none of the above appeals to you, there are several other lucrative career options you may want to consider. You can seek a role in international development, human resource management, IT, journalism, law, market research, public relations, or taxation. Check out the top-ranked college in Germany’s Berlin to enroll in the course. Additionals: Is Consumer Services A Good Career Path?4 Key Etiquette Tips on How to Ask for Career AdviceIs Capital Goods A Good Career Path? [Updated 2022]Top Questions To Ask Someone About Their Career Path

From Nervous To Confident: Mastering Interview Questions

Job interviews can be intimidating, even to the most seasoned professional, who has been through many interviews! However, preparation is indeed the key. Especially when you can pick and choose impressive answers to some of the most asked interview questions. Knowing what to expect and how to answer common questions can make a big difference. We’ll explore the most common interview questions with expert tips to help you craft thoughtful, compelling answers. Something that can guarantee a great interview! Whether you're a professional at giving interviews or new to the job market, these insights can boost your confidence altogether! 1. Tell Me About Yourself This is a common question, and there is a 99% that your interviewer will ask you the same. Sounds easy, right? I'm not trying to scare you of something, but the answer cannot stick to a chronology of your name, hobbies, and experiences. This question is often your first opportunity to sell the interviewer on yourself and your background. Did they ask the question because they want to get a sense of how your work experience and background will add value to their open position? Expert Tip: Tailor your answer to reflect your relevant work and educational history for that specific role. Begin with your most recent experiences or studies and work backward from there. Be brief but thorough. “Hi, my name is XYZ, and I’ve been working on my digital marketing skills, specifically in SEO and content strategy, over the last three years. I’ve increased organic traffic by 35% at my current company and would like to do it at a larger, more dynamic company.” 2. Why Do You Want To Work Here? Employers would like to know whether you have researched their company and if you see a long-term association. They would like to see whether you want to get this job or if it is just another run-on-the-mill interview. Even if you must subtly fake it, it is better to show genuine interest. Expert Tip: The last thing I think about when making decisions about my career is the pay or benefits. It just isn’t as fulfilling as everything that can make you grow professionally. So, when you answer this question, try not to talk about the CTC. You wouldn't want to give the impression that you are hearing just for the money. Example Answer: “What excites me about working at Company X is the open culture and focus on constant learning and growth. This would allow me to thrive in a fast-paced environment where everyone willingly helps each other out to achieve our shared goal of building world-class software. After all, who doesn't like a little challenge and team bonding? Plus, I like that feedback flows freely between employees. Irrespective of seniority, department, or location. Suppose there is a better way of doing something.” This could also be your answer as you stress more about your personality. “I’m really impressed with your company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation. I’ve always had a personal interest in environmentally conscious initiatives. So, I was particularly excited to learn about your recent updates in cutting down on workplace waste. It would be a great privilege for me to work for a company that’s working towards something I care so deeply about.” 3. What Are Your Strengths? This is your opportunity to explain why you are the best candidate for the job. However, this is not your space to brag beyond calculation. Especially if you do not have the achievement or experience to back it up. After all, how can you understand your strengths and weaknesses if you haven't worked in a challenging setting? So, take some time to think about your strengths and what you can bring to the role. Expert Tip: Try to stay away from general answers such as “I’m hardworking.” Instead, opt for relevant skills and discuss how they helped you in previous positions. In fact, highlight how some of your strengths have helped you achieve something. Example Answer: "I think that my level of adaptability and willingness to learn is one of my greatest strengths. At my last job, we implemented XYZ, and within a month, I was the “go-to” person for troubleshooting as well as training other employees." 4. What Are Your Weaknesses? These interview questions are often ones that people dread. Because they do not know whether, to be honest, they should show their vulnerability or strength disguised as weakness! Something like, "I am a perfectionist and cannot submit something unless it is top-tier work." First, that sounds like a brag (which you shouldn't brag about, and second, it is a weakness if you keep messing with deadlines). So, try to be as honest as you can! Plus, give your interviewers ideas on how you are working towards turning that weakness into a strength. In fact, it is a method for the interviewer to see how self-aware you are and how much you are willing to improve. Expert Tip: Choose a weakness but discuss how you're overcoming it. Avoid cliché answers! Example Answer: If you have to say "perfectionist"! “I have always been a bit of a perfectionist, which can sometimes be a weakness. When I first started my current role, I found it difficult to delegate tasks or ask for help. Or finish anything within the deadline because submitting any work I am not satisfied with made me anxious. Therefore, I am trying peer review as a form of coping where I let a peer review my work, and I do not think about it for the time being. It is easier for someone else to pinpoint simple errors rather than me obsessing over it." Here is another approach to this question! "I would often get overwhelmed because I had taken on too much when there were others around me who could help. To overcome this, I tried to understand what others were good at and how they could support me.” 5. Can You Describe A Time When You Faced A Challenge And How You Dealt With It? Do not worry; they do not challenge your problem-solving capacity in the workplace. So, yes, if you are a fresh graduate, you can give any academic-related anecdote. They ask this question to learn how you handle setbacks, your problem-solving approach, and whether you get frustrated easily. Expert Tip: I would recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to tell them a story that answers these questions while highlighting a positive result. Example Answer: “At my last position, we were up against a deadline for a client project that seemed unattainable. I stepped up to the plate and re-prioritized the work on our team. Then, I broke down the project into doable pieces and assigned them out properly. We met the deadline but delivered above what the client expected.” 6. Why Did You Leave Your Last Job (Or Why Are You Leaving)? Again, feel free to feel overwhelmed because there is a reason behind your interviewer! What is the interviewer really asking? They want to know what’s motivating you and if you’re in good standing with your previous employer. Expert Tip: Keep it positive! Don’t speak negatively about your previous employer. That is the biggest red flag when it comes to interviewees. Example Answer: “I’ve learned a great deal in my current position, but I’m ready to take on new challenges and be part of a team that’s pushing the envelope. I’m really excited about the prospect of managing a larger project and leading a team.” 7. Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years? These are common job interview questions that you are likely to face. Employers want to feel that you have a plan in that you are thinking ahead and how they fit into your future. Expert Tip: Be honest, but make sure that your answer reflects how it will help the company with your personal and professional development. Example Answer: “In five years, I want to be in a leadership position. I would like to continue to grow with the company, maybe lead a team, and have input strategy at a more senior level.” 8. How Do You Handle Stress And Pressure? Stress is part of every job, but employers want to know if you can handle it. It is also a good way to test your overall critical thinking capacity! Expert Tip: Describe your strategies to remain calm and productive under stress. If applicable, give an example of how your resilience has been beneficial for you and your team. Example Answer: “It’s not easy, but we all need to know how to keep calm and carry on. I actually work very well in teams! Because versatile with my approach. I am confident in my ability to get along with many people and still feel comfortable being a hard worker in a team-based environment. Plus, a healthy competition is always good to achieve one's full potential.” 9. Tell Me About A Time You Worked In A Team Collaboration is important in many positions. You will likely be working on a team with others, especially if they are hiring you for a team lead position. Expert Tip: Think of a specific time when you worked well as part of a team and what happened. Example Answer: “In my previous role, I did a project that involved cross-communication between marketing/sales/product teams. As the coordinator, I had to have everyone aligned and meet weekly. I also saw a 20% improvement in product launch efficiency. The key is always to hear the other person out before going into judging mode. Even if their ideas do not align with yours, it is better to get some of the best is better.” 10. Why Should We Hire You? Yes, it is one of the hard interview questions that many fail to answer. However, this is your chance to tell them why you’re the best candidate for the job. Or at least explain why you would stand out among all the others who have come for an interview. Expert Tip: Try to be subtle. Do not brag. Keep reiterating the most relevant skills and experiences. Show how you can add value to the company and solve its specific challenges. Example Answer: "With a background in content marketing and SEO, I think I could really help to grow your online presence and drive website traffic. I’ve managed campaigns and data before, so I would jump in right away and start adding value to the team." Additional Tip: Why Having A Good Resume Matters Using the interview is important, but first, you must get the interview. You can instantly boost your chances of getting an interview by designing a strong resume. Use these resume tips when writing yours: Tailor your resume for each job application by using keywords in the job posting. Results Not Responsibilities. Metrics and Achievements! They do not want to know your skills and experiences but what you did with them. Keep it clean and professional; you don’t need any gimmicks or graphics. Make sure there are no errors in your resume and that it is well-organized so recruiters can easily check the information they need. Mastering The Interview Process! Preparing for common interview questions is essential for making a strong impression. But remember, each interview is unique. Do not forget to ask the right interview questions to your employer. Staying mute won’t help you ace that job! Stay flexible and authentic in your responses, and don’t be afraid to show your personality. Combine these expert tips with a well-crafted resume, and you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job. & Please Do not forget your interview clothes. Check the best interview attire for men which will make you stand out! Happy job hunting! Read Also: Corporate Hackathon: Benefits To The Employees How to Get a Job as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative How to Reach Out to a Recruiter on LinkedIn Do’s and Don’ts

How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Hired During A Pandemic