The jobs landscape has changed significantly since January. At the end of 2019 some states reported unemployment rates lower than 3.5%. The BLS has seemingly unlimited resources on this topic. During this time unemployment was so low that there were more jobs than there were people to fill them. It was a job seekers' market -- job seekers frequently had multiple offers in front of them and they got to choose which position to take. Prior to these (ultra) low unemployment rates hiring managers frequently had large pools of applicants. This wasn't the case. That is until businesses and schools started temporarily closing due to COVID-19.
As the virus became a pandemic, the layoffs began. Many of those vacant positions, that didn't have enough viable candidates, disappeared. Some of those jobs are now remote. Employers that could shift to a remote workplace have. But according to the US Census as of December 2019, only about 5% of employees work remotely.
There are two issues here.
A solution to bridging remote worker ability gap, and ensuring that you shine among the many other applicants?
Job coaches. Check out our Coaching flyer.
Job coaches help build strategies to find employment. Job coaches understand the intricacies of the job market. Many job postings, as many as 60% are referred to as hidden. They either aren't posted publicly, or aren't posted in places where the average job seeker can view them. Coaches help develop the abilities to: apply for jobs, build effective resumes, answer tough interview questions, stand out in a crowded field and ultimately be the best worker.
A job coach is your personal resource while you’re looking for your next job. NextJob coaches are job search experts who are also certified in coaching. They specialize in encouraging, motivating and acting as a sounding board for your thoughts and ideas while helping you develop your resume and prepare for interviews. NextJob coaches work at your pace and schedule to create the support that works best for your goals.NextJob coaches can help you develop strategies for applying remotely, interviewing remotely, and then working remotely.
“I was in a pool of over 300 applicants and was able to make it through all the interviews and finally got the job. I believe my job coach was hugely responsible for that."
- Everett, A no-longer job seeker who used NextJob.
“It's like having a personal tutor that helps bring out the best in me and realizes I have a lot to offer in the work force.”
- Kathy, A no-longer job seeker who used NextJob.