Finding a Job in the Second Half of 2020

Since many areas are still experiencing spikes in COVID-19 cases, businesses are predicting lower than average hiring in the latter part of this year. However, they are still optimistic that hiring will continue.

According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by Express Employment Professionals, 35% of decision makers say their company will increase employees. A total of 42% of hiring decision-makers predict there will be no change in their business, while 16% anticipate a decrease in employee count.

This is similar to the first half of 2020 when 31% of hiring decision-makers in the U.S. said their company planned to increase employees with 41% reporting no change and 26% decreasing staff.

“I see an increase as long as the economy is allowed to reopen,” said Mike Brady, Express franchise owner in Jacksonville, Florida. “The increase will come mainly from the light industrial industry, as many office services and professional positions will be delayed even further with the work-from-home push.”

Melody McPhee, Express franchise owner in the Woodbridge/Vaughn region of Ontario, sees a similar trend.

“We expect an increase in hiring for the last six months of this year,” she said. “As companies reopen, particularly for those that had to lay off staff, they are finding that not all of their people are returning. As a result, we are seeing an increase in direct hire openings.”

There Are Still Jobs Out There

In Oklahoma, for example, the pandemic presents a unique hiring opportunity as the state health department has contracted with Express to hire 1,000 contact tracers. Tracy Underwood, Regional Manager for Express offices in Oklahoma, says her area is also “getting slammed with work in manufacturing for companies that are so far behind.”

If you want to remain competitive in this market, keep a few things in mind:

Revamp Your Resume

The first step to getting a great job is updating your resume. Avoid common resume mistakes like bad formatting and being too general. Use action verbs and pepper your resume with key words related to the job you want. If you aren’t sure what those words are, look up job descriptions online and use verbiage similar to what you find.

Maximize Your Online Job Search

The key is to make your resume ATS-friendly, find the original job posting, contact decision makers, and leverage your network. Read this blog for more details on maximizing your online job search.

Check Out the Express Get Ahead Series

When you’re taking a break from the job search and want to study up and learn new skills, tune in to the Express Get Ahead series. The series features specialized blogs and interviews with job search experts covering everything from improving your resume and brushing up on interview best practices, to exploring the different ways to look for a job.

Contact Express

At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. In these difficult times, Express knows who’s hiring. For help with your job search, contact your local Express office, download the ExpressJobs app from your mobile store, or fill out our online contact form.

 

 

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