Thanks for visiting TopUniversities.com today! So that we can show you the most relevant information, please select the option that most closely relates to you.
Your input will help us improve your experience.You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or login.
Already have an account? Sign in
How to Get Hired Without Leaving the House
By Linda Mohamed
Updated April 3, 2021 Updated April 3, 2021As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect economies all over the world, most of the workforce is left wondering about the next steps and the implications that the outbreak might have on their future career.
If you fall into this category – whether you were job hunting or just about to finish b-school when the virus hit – try not to worry too much. Businesses are still recruiting through online applications and video interviews, and many are looking for employees who can work efficiently from home.
In fact, remote work has been on the rise since before the coronavirus outbreak, with over half of jobs in the financial and business services sectors now providing workplace flexibility.
Allowing employees to work from home is highly convenient for employers, as it allows them to downsize their offices and cut traveling and operation costs.
Technology plays a huge role in allowing companies across the globe to maintain business continuity in uncertain times – it’s not by chance that video conferencing and remote work apps such as WeChat Work, Zoom, Slack and Microsoft Teams have risen nearly fivefold since the start of 2020.
But how has the process of finding a job changed in the past few months? How can you make a good impression to recruiters through a screen?
Here are TopMBA’s tips on how to land the perfect job from the comfort of your home.
Update your LinkedIn and social media
Now more than ever, online platforms are a key starting point in the job-hunting process. Make sure your profiles are up to date and – most importantly – appealing to employers.
Start off with a professional photo – preferably a headshot – and a headline/bio that will stand out.
When writing about your skills, past jobs and duties, focus on showing off how you can help companies thrive during difficult times. This is more important than your achievements, as recruiters will be looking for proactive and skilled individuals who want to make a difference in their organization.
And finally, share interesting and industry-relevant content. There is no excuse not to keep up with current affairs, and you’ll want to show your determination by narrowing your focus on specific fields.
Expand your online presence
LinkedIn and social media aren’t the only places where employers can notice you.
In fact, online recruitment services have grown exponentially in the past few years. Now more than ever, it’s important not to underestimate their efficacy.
We recommend signing up to key players such as Recruit, Monster, CareerBuilder and SEEK, where you’ll find a wide range of opportunities across sectors. If your interests are a bit more niche or sector-specific, specialty websites such as FlexJobs and The Dots will help you narrow down your search.
Another tip: make sure you select specific job titles and type keywords such as ‘work at home’, ‘remote work’ and ‘telecommute’.
Spend some time networking
Networking doesn’t always require meeting in person. Once you’ve set up your social media and online presence, look for people and organizations you’re interested in and connect with them. Emails and LinkedIn messages are always great icebreakers.
You can also network with recruiters and jobseekers on discussion boards and job forums on recruitment websites like Reed and Indeed.
Moral of the story: don’t be scared to put yourself out there, you have nothing to lose.
Curate your application
Even if it takes a while to land your first interview, don’t rest on your laurels.
Having a great online application is key to breaking into any industry. A survey by CareerBuilder revealed that 18 percent of employers said including a generic, not customized resume was an instant deal-breaker. Of those, 10 percent also believed all applications require a great cover letter.
While you’re at home, prepare a cover letter that is adaptable for different roles. Take a look at different job adverts (expired ones will do too), highlight skills that come up often and write down examples from your own professional experience that prove you possess them.
Once opportunities start to roll in, it’ll be a lot faster to tailor your application to different positions and companies.
Prepare for video interviews
Video interviews can be intimidating, especially if you’re used to in-person interaction. This is why preparation is key to avoid rookie mistakes.
Practice in front of a mirror or – even better – record yourself answering common interview questions on your phone or computer. Pay attention to your posture, facial expressions and whether you’re able to maintain eye-contact through a screen, and ensure that you’re in a bright, distraction-free space.
Trust us, you’ll be more a lot more natural and confident in front of recruiters when the time comes.
Read more about Covid-19
Coronavirus Student Hub
Everything Students Need to Know About the Novel Coronavirus
Confused About Coronavirus? Imperial College Launches Free Covid-19 Course
Wharton Offers Course on Consequences of Coronavirus Crisis
Discovering where to study
Is Postgraduate Education Still Worth It During a Global Recession?
Cambridge University: Online Only Lectures Until Summer 2021
Imperial College Business School Holds Virtual MSc Information Session
What to Consider When Comparing Universities Online
How to Choose a Business School Without Leaving the House
Comparing Virtual Tours of Top Business Schools
Why Higher Education is Still Necessary in Times of Change
How Can I Still Study Abroad?
Why Technology Can Save University Enrolment in Trying Times
QS digital events
QS Digital Events Calendar
How to Prepare For a QS Digital Event
How to Impress MBA Recruiters at Home
How to Navigate Your University Search During Covid-19
Why Aspiring Grad Students Should Attend HE Events
Coronavirus Advice for In-Person QS Events
Admissions advice
University Admissions: Coronavirus Hub
Business School Admissions: Coronavirus Hub
How Will the New Clearing Process Affect Students?
‘We’re Working to Ensure Candidate Applications Aren’t Disrupted’: Instagram Live with Imperial College Business School
Universities Changing Tuition Fees in Response to Coronavirus
How Covid-19 Is Affecting Wharton MBA Applications
Online Resources to Use in Your MBA Application
UK Government to Cap University Admissions: Will You Be Affected?
How To Defer Your University Offer In the UK
How To Defer Your University Offer In the US
How to Defer Your University Offer in Canada
How To Defer Your University Offer In Australia
Wharton Holds First Virtual Campus Tour For Students Stuck at Home
Entrance tests & exams
Six Tips to Ace the At-Home GRE and GMAT
INSEAD Accepting Applications Without the GMAT Due to Coronavirus
Can't Take TOEFL? Duolingo Might Offer Alternative
How to Take the GRE and GMAT at Home
China's National University Entrance Exam Will Go Ahead in July
Studying online
80% of UK Students Struggling Financially Due to COVID-19
Business As Usual: ESCP Replaces In-Person Project With Online Version
Why Coronavirus Will Cause an Ed-Tech Boom
Should UK Students Get A Refund For The Academic Year?
Majority of International Students Happy to Study Online
Benefits of Online Degrees, According to Students
How to Successfully Work From Home
How to Organize Your Routine When Working From Home
How to Set Up Your Home Office When Studying Your MBA
How to Stay Focused When Studying Your MBA at Home
How to Stay Engaged While Studying Online
75 Percent of Students Expect Lower Tuition Fees For Studying Online
9 Top Universities Offering Free Online Courses
Why Hybrid Teaching Might Be the Future of Online Courses
UK Students Will Pay Full Tuition Fees If Classes Remain Online, Say Government
10 Online Courses to Boost Your Business Curriculum
Life in lockdown
Quiz: Which Quarantine Cliché Are You?
Meet the Charity Helping International Students Left Homeless By COVID-19
Re-opening Businesses in COVID-19: Pros and Cons
What It’s Like Being in B-school During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Life Under Quarantine: How Coronavirus is Affecting University Students
Coronavirus: Life is Changing on Campus in the United States
25 Productive Things To Do While Social Distancing
Five Inventive Things B-School Students Can Do While Social Distancing
How to Keep Employee Morale High While Working From Home
How UK Students Can Help Out During the Coronavirus Crisis
9 Books All B-School Candidates Should Read While Social Distancing
How to Avoid Back Pain When Working From Home, According to a Chiropractor
Business School Professors Recommend Activities to Pass the Time in the Pandemic
Staying healthy
Five Ways to Look After Your Mental Health in Lockdown
How Can Students Stay Healthy At Home?
Should You Try to ‘Improve Yourself’ in Quarantine?
Fun and Unusual Ways Students are Staying Active in Quarantine
How You Can Stay Happy and Healthy While Studying at Home
Careers advice
The 'New Normal': Why Digital Skills Matter More Than Ever
The EdTech Sector Grows as Other Industries Take a Hit from the Coronavirus Crisis
Bounce Back Loans: Everything You Need to Know for Your Small Business
Staying Hopeful: MBA Grads on Job Hunting During a Recession
What Does Coronavirus Mean For The Hospitality Industry?
How to Adapt Your Small Business During a Pandemic
How to Get Hired Without Leaving the House
How 2020 Graduates Can Find Jobs Amid Coronavirus
Everything Students Need to Know About Virtual Internships
Staying Afloat: UK Small Business Owners on Adapting to a Pandemic
How My B-School Experience Is Helping Me Run a Hospital During Covid-19
Summer Internships Are Going Online
Safeguarding Talent During Coronavirus: Will Internships Go Digital?
This article was originally published in March 2020 . It was last updated in April 2021
Want more content like this Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.
Linda was a Content Writer at TopMBA, creating content about students, courses, universities and businesses. She recently graduated in Journalism & Creative Writing with Politics and International Relations, and now enjoys writing for a student audience.
Share via
Share this Page
Save
Related Articles Last year
Online Resources to Use For Your MBA Application
MBA in Canada: Class of 2015 Employment Reports
Alumni Stories - Gunjan Kedia, Tepper School of Business MBA ‘92
Most Shared Last year
MBA in Canada: Class of 2015 Employment Reports
Alumni Stories - Gunjan Kedia, Tepper School of Business MBA ‘92
Online Resources to Use For Your MBA Application
Most Read Last year
MBA in Canada: Class of 2015 Employment Reports
Online Resources to Use For Your MBA Application
Alumni Stories - Gunjan Kedia, Tepper School of Business MBA ‘92