What can we expect from the job market moving forward? Well, not all industries have been hit the same by the pandemic. The hospitality and leisure industry, for example, has taken the most significant blow thus far. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, since the start of COVID-19, this sector has lost more than four million jobs. Health services gained more than 350,000 jobs in June, while retail lost more than two million. Unemployment took a rapid incline, with almost 18 million Americans left jobless as of June, but as of July employment rate has dropped to 10.2%, with 1.8 million jobs added to the workforce.

What is going to happen next? For some, that number might still seem troubling, but it only took a couple of months to start declining from April’s 14.2% peak. In hindsight, this number is promising for the economy as we try to navigate through this pandemic. If you are looking for a job, here are some things to consider.

Candidates need to get creative. Here at AlediumHR, we explain to our candidates that this can be a great time to find the job you did not expect. Many organizations are reinventing their businesses and expanding their skill sets and requirements. You also want to be creative in how you distinguish yourself. Amid the current climate, more candidates are applying for jobs. With more applicants for positions and businesses trying to operate during a pandemic, you need to stand out. Be gracious about asking for time and express gratitude for their attention. Networking is still an essential part of the job search experience. Finding a job is challenging during this pandemic, but tapping into your current connections and creating new ones has not changed.

A question asked a lot is, “How can my resume stand out to employers in this complex and challenging labor market?” As always, your resume is an essential part of standing out as a candidate. The basics of any job search are your first impression on the employer, and it should always include a few key components. When applying for a position, make sure your resume uses similar language and keywords as the job posting. Sociologically speaking, familiarity leads to greater acceptance, so doing this will capture the employer’s attention. More importantly, most employers now use ATS technology that looks for keywords. Also, make sure to include specific details of your accomplishments and milestones in past roles. Your resume should not be chronological if you have over ten years of experience; it should be functional, highlighting your skills.

Something that might seem minor but has a significant impact is inconsistent resume formatting. Many times a resume can be passed over based just on appearance and mistakes. Take the extra time to format your resume correctly and check spelling and punctuation to show you are a professional who cares about how their work looks. With so many online grammar programs, there is no excuse to make mistakes, but many still do. Finally, a cover letter is another critical factor that is often not utilized, especially in a rush to apply for jobs. These can help you stand out from the many candidates in this complex and challenging labor market.

I know the job search can be frustrating, but remember, people typically want to hire and work with those who are positive voices and influences. So be authentic in your approach, but always lean toward the positive in your public interactions. AlediumHR has seen an increase in reported job openings, and that is a favorable sign. As more states reopen their economies, further job improvement is likely, but it will be different. Fortunately, it’s not all terrible. Humans are resilient, and we become stronger through hardships. It gives hope that in a post-COVID-19 world, this new breed of go-getters will restore our economic dignity and the right to earn a living.