It’s a question that’s likely crossed the minds of many active job searchers: Should I even be searching for jobs in the middle of a pandemic?

The answer is – yes! Keep looking for new jobs that might interest you and, of course, apply to those jobs.

Despite the pressures COVID-19 has placed on the economy, anyone looking at and considering applying for jobs should keep up the search. But don’t take our word for it, there are others who have already weighed in with similar advice.

For example, Marketplace posed the same question we did and came up with the same answer. There are still job openings available, so you should keep applying – even if the process looks a little different.

Be flexible, but don’t stop searching

Though you don’t have to put your job search on hold, you should still know that searching for a job right now probably won’t look the same as it did a few months ago.

This is especially true if you had been looking for employment in some of the industries hit hardest by social distancing regulations that were put in place by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds last month. Those industries include food service, entertainment and retail.

However, some businesses have found ways to keep employees on board and working. It never hurts to call if you do see a job ad for an employer in one of those industries.

There are also industries that have not been hit as hard by the coronavirus pandemic that are still hiring. Those include customer service, warehouses, package handling and delivery, accountants and health care workers, according to an article on CNBC.com. There are also some government positions opening up.

There are still jobs available

Employers in the Lakes of Northwest Iowa area are still looking to hire.

Quick searches on Indeed and the IowaWORKS website show this is true. On Indeed, for example, right now there are posts for almost 600 jobs within a 25-mile radius of Spencer. At the same time, the IowaWORKS job board shows there are about 500 job posts with at least 882 open positions in the Iowa Workforce Development regions covering the area.

Be ready for a virtual interview

If you do land a job offer (congratulations!), then be prepared for a virtual interview over a video conferencing service like Zoom or Skype. There are some challenges to these, but it’s best to treat them like you would a face-to-face interview.

Watch the following video from Work It Daily for virtual interview tips:

Search area employer websites

If you want to get an idea of who is hiring, then you can also start your job search by using our featured employer directory to quickly check websites for many of the employers in the area.

By finding a job and moving to the Lakes of Northwest Iowa area, you can truly see what it means to love what you do and where you do it!

Brush up your resume and cover letter

Not getting bites on your job applications? Try not to let it get you down.

While still applying to jobs, you can also use this time to freshen and sharpen up your resume and cover letter that you are sending to potential employers. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, a social network for professionals and business people, then maybe now is the time to get one.

Employers will be looking at all three of those when they evaluate you as a candidate.

Tips for staying positive

It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re searching for jobs and the world is not facing a pandemic. It’s even easier now.

But Indeed has some advice to share regarding staying positive throughout your search. They’re good tips for everyone right now, to be honest.

Number one, try to prioritize your health and remember what else is most important in your life: the health and safety of friends, family and other loved ones.

Next, try to practice patience. Be patient with yourself as you navigate application submissions and other steps of the job process. Be patient with employers, too. They are also under a lot of stress.

Finally – and most importantly – stay healthy. Try to reduce your stress by remaining active and getting enough sleep.

Do some housing research for your Lakes Life move

While you’re sticking to your job search, now is a great time to be looking for housing opportunities in our area. We have a growing directory of rental housing that is available.

Browse some of the openings today and dig into a little more research on the topic in this blog post.

Ready to Get A Lakes Life?

We’re ready to welcome you! Learn more about the many different types of opportunities we have for people who want to move to our great region – the Lakes of Northwest Iowa area!

If you would like more information or learn more about how we can help you Get A Lakes Life, then please send us an email or call the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation at (712) 264-3474.

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