If you’re looking for a new job, you’re certainly not alone. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 3.6 million employees quit their jobs in May 2021 alone. Employees in all industries—including the promotional products industry—are searching for jobs that better align with their needs and wants. So many workers are changing jobs that HR experts are predicting a “talent tsunami.”

To ensure you don’t get caught up in the tidal wave of other applicants, you can follow a few simple strategies to stand out. Journalist Erica Sweeney has compiled a list of six tips to help you land a new role in a post-pandemic job market. We highlight her suggestions in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today.

1. Be honest about your reasons for job searching. Were you laid off or furloughed? Do you want a more flexible schedule? Are you interested in switching career paths? Whatever your reason for looking for a new job, always be ready to explain it, advises Sweeney.

2. Look to your network for insider information. The post-pandemic job market is competitive. Any referrals, insights or insider information can help you prepare for the interview, notes Sweeney. Check with your friends, former colleagues and family members to learn what it’s like to work at a specific company or in a particular field. The more you know, the better you can position yourself as the best fit.

3. Customize your resume and application. Sweeney points out that you shouldn’t submit the same generic resume for every job. It’s better to reframe skills or accomplishments to suit the job you are applying for. She also says that you should tailor everything to the moment. For example, if you took on new responsibilities due to a company pivot or you learned a new skill during the pandemic, consider adding these to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

4. Be ready for pandemic-related questions. In addition to traditional job interview questions, Sweeney recommends preparing to answer questions about your pandemic experience. Employers may want to know how you adjusted to new situations or how you coped with work-related stress. Be sure to emphasize how your experiences can help you succeed in the new role.

5. Highlight the skills employers value most. Emerging from the pandemic, employers want workers who are flexible, agile and willing to adapt quickly. In interviews, talk about these skills and the results you delivered for your company. If you are comfortable working from home and using virtual collaboration tools, mention your remote communication skills.

6. Be camera-ready for the interview. Even after the pandemic, video meetings likely aren’t going away. You can stand out from other job candidates by showing employers that you are comfortable hosting and participating in video meetings, says Sweeney. Be ready to flip on the camera and know how to adjust the video and audio. Dress professionally for all video interviews and always look at the camera—not yourself.

Looking for jobs in a post-pandemic world looks different. While you should still be enthusiastic and well-prepared, you can also give yourself a leg up by following the tips above.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Erica Sweeney is a freelance journalist who covers business, careers, health and wellness. Her work appears in The New York Times, Good Housekeeping, Money, Business Insider and others.