Some common questions from our clients during COVID-19 pandemic
As answered by Karen Hoffmann-Zak, Times Change Employment Counsellor
DISCLAIMER: To the best of our knowledge, the information below is accurate, but we can’t guarantee this. Things are changing all the time, and it’s often important to verify the information for yourself, especially if something does not sound right to you.
I need a job, but I just can’t get it together lately. It’s really hard to job search during a pandemic, and I feel completely unmotivated. Do you have any suggestions?
ANSWER:
You’re right, it is extremely hard to look for work during a pandemic, and many of us are in the midst of full-blown pandemic fatigue. This is not fatigue that comes from being stricken with COVID-19, but a sense of boredom, discomfort, uncertainty, fear, loneliness, and just being sick of it all. However, although it is difficult to job search during this time (and probably staggeringly difficult if you’re at home with your children 24/7 or dealing with illness, grief, or other life and death issues), please know that there are still jobs—even good jobs—out there. If you can work right now, remember the following:
You’re right, it is extremely hard to look for work during a pandemic, and many of us are in the midst of full-blown pandemic fatigue. This is not fatigue that comes from being stricken with COVID-19, but a sense of boredom, discomfort, uncertainty, fear, loneliness, and just being sick of it all. However, although it is difficult to job search during this time (and probably staggeringly difficult if you’re at home with your children 24/7 or dealing with illness, grief, or other life and death issues), please know that there are still jobs—even good jobs—out there. If you can work right now, remember the following:
- You are allowed to earn up to $1,000 monthly even while receiving government payments from CERB (the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
- Once most CERB recipients no longer receive this payment, competition for jobs will increase. Do yourself a favour, if you can, and look in earnest now. CERB ends after a maximum of 24 weeks of payment or by the end of September, whichever comes first. Some people may still be eligible for EI at that time.
- Many CERB recipients have postponed their job search. They have heard—or assumed—that there is no work. And while, of course, employment has dipped, new jobs arise daily in Ontario, and many employers cannot find new hires. Ironically, this opens a brief window of opportunity for people who want to work now. Consider climbing through this window.
- Even if you feel tempted, no doubt rightly so, to enjoy well-deserved time off through the assistance of CERB and/or EI, you are likely to better position yourself for future employment if you get work now. A part-time job paying $1,000 or less per month may still help ease your transition back to work once CERB benefits cease. In addition, once life regains some normalcy, it is possible that employers will look enthusiastically at people who chose to work during the time of CERB and/or EI. This does not, however, negate the fact that many people cannot work right now.
- If you’re not yet ready to work face-to-face with others, use the term “remote work,” when searching for a work-from-home opportunity. If there are particular companies that you want to work with now or in the future, see if those companies offer remote work. Look on their websites, do a Google search, and/or talk to people within these organizations.
- If you are looking for jobs online, don’t limit yourself to the Indeed job search website. Other websites, too, offer compelling fresh opportunities in the GTA. Simply Hired, Wow, Eluta, Charity Village, LinkedIn and Glassdoor are some of those sites. You can also reach out to personal contacts and people you don’t yet know.
- If a good job is important to you but you cannot yet work, you may want to spend time preparing a compelling resume and LinkedIn profile. Familiarize yourself with cover letters and interviewing techniques and compile examples and stories to share in resumes, cover letters and interviews. Does this sound daunting? Take it one step at a time even if this means initially scheduling only 15 minutes at a set time each day to work on your resume. And, of course, get help, if needed, from Times Change.
- If you can’t get motivated because of a deep depression and require professional counselling, contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600; Distress Centres of Toronto at 416-408-000 or dial 211 (just 211) for information on the latest free or affordable counselling services in Toronto. For an emergency, call 911 or go to a hospital emergency department.
- You may want to take advantage of the many complimentary courses that are out there. Times Change has free computer classes and other workshops (all currently online), and many websites offer free training on just about everything. Check out Lynda.com and Gale, quality training, which are accessible through your Toronto Public Library card. And if you don’t have a library card, get one at https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/using-the-library/your-library-card/
- Motivation is often easier to summon when you have support. How about forming a group with other job seekers to inspire and hold each other accountable? You could meet face-to-face using Zoom’s free videoconferencing tool: https://zoom.us/freesignup/ You may also want to connect with job seekers through our Times Change workshops. And if you don’t have an employment counsellor and would like help with job search, email women@timeschange.org
- Above all, have compassion for yourself and what you are going through. Counsel and forgive yourself, speaking as kindly to yourself as you would to a friend. When feeling overwhelmed, break your job search into small manageable steps that you schedule on your calendar. And remember the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” Sometimes moving forward is just about getting enough sleep or exercise, connecting with a friend or a good book and enjoying a delicious cup of coffee. These acts of self-care may also give you a boost to work towards achieving your goals.
2. Should I still look for work?
ANSWER: Yes, absolutely. While the health of you and your family, and all Canadians, comes first, there are still jobs, including jobs that have now gone online. As well, because many other people will now stop looking for work, you may have a better chance at getting work now or when things ease up. Here is a link to an article about employers, who are currently seeking employees: https://www.thestar.com/business/2020/03/19/some-canadian-companies-embarking-on-hiring-sprees-amid-covid-19-layoffs.html
As well, a casual look at the Indeed job search website for Toronto showed that even good jobs are still being advertised. There seems to be a very quick turn-around time between the date of the job posting and the deadline for your application, sometimes just a couple of days.
When looking for jobs online, you should keep the following information in mind:
Look at the date when the posting was advertised (on Indeed, it’s usually at the bottom of the job posting). This is good advice, always, but it’s especially pertinent now, because you can see whether employers want to hire someone, even though we are currently dealing with the Novel Coronavirus.
Try to be patient when waiting to hear back from employers. Employers are still working out what they need, who they need and the format in which the work will take place. For instance, will you be working at a specific location, or will the job be done remotely for now?
If you’re looking at a website like Indeed, keep clicking through the screens while looking at the date on which jobs were posted. New jobs are posted but they seem to be interspersed with jobs posted many days or weeks ago.
As well, a casual look at the Indeed job search website for Toronto showed that even good jobs are still being advertised. There seems to be a very quick turn-around time between the date of the job posting and the deadline for your application, sometimes just a couple of days.
When looking for jobs online, you should keep the following information in mind:
Look at the date when the posting was advertised (on Indeed, it’s usually at the bottom of the job posting). This is good advice, always, but it’s especially pertinent now, because you can see whether employers want to hire someone, even though we are currently dealing with the Novel Coronavirus.
Try to be patient when waiting to hear back from employers. Employers are still working out what they need, who they need and the format in which the work will take place. For instance, will you be working at a specific location, or will the job be done remotely for now?
If you’re looking at a website like Indeed, keep clicking through the screens while looking at the date on which jobs were posted. New jobs are posted but they seem to be interspersed with jobs posted many days or weeks ago.
3. I’ve been asked to do an online interview. Do you have any advice? I’ve never done this before!
ANSWER:There is a good chance that your interview will take place by phone or online. Be prepared for this. These articles will help you:
https://www.indeed.com/community/interview-tips/how-to-set-up-for-a-video-interview/m-p/2269513#M99145
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/online-job-interviews-2064216
https://www.indeed.com/community/interview-tips/how-to-set-up-for-a-video-interview/m-p/2269513#M99145
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/online-job-interviews-2064216
4. I’m feeling helpless because there just doesn’t seem to be any jobs suitable for me right now. What should I do?
ANSWER: If employers are not currently hiring for the kind of work you do, but you’re pretty sure they will be once the health crisis in Canada has subsided, look at what you may be able to do remotely (from home), using your transferable skills. And, of course, take this time to work on your tailored resume, cover letter, and on your interview skills. If you need assistance, feel free to reach out to your employment counsellor.
This may also be your chance to try a side gig that you’ve been thinking about doing, advertising your services online and trying out new approaches to get business. The essence of getting work is figuring out what problems you can solve for others, and although we have some staggering problems right now, there may still be services that you can offer. These services may be for existing employers, or things that can you do yourself as a self-employed person. No matter what, please follow the health and safety protocols laid out by the government. That’s the most important thing right now.
This may also be your chance to try a side gig that you’ve been thinking about doing, advertising your services online and trying out new approaches to get business. The essence of getting work is figuring out what problems you can solve for others, and although we have some staggering problems right now, there may still be services that you can offer. These services may be for existing employers, or things that can you do yourself as a self-employed person. No matter what, please follow the health and safety protocols laid out by the government. That’s the most important thing right now.
5. What do I need to know to work online or remotely from home?
ANSWER: This could be a fruitful time when it comes to getting work that you can do from home, whether as a self-employed person or as someone working for someone else. Here are some resources that you can turn to for help or ideas.
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-start-ups/training-support-for-business-start-ups/
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-start-ups/training-support-for-business-start-ups/online-training/
(The above link takes you to free guidance and training on having your own business.)
Below is an article on possible jobs you can do from home. The article was published on Indeed and originates in the U.S. I believe the salaries mentioned in this article are much lower than they would be in Canada. As well, you need to make certain allowances, such as:a scopist (I have seen no evidence that job exists in Canada); travel agent (especially in these times, extremely unlikely!):
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/online-jobs
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-start-ups/training-support-for-business-start-ups/
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-start-ups/training-support-for-business-start-ups/online-training/
(The above link takes you to free guidance and training on having your own business.)
Below is an article on possible jobs you can do from home. The article was published on Indeed and originates in the U.S. I believe the salaries mentioned in this article are much lower than they would be in Canada. As well, you need to make certain allowances, such as:a scopist (I have seen no evidence that job exists in Canada); travel agent (especially in these times, extremely unlikely!):
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/online-jobs
6. I’VE NEVER WORKED FROM HOME OR FOR MYSELF BEFORE. HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF AGAINST SCAMS?
ANSWER: As you search for online work, you need to be savvy. Yes, there are scams out there. For instance, if you are asked to pay someone for the privilege of doing this work or are asked to deposit large sums of money for someone else, run—don’t walk—away from your computer. The article below gives great tips on protecting yourself from scams. As well, you can always go to Google and Glassdoor and other sources to get reviews on a company. Bottom line: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Gut instinct cannot be overrated!
However, the following article warns against employers who will hire you without an in-person interview. Right now, it’s very unlikely that someone will want to interview you in person: interviews are more likely to take place by email, online or phone. Many freelancers, for instance, work for people whom they have never met.
Guidelines for Safe Job Search
However, the following article warns against employers who will hire you without an in-person interview. Right now, it’s very unlikely that someone will want to interview you in person: interviews are more likely to take place by email, online or phone. Many freelancers, for instance, work for people whom they have never met.
Guidelines for Safe Job Search
7. (new) I feel very low right now. I can’t find work no matter what I do. I’m also very lonely, depressed and anxious and can’t even go in to see my doctor. Sometimes I think this will last forever. I even think about suicide.
ANSWER: We’re so sorry that you’re feeling this way. Contact us anytime if you want help getting work, but please get help for your suicidal thoughts immediately. Things will get better again, and a whole community exists to support you. If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, call 911, go to your nearest hospital, contact your doctor or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. You can also call your local Distress Centre at 416-408-4357, or Connex at 1-866-531-2600. Children and adults can also now call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6860. No matter what, you can also always dial 211 and get information and help on anything that’s bothering you, including depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, violence from a partner, how to get shelter, legal or financial help or more. You can reach all of these numbers at any hour of day or night, every day. There are lots of people out there who care about your health and well-being and want to help. You don't have to do it alone.
8. (new) How can I look for a job while I’m looking after my kids?
ANSWER: You’re right, looking after your children—even homeschooling them—can be a full-time job in itself. Playgrounds, libraries and play dates with friends are off limits. Grandparents, friends and babysitters can no longer pitch in and relieve you, and you need some uninterrupted time to focus. Many of you, we know, feel guilty about the many hours your children are spending in front of TV and video games, but these are extreme times. While nobody can tell you what’s right or wrong when raising your children, here are a few resources that may be helpful. And, if you take a few minutes to search online, you’ll find many more.
https://www.weareteachers.com/audible-covid-19-closures/
Free downloadable books for youth of all ages from the audiobook giant Audible. These books are available from now until the end of the pandemic:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLflf8xbnbx65Z2oa2F9uqKZxJJn-4Nynr
Numerous free drawing classes offered by Disney. From Anna in Frozen, to Winnie-the-Poo, to Spiderman, dozens of classes are offered on how to draw beloved characters.
https://helpwevegotkids.com/national/article/family_fitness/get-moving-indoors-10-exercise-apps-sites-for-kids/
https://gretchenrubin.com/2020/03/coping-with-covid-19-children-exercise
And to get children of all ages moving, here are some great sites packed with links to many free activities and classes, including karate, yoga, ballet, jazz and 30-minute exercise videos.
https://www.weareteachers.com/audible-covid-19-closures/
Free downloadable books for youth of all ages from the audiobook giant Audible. These books are available from now until the end of the pandemic:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLflf8xbnbx65Z2oa2F9uqKZxJJn-4Nynr
Numerous free drawing classes offered by Disney. From Anna in Frozen, to Winnie-the-Poo, to Spiderman, dozens of classes are offered on how to draw beloved characters.
https://helpwevegotkids.com/national/article/family_fitness/get-moving-indoors-10-exercise-apps-sites-for-kids/
https://gretchenrubin.com/2020/03/coping-with-covid-19-children-exercise
And to get children of all ages moving, here are some great sites packed with links to many free activities and classes, including karate, yoga, ballet, jazz and 30-minute exercise videos.