Careers in 2020: Devex's top advice for finding a job amid COVID-19

BARCELONA — With layoffs and hiring freezes across the sector as a result of COVID-19, it’s been a particularly difficult year for anyone looking to land a job in global development. Even as travel and some programming resumes and more job vacancies are posted, the job market remains highly competitive. The shift to remote working, at least in the short term, also means employers are looking for new skill sets. Throughout the year, we spoke to experts for their insights on how job seekers can understand which skills are in demand and ways to stay relevant between jobs. Here’s a roundup of our top advice pieces for finding a global development job in the midst of a pandemic: Watch: How to job hunt during COVID-19 During this digital event, leadership and career coach Anne Steen stresses the importance of connecting with potential employers to find out about hiring opportunities. Steen shares advice for candidates on how to network remotely and stand out to employers. Watch: Making a mindful midcareer move Daniel Head, founder and CEO of Head Global, talks through eight essential steps for established global development professionals in making a strategic career move. He also shares tips for acing interviews and negotiating offers. How to stay relevant during your job search With the pandemic undoubtedly impacting jobs in the sector, potential employers are likely to be more understanding of candidates having gaps in their resume. However, they will still want to see how people have used their time to stay relevant and develop skills. Career coaches discuss how job seekers can find volunteering opportunities, pick virtual courses, and increase their online visibility. How to talk up your volunteering experience Volunteering experience is highly valued by global development employers and can be particularly important for professionals looking to switch roles or build new skills — but it’s up to you to quantify this experience and be strategic in presenting it. Experts discuss how job seekers can emphasize the value of their volunteerism for potential employers. Marketing yourself as a remote employee With an increasing number of job postings involving virtual work, candidates lacking this type of experience need to highlight relevant skills and make themselves attractive as a remote employee. Experts discuss the skills and qualities that will impress recruiters and help job seekers land their first remote role. Watch: How to market yourself for consulting gigs Recruiters from three international development consulting organizations look at how employers are engaging with consultants as the sector shifts toward remote working, as well as how first-time consultants can repackage their skills to land short-term gigs. They also share tips for tapping into your network to find out about job opportunities and negotiating contracts and rates. How to decide if an employer is a good fit without visiting the office With interview processes going virtual, candidates have fewer opportunities to connect with potential colleagues and get a sense of an organization’s work culture. However, there are still a number of ways that a candidate can assess what it would be like to work for an organization. In this piece, experts explain where to start. Watch: How to get job search ready for 2021 Kate Warren, executive vice president at Devex, talks through the steps that job seekers can take to set themselves up for success in the new year. She shares tips for networking remotely and creating an up-to-date online profile and standout CV.