11 Jun 2020

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been mulling around the house for months now feeling like an absolute dork because you *miss* work.

Never in a million years did I think I'd say that, but work gives structure, the ability to meet new people if you’re in hospitality, and I guess most importantly, money.

Everyone has been hit hard by corona, some more than others, but certain industries are starting to find its feet again, and there’s ways you can help your chances in nailing that first post-isolation job.

 

1. Know how to contact

I myself have been looking to find a new waiting job post corona, with recent success. I woke up every morning, scoured Gumtree, Indeed, Seek, and whatever Facebook job group I could infiltrate. After I had scoured all the open job ads, I tried to find the email to whatever cool restaurant I wanted to work at, and sent basically the same email to nearly 40 different restaurants around Sydney.

I only got maybe four responses, but one of them gave me a job. Restaurant or business owners probably won’t enjoy me giving out this advice, but find a way to make your email stand out from the crowd. Show your personality, keep it short but sweet, and make sure your resume looks ace. 

2. Be persistent

After you’ve sent emails or applied for job ads, know that thousands of people are probably doing the same thing. So if you see a job ad for a restaurant or a cafe posted in the morning, make it your mission to get to that business, in person, before the end of the day, so they have your resume and can see your face.

I know it shouldn’t usually be this hard, but jobs are harder to come by at the moment, so you need to show your enthusiasm. If you can’t go in person, send emails every few days or once a week to follow up, and they’ll either be reminded that you are still looking or eventually feel compelled that they don’t need anyone.

3. Be patient

Like I've said, it's still not normal at the moment, so it’s going to be a bit more of a slog to find a job. Make sure you keep a level-head and don’t let rejection or no response bog you down. I was losing hope of finding a job and then all of a sudden, in the matter of hours, I had a trial. You’ve got to trust in your ability to find something, and know that could take time.

I hate to be *that* guy, but it really is strange and uncertain times right now (sorry). However, the world is beginning to open again, and certain industries are going to be looking for people. Don’t lose hope, be clever with how you apply and where you apply, and maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll be spilling cocktails on customers in no time! (may or may not be from personal experience, don’t ask questions!)