Minnesota DEED Offers Tips to Find a Job During COVID-19 Pandemic

It can be difficult to find a job in economic good times. Given today’s present uncertainty, that difficulty mushrooms.

In fact the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) reported Friday that 323,000 people have filed unemployment applications since March 16, a historic pace. The numbers are tracked on the state’s new COVID-19 ‘data dashboard.‘ Nationally, numbers released this week show 6.6 million applications have been submitted.

DEED: Hard for Job Seekers to Stand Out

Mike Lang is the job services director at DEED. He says now is the time to investigate where you want to go and maybe use this opportunity to start something new.

“We find people going back to the same job they’ve done in the past only to learn along the way that they would have preferred to make a change to try something different, or that their job has changed so much that their qualifications aren’t the same as they once were,” said Lang.

Lang says it’s a big challenge for job seekers to stand out, especially during this time when there are so many people looking for employment. He says the job market has changed so rapidly and people are struggling to keep up with all of these changes.

“Standing out is really about getting in front of the opportunities, at the right place at the right time. Making sure that you are ready for the conversation to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for whatever opportunity you are pursuing,” said Lang.

Added Challenges, But “Don’t Give Up”

People without internet service have an added challenge when it comes to finding a job. Libraries and computer labs at DEED WorkForce Center locations are not available under Governor Tim Walz’s executive stay-at-home order. Lang suggest using your cell phone to search.

“Smartphones have a lot of availability to interact more and more with companies and employers who are adapting to the mobile phone world.”

While things might seem bleak right now, Lang says don’t give up.

“Realize the situation that brought us here is not unique to any one individual. There are thousands if not millions of people going through this situation right now,” he said.

“There are a lot of people experiencing the same stress, rejection and challenges trying to address this situation. Don’t let the stigma of being found in this situation define you. We are defined by what we have to offer, the skills, resources, and our strengths and our experience. And that’s most important as we identify ourselves going forward.”

DEED has counselors available to help assist with job searches at (651) 259-7501 or at mn.gov/deed/job-seekers.

Minnesota DEED Statistics Released Thursday

• 3,821 new job postings (more this week than last)

Industries Hiring

• nursing assistance
• customer service reps
• registered nurses
• medical & health service managers
• combined food prep/delivery
• social and human service assistance
• computer-assisted analysis
• software developers

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