Louis Schwarz ⋅ Somerville, NJ AIG ⋅ 43 years experience

Hi John, Looking for new opportunity is always challenging. The key is not to stop looking. You will encounter every type of issue, but keep looking. If you get no response, it is better you donot take employment with a company that reacts that way to prospective employees. They are giving you a message. Many companies are taking this slow down as an opportunity to rethink their organizations. Be aware that new thinking, experience and attitude will be what is looked for in new employees. The business will change, the retail approach may be difficult to sustain. Online, virtual business and staffing will be the new shape of business.
Use your military experience to

ACP AdvisorNet Staff ⋅ New York, NY ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi John,

Yes, you can continue to network and get hired at this time, though the process may be slower given COVID-19. It is very smart to be connecting with your network. Your network includes pretty much anyone whose contact information you have--family, friends, colleagues, etc.--and you can always connect with all of these branches to see what will come of it.

We also suggest utilizing online job platforms, especially LinkedIn, for networking and job searching. You can additionally search through our AdvisorNet community for someone to contact directly who is in your specific area or job field of interest. Further, here is a great article on companies that are still hiring during the pandemic: https://www.themuse.com/advice/companies-hiring-during-coronavirus-covid-19 (The Muse).

Best Regards,
Mairin

Frank Forte ⋅ Fayetteville, NC Forte Leadership Technology, LLC ⋅ 35 years experience

I have access to some of thinking of large Fortune 50 firms and some are hiring. They are holding virtual interviews and onboarding. It depends if they are in an industry is growing.

Deb Yeagle ⋅ Tampa, FL Plan To Win, Inc. ⋅ 39 years experience

Hi John-
Thanks for your service! In addition to the Linked In and Muse resources provided through other answers, Glassdoor is highlighting Covid-19 Hiring Surge companies:
https://www.glassdoor.com/Explore/Top-Companies-US_IL.15,16_IN1.htm?isHiringSurge=1

I've seen lots of companies adjust their recruiting methods since the pandemic, with many advertising "virtual" job fairs (events posted on Linked In), so don't give up. Adjust your networking with more emphasis on social media and direct phone calls if possible, but be patient and use this time for self-development if you can. Here is an interesting article on 9 Mistakes to Avoid during your job search at this time:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephliu/2020/04/20/recruiters-share-9-mistakes-job-seekers-are-making-amid-the-coronavirus-pandemic/#552602fdccba

Good luck and thanks again!
Deb

Chad Eaves ⋅ Barrington, IL Eaves Group ⋅ 21 years experience

Hello John,

There is still opportunity out there, though it is much harder to find (especially when compared to three months ago). And there are sectors still hiring. Here is a list on LinkedIn of companies hiring (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/heres-whos-hiring-right-now-andrew-seaman/).

How resumes are working has been changing and this trend has accelerated. I do not advise people to apply for jobs online. Doing this converts you into a commodity rather than an asset.

Job hunts are about connecting directly with decision-makers and influences. And this is hard work, but with better odds than entering the lottery of submitting resumes online.

With the drastic changes in work and society, my company is offering free online webinars. Next week it is on using resumes in today's environment. How do best present yourself? When and how do you use a resume? How is the resume constructed? The link is www.workingwebinars.com if you're want to learn more.

Regards,
Chad

Robin Schlinger ⋅ Atlanta, GA Robin's Resumes ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi John,

I agree with the advice above that some companies are hiring. Soon, more companies will be opening up jobs. Your resume and other parts of your presentation will need to be very focused on the needs of hiring managers and companies you want to work for, since competition may be tight. It is a good time to review your achievements and skills and develop your branding, so when opportunities present themselves - or when openings occur, you are ready to jump in quickly. You need to be able to show that you meet all the job requirements (and have accomplishments in most of them).

Robin Schlinger - Resume Writer and Career Coach

Humberto Saenz ⋅ League City, TX U.S. Army, Captain ⋅ 4 years served

Hey John,

If your still close to Austin, I would try to connect with TMOA(Texas Military Officer Association) facebook page. Toastmaster event comming in the summer. I think they are the strongest group in the area similar to Combined Arms/NextOpVets in Houston. Also, Google Austin has Military outreach-- free resume Classes coming sometime I think will be good Networking Opportunites to get a better feel.

To answer your question. I know a Process Tech that starts on June 1st. (Chemical Company avoid Oil and Gas). An Engineer in Houston Bay Area just settled a Junior Engineer about three weeks ago. No body calls me back either.

I'm in steel and we layed off about 50%.

I heard Tesla might be moving near you I think you are in the best place in the World for Product Development and Manufacturing that's just my humble opinion.