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Expert says begin applying now for jobs in 2021

Getting back to work
Posted at 6:46 PM, Dec 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-22 19:46:28-05

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Many people have been out of work these last nine months and getting a new job in the new year may be at the top of their wish lists. An expert we talked to said now is the time to start looking.

Unemployment in Nebraska hit a record high of 8.3% in April, putting tens of thousands out of work during the pandemic.

Although that number has shrunk to 3.1%, with plenty back to work, Scott Haag with Cornerstone Staffing said there are still people struggling to find a job ahead of the new year.

"There is going to be some more layoffs,” he said. “There are companies that you know in 2021 are going to continue layoffs so that means there are people that are going to have to change some of their skill set in order to get additional jobs."

Haag said the pandemic has changed the way we work, and adapting to remote learning will be essential in landing a job.

He said companies are taking longer to hire individuals simply because of new logistics.

"Companies are a little more reluctant when it comes to saying, ‘Hey, we are going to hire this individual,’” he said. “They don't get to see them in person. They don't get to bring them in. Now you have a lot more from a remote perspective and so you'll get anywhere from two to six interviews before they'll hire people. Previously, it might have been a phone conversation and in-person interview and then they're hiring."

Haag said Cornerstone Staffing can help you start the year off on the right track with resume building and interview coaching –- two simple things that can go a long way.

"If your resume, your information, doesn't stick out -- it's likely that it's going to get passed by so I think it's important to figure out how you stand out from the crowd."

Cornerstone Staffing offers some free services and Haag says there are plenty of different options when it comes to career paths.

You can find more information at www.cornerstonestaffinginc.com.