As of April 23, the real unemployment rate in the US was suspected to be over 20%, with over 26 million Americans filing for benefits. That is a staggering number, the highest rate the country has seen since 1934. With so many countries shut down due to COVID-19, it is not an easy time for jobseekers. But there are companies hiring during the crisis. We have heard from thousands of our users that they're looking for new job opportunities, so here's an overview of what is out there. We will be publishing more details as they come in. Below you can find info on industries and companies hiring now, and how you can apply. At the end of the article, we have linked to a full list of around 100 companies that are hiring.
Work with the Small Business Administration
To keep up with increased demand for loans and services, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is hiring temporary employees to process applications, answer requests at the call center, and handle administrative duties. Most roles are listed as "duty station negotiable"--meaning they are likely remote. Apply here.
Get a Job as Contact Tracer
All around the United States, cities and states are hiring contact tracers—people to interview those who are confirmed to have COVID-19 and discover who they have been in contact with in order to create exposure maps of where the disease would have traveled. You will need certain skills to work as a contact tracer, although there are no specific degrees required. You should understand patient confidentiality, have excellent interpersonal skills, some familiarity with medical terminology, and the ability to enter information into databases and apps to track exposures. Contact tracers that speak other languages besides English are especially in demand. Experts estimate that we may need up to 300,000 contact tracers to properly track COVID-19, so if you have the skills, apply now. You can find contact tracing jobs by looking at public health resources in your area and the job postings of cities and hospitals. Contact tracing can usually be done remotely, although not always.
Look for Other Remote Work, Either Full Time or Freelance
If you have skills that companies can use in the crisis—such as social media and search engine optimization training, customer service experience, or programming skills--it’s very possible you can find some remote work during the crisis. If you can’t find a full time job from home, there are plenty of companies still hiring freelancers and contractors. Check out this list to find websites to find remote job postings.
Find Work at a Grocery Store or other Essential Business
If you are not high risk and can afford to be working in an environment where you might be exposed to coronavirus (even with proper precautions), those businesses that are still open are hiring high numbers of people to keep up with increased demand. Pharmacies and grocery stores need cashiers, baggers, etc. Here is a list of grocery and retail chains still hiring, including Target, Sam’s Club, Walmart, CVS and Safeway.
Teach or Tutor Online
If you have education experience, even if you do not have a credential, there are companies that offer online classes which are hiring in huge numbers. Outschool, an online marketplace of live video classes for children, is looking to hire 5,000 new teachers. They do not require a formal credential. Earnings depend on enrollment, but usually average $40/hour.
Apply for a Job at a Company that Creates Remote Work Tools
Companies like Zoom, Slack and Asana are not slowing down during the COVID crisis—as we have seen over the past month, these technologies are more important than ever. They are all hiring dozens of new positions. Some require programming and engineering skills, but others are in customer service, marketing, and other areas. Check out their open positions and apply!
Update: List of 100 Companies That are Hiring During Covid-19 Pandemic
Based on Linkedin reporting, we have published a long list of companies that are currently hiring.
