Q: I’ve been laid off from my job and now have to search for a new one when many employers have stopped hiring. What are the most important things for me to do now to set myself up for a successful search?

A: No doubt you’re in a difficult position, but while some employers have instituted hiring freezes, others are still recruiting. There are a few things you can do to get your search off to a good start.

First, keep networking. Your opportunities to meet effectively in person will be limited for a while, so think digital. LinkedIn is your best bet for virtual networking. Here are some steps you can take on the platform:

• Connect with as many people as possible.
• Use this time to reconnect with people you haven’t talked to in a while. This is a great time to bring past coworkers and other professional contacts up to date on what you’re looking for in a new position.
• Update your profile and share what kind of opportunity you’re seeking.
• Join LinkedIn groups in your target field.
• Participate actively. Write and post articles or comment on other posts to share your expertise and to get your name and credentials noticed.

When you begin interviewing, you’ll probably be meeting with prospective employers on Zoom or Skype or some other digital platform, so use this time to get as comfortable as possible with virtual meetings. Pay attention to how you look on camera. Is your lighting what it should be? What kind of background do you want others to see? Are you comfortable looking at the camera for your entire interview? Play around with the virtual platforms so that you’re prepared.

This is a great time to follow up with organizations where you’ve either interviewed previously or where you have a strong contact. Let them know you’re in the job market.

Research the organizations where you’d like to work. Set up a Google alert on each one so that you’re notified when they’re in the news. The more you know about them, the better prepared you’ll be when they post an opening.

Many employers post openings only on their own website, so check the careers page on your target organizations’ sites frequently to make sure you don’t to miss a perfect opportunity.

This is also a great time to follow up with organizations where you’ve either interviewed previously or where you have a strong contact. Let them know you’re in the job market. You might even offer your services on a project.

Most of all, stay positive and focused. If you’re active and persistent, you can and will find your next opportunity.

^{About the author:
Barbara Mitchell is a human resources and management consultant and author of The Big Book of HR and The Essential Workplace Conflict Handbook. Do you have a question you'd like her to answer in "Ask the Expert"? Send it to achq@asaecenter.org. This article originally appeared on ASAE's Center for Research. OSAE thanks ASAE for their commitment to strengthening the association community and its members' business acumen. Please select this link to read the article as it originally appeared on ASAE's website.}