Even during the pandemic, some occupations require new workers, and the workforce for some of these employment categories is expected to grow. Jobs during the COVID-19 crisis range from trucking positions to openings in the healthcare sector. Some require a high school diploma while others require a graduate degree.
1. Heavy Truck Drivers
Heavy truck drivers who transport food, medical supplies and other essential goods are in demand. (On the other hand, most who usually service restaurants and schools, for example, are not working much because of the lockdown.) These truckers have a commercial driver’s license. That’s because the vehicles they handle are in excess of 26,001 pounds gross weight volume rating (the total weight of the vehicle, passengers and cargo).
2. Delivery Drivers
The delivery drivers who handle box trucks and other vehicles that are under the CDL gross- weight requirement typically do not need a commercial license. Candidates must have a high school diploma or a GED diploma, a driver’s license issued by the state where they will work, and a safe driving record. Usually, people accepted for employment in this category get on-the-job training. FedEx, Amazon, and grocery stores with delivery services are among the employers who hire these workers.
3. Grocery Store Cashiers and Store Re-Stockers
Food is a necessity, and during the pandemic, many stores cannot keep their shelves stocked with the groceries, toilet tissue, diapers, sanitation supplies, and other essentials because people buy them so quickly,
When goods come in, stock people put them on the shelves. Once consumers fill their shopping carts, cashiers ring up the purchases. Retail giants like Walmart and Target hire these workers, but so do local, independently owned businesses.
4. Personal Shoppers
Personal shoppers provide a service for people who do not want to shop themselves. “Supermarket News” reports that Coresight Research expects online grocery sales in the U.S. to grow by about 40 percent in 2020. Much of this increase is attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even so, online grocery shopping complements in-store shopping rather than replaces it. Personal shoppers pick up and deliver the items that consumers order through their smartphone or computer.
Instacart and Shipt, which is owned by Target, are two companies that use personal shoppers. For Instacart, prospects must be at least 18 years of age, have a car, auto insurance, a smartphone, and the ability to lift 50 pounds. They also must be able to work legally in the U.S.
Shipt employees should also be at least 18, have a driver’s license, a vehicle, auto insurance, a smartphone, and be legal workers in the U.S. They must be able to lift 40 pounds.
5. Employees Who Can Disinfect Surfaces
Disinfecting surfaces to kill a high percentage of viruses and bacteria is important during the pandemic. Janitorial businesses and companies that can perform this service report higher sales. Even companies that are not expanding their workforce note that they have plenty of work for their current employees. Anyone who knows how to keep viruses at bay can probably find a job or even start his or her own business.
6. Lawn Care and Maintenance
This contactless, outdoor job is an opportunity for income. Even in cities where the weather ranges from hot summers to snowy winters, people with the right experience and service plan can find work throughout the year. Some people in this business offer snow removal in the winter.
7. Teaching
Some parents will be happy to see schools reopen so they can stop homeschooling their children or supervising their online learning. KinderCare Education, which provides on-site early childhood education in 35-plus states, hires teachers to instruct young children.
On Outschool, to teach an online course applicants do not always have to be certified teachers. Prospective hires submit a short video and resume and must meet other requirements. When hired, their course is listed online.
8. Video Conferencing and Communications Companies
Meetings, classes, church services, birthday parties and more are being held through computers and smartphones. Video conferencing and communications jobs include account executive, data engineer and Web developer. Among the businesses to explore are Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Skype and GoToMeeting.
9. Healthcare Occupations
It comes as no surprise that people working in various aspects of healthcare have been very busy during this pandemic. An array of analyses and services are performed.
10. Laboratory Specialists
The Medical Laboratory Scientist and the medical technologist collect samples, perform tests, and analyze bodily fluids and tissues. Since the MLS or the clinical technologist performs more complicated tasks than the medical technician, they generally must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science.
Some students with an undergraduate degree in biology or life sciences study medical laboratory science after graduating to qualify for this job. For a job as a clinical lab technician, candidates should have an associate’s degree in clinical laboratory science or a postsecondary certificate in that discipline.
11. Biostatisticians
Biostatisticians examine data and statistics that medical researchers have collected about the health of individuals and groups of people, and they make conclusions and predictions based on their evaluations. Their findings may be used to treat individuals or to control an epidemic or a pandemic.
Some biostatisticians design studies to see if a drug can effectively treat a disease or medical condition. Although some can enter the occupation with a bachelor’s degree in biostatistics or statistics, most have a master’s degree or a doctorate.
12. Epidemiologists
Epidemiologists look for the causes of diseases, identify the groups most susceptible to particular diseases, and work to control the spread of diseases. These employees have at least a master’s degree. Others have a doctorate in epidemiology or medicine.
13. Registered Nurses
Many employers are hiring people with a bachelor’s in nursing, and applicants with a master’s nursing are in high demand. Registered nurses are on the frontline in administering doctor-directed treatments to COVID-19 patients and in preventing the spread of it and other infectious diseases.
14. Behavioral Health Specialists
These professionals help people in quarantine or in isolation to cope with their psychological and emotional challenges. Behavioral health specialists try to keep patients involved in a regular routine and to keep them socially engaged. They have at least an undergraduate degree, and many have a graduate degree.
Finding Jobs
The job market in America has been hit hard, with millions who previously had a job now idle. An unfortunate side-effect for many workers during an economic downturn is it gives otherwise stable employers cover to streamline and optimize their Workforce.
This may be good for the bottom line of the employer but can the devastating to those affected workers.
One Avenue to consider is changing careers, with the advent of the internet and the proliferation of online education sites, job training, and the possibility of a more interesting and even profitable job is readily available
Many times new skills offer people the best chance for employment or extra income. Who knows, some of these jobs could be the start of a whole new career.
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