The Coronavirus outbreak and resulting economic upheaval has heightened uncertainty across the country. Industries have come to a standstill, companies have closed, and jobs have been lost. With the U.S. reaching historic records of unemployment, it has become clear that no sector has been immune to these losses—including healthcare. As routine and non-essential patient visits drop in some areas, many providers are feeling uncertain about their own job prospects.

While the pandemic does present new challenges, the good news is that doesn’t mean that you need to call off your healthcare job search! Contrary to popular belief, now is still a great time for healthcare providers to make the leap into a new role. Continue reading for three reasons to stick with your healthcare job search:

Less competition

Job security, understandably, can be a major concern for many providers during uncertain times like these. “This has led many providers to believe that it’s safer to stay in their current role than to embark on a job search,” says Becky Litvack, a Managing Director within ES Healthcare, a division of Execu|Search. “In reality, there is little risk in making a change. And with less people on the market, you have a better chance of landing the healthcare job you want!”

Innovative opportunities

Now is a great time to join the next wave of healthcare innovation and finally take that leap into a new career. “Policy, technological, and environmental factors have been gradually driving the industry in a new direction, but the COVID-19 pandemic is requiring us to get there even faster,” says Becky. “As a result, healthcare startups focusing on telehealth are quickly ramping up their hiring of experienced clinicians. Outside of this area, the pandemic has resulted in a ton of new healthcare job creation in areas such as concierge urgent care medicine, occupational health, and research.”

If you are specifically interested in fighting COVID-19 head-on, opportunities are open to clinicians with any type of background! “Testing sites, COVID-19 clinics, and anti-body testing are just a couple of ways you can be on the frontlines,” explains Becky. “Many of these are contract opportunities, so taking on one of these roles can be a great way to test the waters of a new career or pick up some additional shifts to help patients in need.”

More flexibility

The pandemic has required employers to quickly adapt to a remote hiring process. With most interviews being conducted via video, this gives you more flexibility to embark on a healthcare job search. “Video interviews are a great, low-pressure way to explore new opportunities,” advises Becky. “Depending on your situation, you can take the interview from the comfort of your own home or on a quick break from your work. There’s really no major time commitment, so why not use this time as an opportunity to check out the market?” Read also: Change Of Plans? How To Adapt To A Video Interview Process

Employers are also being more flexible with job requirements as they look to scale up and meet the demand for care. This means that if you were looking to do something different or take the next step in your career, now is an excellent time to take your shot! “With less candidates on the market, employers are prioritizing potential over experience,” says Becky. “If you can demonstrate an ability and willingness to learn, as well as a passion for the organization’s mission, you have a strong chance at moving forward in the process.”