The pandemic hit and I lost my job! All I can think of is “what am I going to do now?”
First of all as millions of others, file for unemployment. Know that you’re not alone. The coronavirus pandemic has caused the loss of more than 20 million jobs. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Second, get your résumé put together – have someone help you. A professional résumé writer has the experience and knows how to gather your accomplishments, write to your strengths, and make you look phenomenal on paper. This résumé will get interviews and once you get the interview, you can “sell” yourself and land the job. Tip: When you do get an interview, be sure to research the company and practice your presentation ahead of time. Be prepared with examples of your accomplishments and what you feel you could do for your new potential employer.
Third, don’t take not having a “paid job” as a “time off” – refocus and put the time you normally would be working into finding a different job, a different company. With so many people out of work, it may not be as easy to find the same good-paying job as what you had. But if you
- put in the time,
- develop a strategic plan for searching for work,
- and methodically go about looking for your new job,
your paycheck will be landing the new job…a much better idea than just waiting for someone to reach out and grab you, asking you to come work for them.
You have the skills, you have the knowledge, and you know what you can and cannot do. Be open to different kinds of companies and different types of positions. This is an opportunity to expand your skills. If you feel lacking in this area, this may be the time to take some online classes to enhance your abilities. This is not the time to feel intimidated. This is the time to reach…the time to step up to your next job.
Fourth, network! Get out and talk to people. Visit various companies, talk to people that work there asking if they know of any positions open or who you should talk to. Don’t be ashamed that you are unemployed. That isn’t even a “thing” right now. Your “thing” is to land the next available job before someone else does! Don’t hesitate – talk to everyone you know, even many that you don’t. Networking has been proven many times over as one of the best ways to land a job. Word-of-mouth is powerful.
When you do find someone hiring, take the job – it may not be what you want, but it will keep you involved. It will get your foot in the door and, also, help you network with more people to boost you along the path to your ultimate position.
Fifth, search for an open job:
- Look for companies that may be thriving – they will be hiring.
- Virtual communication is booming – companies like Zoom or Microsoft will be hiring.
- Logistics and delivery companies – online business has exploded.
- Remote work you can do from home. Check out the websites Virtual Vocations and Upwork. FlexJobs website found 70 major companies that hire for remote positions.
- Be creative. Allow your mind to wander and look at companies that may not have been hit hard with layoffs to see where they may be expanding.
- When you listen to the news, listen for keywords of types of companies that may be hiring. Then go search those out and check their website for career opportunities.
- Maybe this is the time you would like to start your own company. Make sure it is a business that people will use even in hard times. Again, this is the time to be creative.
When you use job search websites, be cautious – look for jobs that have been posted most recently. The older positions listed may no longer be available. Another place to watch is what companies are hiring recruiters. That will mean the company itself will also have other positions available. A lot of companies post their available jobs on their websites – go take a look.
If you stay diligent and don’t panic, you will be able to land a long-term job of your choice, but you must take your job search seriously and put the time in – you will ultimately land what you want!
If you would like help in putting together your résumé, visit www.APersonalScribe.com. We’re experienced in writing winning résumé documents and helping you in landing your job interviews.
By Rosie Bixel, Director
A Personal Scribe Résumé Writing & Design
www.APresonalScribe.com
