It’s important to focus on what you can control and to maintain a positive outlook during your job search. This is often easier said than done, but that’s what this summary is about.
Everyone knows that this pandemic is wreaking havoc on our economy and millions of people are being furloughed or laid off. But dwelling on that information is not going to help the situation.
(Sure, use data to help educate and inform, but don’t obsess over how high the number of unemployed workers is.)
So here’s what I posted all over social media on Friday.
When the unemployment numbers come out today don’t look at them.
Don’t pay any attention to that information because it will be discouraging and that won’t help you.
There are still companies hiring. There are still jobs available…and not just crappy jobs.
Stay focused on your strategy of reaching out to people you know to touch base and when they ask, tell them specifically what you are looking for and a sampling of where. People want to help you so make it easy for them to provide advice, information or recommendations to you.
In this spirit of staying positive and maintaining focus on what you can control during job search, I offer the following help and hope for job seekers.
JOB SEARCH
5 Ways to Find Work in the Pandemic
by Nancy Collamer | Next Avenue
If you are feeling lost or discouraged, follow these steps. And remember, “The more concerned we become over the things we can’t control, the less we will do with the things we can control.” – John Wooden, UCLA basketball coach.
Don’t Go It Alone: How to Ask for Help During Your Job Search
by Mac Prichard | Mac’s List
A quick read with instructions on exactly how to ask for help right now if you are unemployed. Many may feel embarrassed or too proud to ask for help, but the reality is (and always has been) people are willing to help if they can.
This Week: Top 100 Employers with 700,000+ Jobs Open NOW
by Susan P. Joyce | Job-Hunt.org
700,000 jobs are available right now and that’s 50,000 more than last week. That’s just looking at the top 100 employers. There are thousands more jobs out there this very minute. Some may not even be advertised. So focus on this positive, huge number.
3 Things Job Seekers Need to Know About Hiring Technology (and 3 ways to make it work for you)
by Ron Mitchell | Fast Company
This isn’t about ATS. It’s about the information being scraped from your social media and public data, how artificial intelligence being applied during assessments and companies beginning to use virtual reality interviewing. Learn more about what’s happening behind the scenes.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Developing an active presence on social media is one way to gain attention, establish a name for yourself, stand out and get noticed. All is these are important to your job search. Recruiters and hiring managers are looking at your online presence to assess your qualifications. Plus, it helps you stay top of mind with your network.
20 Social Media Post Types That Perform Well (and How to Use Them)
by Ann Smarty, SEO Smarty | Agora Pulse
If you are ever at a loss for what to post on social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram) here are 20 ideas for things you can share. (It’s written for businesses, but every single one applies to you as a job seeker.)
INTERVIEWING
Best Practices For Virtual Presentations: 15 Expert Tips That Work For Everyone
by Mary Abbajay | Forbes
A job interview is a virtual presentation of sorts. The first 10 tips will improve your video interview presentation and any video conversation.
CAREER CHANGE
Here’s Why Career Switchers Have A Huge Advantage In This Job Market
by Dr. Dawn Graham
This is what you should understand if you are changing careers (either into a new industry or new role). You’ll learn exactly what you need to do to develop a career switcher strategy.
How to Make a Massive Career Change with No Relevant Experience
by Virginia Franco | Job-Hunt.org
If you are forced to change careers or just want to make a shift to a new career, follow these steps. It’s never easy, but if you understand what you need to do, it’s a little less overwhelming.
OLDER JOB SEEKER
Why COVID-19’s Impact On the Job Market Is Far Worse For Older Workers
by Kerry Hannon | MarketWatch
This isn’t the most positive headline, however the article covers the realities older workers face when looking for a new job. “So while it can seem bleak for job seekers over 50, there are glimmers of hope.”
SELF-CARE
Take Care Of Yourself During Job Search
Here are 5 things you can do right now to keep your mind, body and spirit healthy during your search.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
