Unemployment has reached an unprecedented high of 14.7% in the US and is expected to skyrocket to 25% or more. With a quarter of our workforce unemployed, you or someone you know is likely looking for a job.
Looking for a job isn’t how it used to be ten years ago. Here are four tips to get you started with your job search.
Start a List
Get out your pen and paper and make a list of 20 companies where you would like to work. My friend, JT O’Donnell, came on my podcast to talk about job search and she recommended this: Write out your list of 20 companies, and then figure out why you want to work for them. And I’m not talking benefits (though those are great too).
What about the company do you identify with? What makes you passionate or excited about their work? List it out. Thinking this through will help you narrow down what companies you want to target, and solidify your message for why you are the right fit for the role.
Use Your Community
Remember the Rolodex? Or an address book with friends in it? Well, that’s now your LinkedIn account and the contacts list on your phone. Connect with former colleagues and let them know you’re on the hunt for your next opportunity. Use LinkedIn’s search bar to type in your dream job and dream company, and connect with the results. If it feels like you’re shouting into the void, try a creative way to get your resume in front of people that shows off your strengths.
Your network can take your chances of getting the job from less than 10% to more than 70%. Reach out to people you know who might know someone in the company and see if they’ll introduce you to someone in the company. Or better yet, see if they will send your resume to the hiring manager.
Companies know that referred hires tend to make better employees, and a good word can go a long way towards getting you that interview.
If Your Community Fails, Use These Tools
If you haven’t found a connection to someone in the company you’re applying to, use Recruitin.net or Hunter.io to network your way into the company. Reach out to a stranger, find a way to connect (maybe you both like dogs, baking sourdough bread, or, cross country skiing), and ask them to grab a virtual coffee with you. A new relationship might not lead to a job at that company, but they might refer you for an open position somewhere else.
Some Money is Better than No Money
Millions of people are looking for work, and hundreds of people will apply for each posted job. You might get it, or you might not. When it comes down to it, your worth is not your work. Your job is not your identity. If you have to take a less-than-ideal position to make it through the pandemic, try to identify three people you can help while in that role. Your next phenomenal opportunity may come through someone you’ve helped in the past.
Speaking of networks, I know a guy who can get anyone a job. But you can’t be picky, and you have to be willing to show up and put in the work. His name is Tim Sackett. Check him out.
I wish you the best of luck on the journey to finding your next job. Use your network, stay true to your values, and remember one important thing: Your work is not your worth.
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