Job market got you down?
I came across a recent posting on one of the forums that I frequent. This posting really got me to thinking. It is still a very tough job market out there for candidates. Sometimes, in these times, it can feel like the job market “doesn’t have your back.” The reality is that the big tech companies aren’t the only ones who are now having to downsize; all organizations of different sizes are facing this predicament. Like the individual in the post and like many other posts I see and even people I speak with everyday, there is a unanimous feeling of “will the market ever stabilized?”
After submitting thousands of applications (yes, thousands based on length of layoffs), it can feel like you should just pack it in/throw in the towel. Tough reality to swallow, isn’t it? But just how do you keep going and keep yourself afloat? While the timeline for getting hired is something that you have no control over, here are somethings that might be worth focusing on that you can change, while you wait.
Take a step back and breathe. Literally, breathe. “Woosah"… Meditation and yoga have been proven to alleviate stress and can build positivity and increase your overall optimism. If you feel as though you’ve pounded the pavement (to subgrade) and you are not getting any calls for interviews or job offers, and your job search is starting to take over your life and negatively affect you, perhaps it’s time to take a pause. Like job hunting, sometimes, when emotions are high walking away from the “thing” that is creating an undesired result is key. Take some time away focus on your mental health and wellness. The internet, has numerous resources and videos on guided meditations and yoga sessions that are for FREE. How will this help? Well, regular yoga and meditation can create mental clarity, a sense of calmness, and most importantly acceptance. Once you’ve taken some time away from your job search, cleared your head, your able to start fresh. This time away will can also help you to assess areas where you could improve in your search, different strategies you can leverage, new resources etc.
Do something fun and completely ridiculous that you haven’t done in a while or that you’ve never done before. Do something that makes you laugh! This will lighten your mood and can help to give you an appreciation for other things that life has to offer. It can also help you to refocus.
Start creating healthy habits that you build on throughout your day. For example, when you wake up say your gratitudes, “make your bed,” put on the kettle for a cup of tea or a coffee, tidy up, go for a walk, have a healthy breakfast, set aside some time for personal growth/development, read something or learn a new skill…phone a friend. Yes, phone a friend and ask how he or she is doing. This have to be a long call, but just a quick check in. Exercise. If this hasn’t been a part of your regimen, now is a good time to start.
Dust off your tools and shine ‘em up. After step 1, take some time to reassess your resume and cover letter. Ask yourself, “would I want to hire me? Does my resume really tell my story and does it most importantly show how I can make impact?” Since we are now really going down the road to brutal self honesty, really look at your resume and your cover letter. Do they align with the job postings that you’ve been applying for? This one may be a quick yes, but really when you think about it…do they really though? A mistake that most candidates make after being in the job search for what appears to be an eternity is that they lose focus. They start applying to every position out there and are surprised when they get nothing back. There’s no “ruby slippers” scenario here nor is there strength in numbers. It may just take a little longer, but quality is better in this case over quantity. So, update your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn page, Professional Portfolio or Github link or whatever it is you have and ensure you are specifically targeting it to the job postings you’re applying to. Then, get a friend who is not within your field to review (from an HR screening perspective) then try and find someone you know in your field maybe a mentor or a senior manager to review it. Remember, you’ve completed step one and now you’re coming in with a fresh mind and a new attitude. Having humility and an openness to feedback is key. Also, at this point, you have nothing to lose by asking for the help of others.
It’s time to leave your house. Yes, stop hiding behind your computer and online job boards. Get out there and network. Make networking something that you incorporate into your schedule 2-3 times a week. Now that we are (for the most part) in a post pandemic world, there are a plethora of in-person networking events happening that you can sign up for. Don’t wait for that specific event that aligns with your career in Marketing, Development etc. go to any credible professional networking events you see. At this point, you’re clear headed, you have new tools, and you’ve elevated your job search and expectations. Attending these events give you the opportunity to meet individuals who are potentially hiring, who know people who are, who are thought leaders in different fields, etc. Bonus points, if you can meet individuals who are in a similar transition, who are looking, you can bond and form a sense of community where you can encourage each other through your job search. Sometimes just knowing someone out there who is going through the same experience as you can help tremendously.
Go volunteer somewhere and help others. This one, I’ll keep short because it’s been addressed in earlier posts. However, in summary, doing this will keep you busy, you will be helping others, and you can add this to your resume.
Be proactive and keep learning “stuff.” Podcasts and books are your friends. There’s a podcast for everything and by doing this you can gain valuable insight on virtually any topic out there. Build your knowledge and grow your confidence. Both of these resources can be accessed in some instances for FREE.
“Take Two” - be ready for action! You’ve gone through the steps, now you’re not feeling as hopeless…there’s some light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t see it? Look closer. Now that you’ve done most of the work and recharged it’s to time to start preparing. Brush up on your interview skills. Practice, practice, practice. Practice even if you don’t have an interview lined up. You want to be ready. Also, if interviewing isn’t your strong suit, chances are you won’t become a pro overnight. You want to feel excitement instead of angst when you get that first call back (which for sure now you will!) and you want to feel positive instead of feeling dreadful.
So, heads up and onward you go! You got this :)
