Are you Unemployed?
Being unemployed can be an extremely stressful and difficult situation. I’ve been there, and to put it mildly; it’s not fun. Searching for a job can oftentimes be frustrating, upsetting, and even demeaning.
The job search can seem endless and pointless. It is so hard to know what to do to get that perfect or not-so-perfect job. Most advice is empty and not concrete: Network more, Put yourself out there, etc. Your job or your income does not determine your worth, but job-searching can easily make you forget that. It’s hard to remember that your self-worth is not tied to your net worth- especially when your net worth is down in the negatives.
As the job search goes on and the money starts to run out, it can be increasingly difficult to go to the interview. The cost of transportation, childcare, appropriate job-interview clothing can make a difference when you are on a tight, tight budget, and every dime counts!
I know all too well how terrible the job search can be. Once I was offered a job interview. After rearranging my schedule, getting a babysitter, getting dressed up in appropriate interview wear, I took public transportation to meet with two people about the job.
I talked, brought my resume, and (hopefully) presented myself well. The next day, I emailed them, thanking them for their time, and got back… Nothing. They totally ghosted me, and I never heard from them again.
Another time, I emailed back and forth with someone about a Social Media position. After exchanging a few emails, we ended up on a phone call to illustrate the job, what it entails, etc.
When I finally asked about compensation, he told me that it was “more of a learning opportunity for me because I would learn from his experience, and so he wasn’t paying for the position.” So again, it was a colossal waste of time as I needed a JOB to pay the bills, not some half-baked non-paying internship program.
I am sure everyone who has ever looked for a job has some stories to tell.
Some Job Searching Tips:
1. Make looking for a job your job. Apply for 3 jobs every day, no matter what. Every morning check every job site and community board. Apply for 3 jobs or reach out to 3 people who may be able to help you.
2. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Word of mouth is usually the most common way people find jobs.
3. Make sure your resume is amazing! See below for tips on writing a KILLER RESUME.
4. Post on Facebook or other forums/chats etc., that you are looking for a job. You never know!
5. Be open-minded. Your dream job may be a job you never thought of.
6. Be flexible. With time, job description, payment, etc. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a perfect job, so you will probably have to be flexible if you want to get hired.
7. Check out FlexJobs. FlexJobs is a game-changing resource if you are interested in a professional job that also offers some kind of work flexibility – such as remote options, a flexible schedule, freelance work, or a part-time schedule.
Click here to sign up for Flex Jobs!
How do I write a Killer Resume?
Your resume is usually your first impression. The first step in the hiring process involves looking at a resume and being impressed with what they see. Therefore, it is so important that your resume stand out in the stack. You need a KILLER resume to move yours to the top of the pile and to the next step in the interview process. Your resume needs to knock them dead and make a KILLER first impression.
Here is a KILLER post about resumes and a MUST-READ if you are actively (or not actively) looking for a job:
How To Write The Perfect Resume For Any Job + Free Resume Templates
Robyn Goldfarb
Hi! I am a millennial mom with a passion for personal finance. I have always been “into” personal finance but got inspired to start my blog after a period of extended unemployment. That experience really changed the way I viewed my relationship with money and the importance of accessible personal finance education.
Nice tips! Referrals also come from individuals you know, however, this method may get you an invitation to apply for a position without actually searching for a new job. Some employers offer incentives to their employees for referring a successful candidate to their company – a win-win situation for everyone.
Nothing kills a discrete job search faster than receiving 15 messages from recruiters, including three voicemails on your work phone. Don’t post your resume on job boards.
Very nice post.
I think many employers sold be embarrassed by how they treat job applicants
Another tip is to call people you know either in your field or who work for companies that might hire people with your skills. Although the idea of eating lunch with people doesn’t work currently, the concept in the book, Never Eat Alone, still apply. Maybe add a phone call a day to your action list.
I think you are right and great guidelines. Resume is first impression in any interview. Always checked company profile and meet them. I like your blog guidelines. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Great advice! That first one is key. I just found a side job today because I aggressively applied everywhere.
Ok the pandemic has unconsciously started to move me from being old-school to new-school. Literally in the middle of optimising my work experience section on LinkedIn to show my career story and a peak into who I am.