It’s a scary, anxious time in the world of work. According to recent reports, 26.5 million people in the U.S. have filed for unemployment since the global pandemic began. Maybe you’ve been laid off or furloughed. Or you’re worried that it could happen any day now. Anxiety levels are up and job worries are keeping you awake at night.

You might think you’ll just apply for unemployment benefits, binge watch some Netflix, and wait for the pandemic to end, but that could be a costly mistake. You’ll be behind in the game and playing catch up could mean a longer wait before finding a new job.

By taking these steps now, you’ll be ahead of the crowd and you may even get yourself hired while things still remain shut down. 

The reality is that while hiring is slowing down, some companies are still looking for workers. I spoke with a hiring manager just yesterday who was spending the day reviewing resumes and planning to do screening interviews by the end of the week. There are still jobs being posted.

So, turn off Netflix and spend some time getting yourself ready to land your new favorite job.

MENTAL HEALTH NOTE: If you’re feeling anxious about finding a new job or just about the state of the world in general, doing something productive can help relieve stress and help you focus on the positives.

If it all feels like too much, that’s okay. Just focus on completing one small step each day. You don’t have to do it all this week or even this month. Today, just find your old resume. Tomorrow, check out online learning options. If you’re having trouble, reach out to a friend or send me an email at anita@bluesagecareers.com. We can get through this together.

Here’s what to do:

1. Learn some new skills. What skills are in demand in your field? Now is the time to upgrade your skills and qualifications. Take an online course, preferably one that comes with a certification. Harvard and MIT offer superb online classes, often for free. Udemy and Coursera  also offer classes. 

   Not sure what to take? Take the time to study job descriptions and see what skills employers are looking for in your field. One standby that almost always earns bonus points on a resume is a certification in Microsoft Office. 

2. Polish your digital presence.  Spend some time on social media and upgrade your digital presence. Polish up your LinkedIn profile, ask co-workers or former employers for recommendations, and join new career-related LinkedIn groups. For example, if you’re looking for a career in accounting, join the accounting and finance professionals group. Use the search function on LinkedIn to find groups in your field.  

   Reach out to both old and new contacts on LInkedIn and comment on posts. Connect with former co-workers and ask how they’re doing in this new world. 

   Clean up your Facebook profile as well. Make sure there are no embarrassing photos or too many photos of you holding beers or doing shots. Employers will check you out! 

3. Organize your network. I’ve said it a thousand times and I’ll say it again. The best jobs are found through networking. - I know, I know. We all hate it - but it works. 

   Take some time to organize your contact list. Make a list of everyone you know who might know someone who has a job contact. Everyone. Think broadly - your hairdresser’s next head of hair may work at the company you have your eye on. 

   Write down each name with contact info. Once you’ve updated your resume and digital info, you can begin contacting each person by email or phone and put that network into action. Read more about how to network here.

4. Do your research. Spend some of your downtime exploring and researching companies that you would like to work for.  Pay attention to companies that seem to be weathering the storm.  If a company can survive in this climate, it most likely has a solid foundation. 

   Make it a game to see how much information you can find about companies in your area, or anywhere in your field if you’re open to a move. 

   You can also set up informational interviews by phone or Skype as a way to find out more about the company and to make connections. 

   If you can’t think of companies to research, spend some time on the job search websites, like Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn. Pay attention to what jobs sound interesting to you and positions you would like to find out more about. Research those companies to find out more.. 

5. Update that resume.  Take the time to polish and perfect your resume. Follow our resume tips to create a clean, modern resume that is ready to be emailed out to contacts. Make sure to highlight your best skills that you truly enjoy using. 

So that will get you started. Remember, if it feels overwhelming, take it one step at a time. Do one small thing each day. 

Don’t give up! Be persistent. Be patient. Ask for help if you need it. We will get through this.

During the Global Pandemic, Blue Sage Career Strategies is offering career coaching on a “pay what you can” basis and resume services are deeply discounted. Contact Anita for more information or click on the links below.

Anita Flowers is a Board Certified career and life coach at Blue Sage Career Strategies. A little different than most life coaches, Anita’s background in clinical psychology and years of experience as a counselor gives her a rich understanding of human development and family dynamics. Her work history includes 13 years working with an international business company and 12 years doing individual and family counseling as well as career counseling. This blend of counseling and business experience gives Anita a unique perspective on the world of work and life. Anita works with people literally all over the world to help them discover a life and career they love.   Contact Anita here to get started on your new career and life!