Navigating the job search journey
Companies are reducing staff. Some people have been laid off after decades at that company. Many people have been out of work for more than a year.
Our next generation, Gen Z, is graduating from college and entering the workforce. This generation may not have a lot of experience, but they are digital natives. Gen Z can learn from older generations, and older generations can learn from Gen Z.
Everyone is frustrated. There’s a lot of negativity out there, and it’s hard to stay positive.
But honestly, we’re all struggling with the same challenges - regardless of your current stage in your career. Resume-writing. Interviewing. Networking. Bill-paying. Family.
Together, we will succeed.
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”
Henry Ford
Let’s network, Saint Louis!
Help build a community of job seekers, people considering a change, hiring managers and recruiters, and people who are just generally looking to meet new people.
Casual. Nothing fancy. A variety of events: not just happy hours or bagels & coffee. Events that build connections based on interests and learning. Locations that support local businesses. Online events to practice using those platforms.
Featured posts
I always tell my friends on the job hunt to use their new free time and valuable skills to support the community and a cause they care about. You can also apply your professional skills to the non-profit’s needs by serving on the board. It gets us out of the house and off the computer!
It’s been a few years since I’ve had the free time to dedicate to a board position, but I am so excited to be part of St. Louis Public Radio’s Generation Listen council now.
Volunteer!
I attended my first networking event as a job seeker last week, and I was surprised at how nervous I was. There were some things that I had to do to prepare - one of which was buying something to wear, which I did not think about until that morning. I identified what I wanted to talk about. Then I remembered that I could record a voice memo on my iPhone: technology that has been introduced since the last time that I was unemployed. So I used that to practice and hear how I sounded.
If I didn’t do something to prepare, I don’t think I would have been as successful. And I had a good time - which is really important, too. And that’s why I’m going back for the next one.
Practice networking: Use a voice recorder
Megan S. has been trying to write a resume for 3 months. Despite having a format to follow, she has been unsuccessful. What can she do differently this week to have a first draft?
The resume struggle is real.
Ageism
Discrimination is not anything new. If anything, AI helps control the risk of discrimination. Learn more about the ATS and focus on what you can control. If a company is using years of experience as a parameter, you don’t want to work for them anyway.