Practice networking: Use a voice recorder
I was surprised when I was nervous to attend my first networking event since losing my job. I used the voice recording app on my cellphone to just speak freely as though I was networking. That helped me prepare: to organize my thoughts going into the event about who I am, where I’m at, what I was looking for, and why I’m there.
The resume struggle is real.
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 first 90 days
May 3 marked 90 days unemployed. Fellow job seekers tell me they aren’t sure where to start or how to spend their time. I’ve used this time to reset, build my network, and re-build my “personal brand.” I feel prepared, more confident, and motivated.
LinkedIn: Reboot
I feel like it’s a necessary evil. I have a profile, but I don’t use it until I need a job. Is it worth it? What’s the return on my invested time?
So…what do I do next?
I need to pay my bills. But I need to clear my head. And I need to go with my gut.
In progress
Networking events
LinkedIn best practices
Temporary income sources
New perspectives
Managing mental health
As a fellow job seeker impacted by a corporate layoff, I am also experiencing the challenges of our current competitive, AI-driven job market. I see, hear, and share the mutual frustrations and bewilderment. In my experience, the most successful way to secure a new role is through networking. However, those in-person opportunities are hard to find. Many people are terrified of networking, even on LinkedIn.
I can help fill that gap. My background is marketing and communications. I’m a natural networker, and I’m a writer. Some of my innate qualities are honesty, transparency, and finding the positivity in a negative situation.
But most importantly: I know what it’s like to have nothing. To be starting from scratch. To ask for help.
We’re all going to be okay; we just have to stay together. And maybe we can find some ways to have fun in the process, learn from each other, and build a community: a network.