“Get certified,” they say.
Google has confirmed that I am now an AI Professional. As a marketer, this certification was extremely valuable. But certifications have a cost, and I don’t really have the extra cash for a new subscription. But the coursework reinforced what I already knew: AI needs a human to be effective. And it reassured me that our former employers are going to realize they made a mistake when they let us go.
My first job fair
I learned that recruiters are just as frustrated with an ATS as we are. They want us to attend hiring events, reach out on LinkedIn, and send emails directly. They know that they are missing quality candidates. I didn’t have a resume and I didn’t have anything professional to wear, but I’m really glad that I went anyway.
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.
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.