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.
Volunteer!
Use your new free time and your valuable skills to support your community and a cause you care about. Apply your professional skills to the non-profit’s needs by serving on the board.
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 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.
Retirees relate!
Retirement can be boring. It can be lonely. Money can get tight. Lisa fills her free time with volunteering and earns some extra cash by substitute teaching. Subs are in high demand, and you don’t need to be a licensed teacher to sub.
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.