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Compiled and edited by Julie Tereshchuk
Dear Mentors,
March 2020, I was all set to start a new job. Guess what? That’s right, the position got pulled because of the pandemic and nosediving economy. I’ve been looking now for 12 months. Had a few interviews (woo-hoo!) but so many rejections. And, zero offers.
Is the universe trying to tell me something? Should I think about retraining?
Yours,
Mentee
Oh, sweet Mentee,
I have to tell you that your experience is one of many.
That is not meant to spread disappointment, rather assure you that it’s not YOU, friend, this market is bonkers!
The good news is that we are seeing the frost thawing on this local hiring market. I don’t think your hunt will last too much longer. But when a job search has lasted this long, fatigue sets in, so it’s time to start over again.
Get your resumé reviewed (WCA offers peer reviews), revamp it as best you can (or hire a service if you can afford it!), then start applying to places you’ve already applied – you have a built-in reason to circle back with ANY hiring manager that expressed interest.
On top of those stressful efforts, please do spend a few hours each week on obtaining certifications and courses that can be added to your LinkedIn profile and resume (giving you MORE reasons to reach out to your network and to companies you’re interested in). You can’t possibly spend 40 hours per week job hunting, so spend 20, and shoot for 10 on courses or certifications, and 10 on whatever keeps you sane right now.
Hang in there, the frost is thawing!
Dear Mentee,
Retraining or cross-training is never a bad idea!
Can you broaden your skill set within your current experience? The more versatile your skills, the more opportunities you can create. For example, if your skills are in PR and marcom, can you add some digital marketing expertise to your resumé?
How about brushing up on public speaking? Speaking skills are always useful, whether your audience is a large group or a single potential employer. (Consider Toastmasters.)
Lastly, there are many factors that contribute to whether or not you get a job. Maybe it’s not your skill set, but your resumé or your interviewing skills that are the problem. Take advantage of WCA’s resumé review service, and join the mentor program for some mock interview practice.
Looking holistically at your efforts and improving on all fronts is likely to move the needle for you! Good luck!
Yours,
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