Finding a Job in the Coronavirus Era

The United States has topped twenty-six million unemployment claims since mid-March. This doesn't account for those that haven't filed paperwork. Or for individuals still employed but forced to take a pay cut. We have entered an employer's job market. And those interested in a new position are facing greater uncertainty than they have ever known before.

Whether you want to call the current state of the economy a recession or depression, one thing is for sure. Expect change as we come out of this. Businesses will adapt. Many will close forever. And new companies will form.

The question I'm posing now: Do you want to be working for your current company or playing for a different team when we come out on the other side?

In normal times, the task of changing jobs is not for the weak. This reality has many people staying in positions where they are underpaid, underutilized or not appreciated. The status quo is much easier to pursuit for the convenience of maintaining a comfortable home life.

But right now is the time to self evaluate. Have your working conditions worsened? Regardless, the last thing you want to do is look for a new position in this job market. Right???

This thought process is wrong. Growth only occurs when we are uncomfortable. And while I always advise to look internally to grow your career, the most optimal solution may be outside your company. Should this be the case, I am not advising anyone put in their two-week notice or decline a less than desirable job offer.

Current circumstances in the world may force you to ride out your situation longer than you would like. But I am recommending you follow these three easy tips right away.

1. Update your professional LinkedIn profile and polish your resume. If you aren't prepared to accept an interview, you'll never get one. It's as simple as your thoughts driving your results. This is step one for anyone looking for a new career and if you haven't checked this box, you don't deserve a new position. Highlight all of your professional contributions to showcase what you have to offer.
2. Promote yourself. If you are waiting on someone to give you the perfect position, you are relying on a strategy of hope. This, most likely, will not elevate your career. Research companies and scrutinize the opportunities you would be interested in. It's on you to find the environment you want to be in. You need to be able to name the company along with the position you are looking for. This is your chance to provide the passion and work ethic only you can bring to the table when properly motivated.
3. Contact one person from your network each day. With steps one and two accomplished, you are ready and know what you are looking for. Your ask is as specific as it could ever be. Use your connections to drive the end result you are looking for. If you know the CEO at the company you want to work for, call them! And if you aren't connected to someone at that company, call anyone in your network that might be. And ask for help.

Regardless of how you start this process and implement it. It only takes one. One resume. One goal position. One contact to connect you. And one interview to begin your process of landing your dream position in the coronavirus era. While you may not be hired tomorrow, the process can start today.

And for those of you that might be unemployed and just wanting ANY job. Stop shortchanging yourself. For anyone seeking employment, you have a blank business card. How you fill in the company and title is entirely up to you. Because you are the only one that decides where you work and how much you're worth.

Regardless of what's going on in the world today, it still takes dedication of your time, energy and passion to land your dream role. So, don't let taking a temporary landing spot get in the way of your search. If your finances force you to take a less than desirable offer, do it. But don't let this get in the way of your goal. You can continue to follow this process of chasing your ultimate success. Perseverance shows your future employer your passion and work ethic you'll be bringing to the table.

If you need talking points on what you'll bring to the table in a sales or leadership position, purchase a copy from either book in my series by clicking on the image above. Both are available on Amazon and are fast reads to provide you with the knowledge you'll need to attack your new position. Your grass can be the greenest grass on the block, you just need to water it! #GrassIsBrowner