I Need a Job ASAP! Job Advice Without Prejudice

The September 2020 unemployment rate is at 7.9%, falling from 8.4% in August. The slight improvement doesn't represent the way many unemployed workers are facing in reality. Many workers who remain unemployed since March face the expiration of unemployment benefits, while others are still trying to reach the unemployment offices in their state to certify for benefits. People are running out of money and frustration, desperation, and out options.

My co-host, Jack Kelly, and I want to help give people some actionable advice from last Wednesday's show to have a few options. We thought about what is going on in the lives of people and their situation and their challenges:

???? Desperate job seekers react to a real-life situation, although there are times when they are not responsible. Many of them know how they want to come across, but it's hard when you're in need:

????Companies are likely to take a working job candidate over an unemployed one.

???? Unfortunately, most employers are not rushing to hire people.

Solutions:

Are you clear on the job you want and the company you want to work for? That is the first major obstacle for most job seekers. Sometimes job seekers will try strategies that seem to make sense at the time, but in the long run, don't yield any meaningful results. One of our viewers and connections shared this occurrence:

Is there a skill you can leverage as an independent contractor?

Is there a job opportunity you passed on applying to because it didn't seem right? Depending on what "right" is, it may deserve a second look.

To look and upskill is difficult. Jack and I, as well as other career professionals, will advise it's easier to learn and pivot before needing to do so, but an expected pandemic will change everything:

Are you signed up with temporary agencies? You should sign up with several. Most temporary agencies pay once-a-week. Although they will still put you through their hiring process, it is a short term fix.

Do you know any friends who are business owners who can use your skillset?

Have you told most (or all) of your friends and family about your unemployment status? As funny as it seems, people will tell strangers before family. I understand why. If you're running out of time, then this might be the best rational option.

If you haven't already, you should be having conversations with people you know who might be in a position to refer you or hire you at least temporarily. The caution again is people will bail at the sign of desperation. You can communicate urgency without seemingly irrational.