Unemployed During Covid? What Should I Be Doing Right Now?

I had just ended a conversation with a candidate who unexpectedly lost their job. They were blindsided, confused, and didn't know what to do. Sadly, these calls happen are happening too often. Then scrolling through LinkedIn for a bit of relief, I see yet another one of these posts in my feed...

First of all, I can’t find toilet paper…where is she finding organic avocado? Second, she may walk out of this isolation as the only person I know with a six pack and good hair…. but let’s talk about job hunting while unemployed during Covid.

Through hundreds of conversations per week there is no denying the unfortunate reality that times are hard for many people right now. The pendulum swung from record low to record high unemployment in one month because of a virus

I’m constantly asked… “Mike, what do people do right now?” “What should we be doing?” “I feel like no one is paying attention to me.” “I feel like I’m alone.” “I search the boards all day and can’t find anything.”

My friends, if you find yourself out of work right now, you are not alone.  1) keep perspective, 2) accept that there is only so much you can do, and 3) focus your energies on what you can control.

This too will pass and you need to be the best version of yourself, in the best position possible, when that day comes.  

Perspective

This not your fault. You weren’t fired for poor performance and it feels unfair. We did not bring this upon ourselves this time. This wasn’t caused by human greed or the collapse of our financial institutions.

This was a once in a lifetime, totally unnatural, totally unprecedented event caused by a highly-contagious, animal to human disease, the likes of which our species has no immunity to.

You are not alone. You are in great company with a group of highly talented people who have suddenly found themselves searching for work in what seems to be a vast, dry, desert void of opportunity.

Remember: this is a temporary situation that will one day pass. In February the stock market was at an all time high, unemployment was at an all time low, and opportunity was abundant. Maintain your mental and physical health so that you’re prepared for life after Corona.

Acceptance

“Hi, I’m Mike Keown, and I’m a control freak.”

You must understand that there is only so much you can control right now and it’s so important to focus your energies on the things you can control. 

If you’re reading this post you’re on Linked In. You’re a career-focused achiever accustomed to driving your career and dictating your future. Life changed quickly for ALL OF US this year – our value system, our way of life, and that crazy notion that we were actually in the driver’s seat.

You may not always be able to control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond.

Focus your energy on the things you can control.

The Job Search – What Can You Control?

Where to Search

The Internet has brought the job seeker a world of static. To avoid a jungle of outdated postings, focus your energy on Indeed and Linked In. You can also set up job alerts on the Careers Page or LinkedIn page of any company you consider to be on your “target list” of future employers.

How Often Do I Check?

Don’t drive yourself mad! Check the boards once a day, twice at the very most. Develop a routine and dedicate a set amount of time to searching online. Staring at the screen won’t make jobs appear. Slowly but surely, more and more jobs will open up starting with critical hires. For now, however, develop a healthy routine in which you check the boards once to twice a day for a reasonable amount of time.

Know a Good Recruiter

• I would never say that having a great recruiter is vital to opening doors and advancing your career…. but having a great recruiter is vital to opening doors and advancing your career. Right now, it is inevitable that many to most job postings will have been open for 30+ days. A great recruiter will know the story behind the openings, if they are truly open or not, who they report into, can advocate on your behalf, be a direct line of communication with a hiring manager or talent acquisition lead, and separate you from the masses who are also applying for that particular job. A great recruiter can be a wonderful asset while saving you time, frustration, and creating efficiency in your search process.

Work Your Professional Network

Nope, you’re not meeting anyone for coffee anymore (isn’t that sad?). Spend time reconnecting with former colleagues on LinkedIn. Reconnect as “people”. Ask about their lives, their families, share your employment situation, ask them to keep you in mind. We’re all in this together right now.

Be Resume Ready

Now is the time to finally perfect your resume. Seek advice from peers and experts. Prepare multiple versions of your resume that might better position you for different opportunities – i.e., one that highlights your systems skills, one that highlights your accounting skills, one that highlights project management, one that highlights a particular industry focus. Hiring in times like this is very much a “plug and play” mentality from employers – i.e., square peg in a square hole. Tailor your resume to the job description prior to submitting it.

Know Thyself

Tell me about yourself? What are your strengths? What are your opportunities for improvement? What was one of your biggest accomplishments? Now is also the time to practice perfect answers to some of the most common interview questions which can sometimes be the trickiest if you haven’t prepared. Develop an elevator pitch. Practice S.T.A.R. answers to problems you’ve solved. Use this time to put yourself in the best position possible to excel in your next interview.

Health + Time = A Blessing. Be Well!

This is time you will never get back. It had a beginning and it will have an end. Come out of this a better version of yourself having learned some lesson and changed for the better in some way. Be present. Do something each day for your family, your health (physical and mental), and your job search.

Do the things you’ve always said, “I just wish I had more time to do” – be it a book, a hobby, or a talent.

If you and your family have their health right now, you are blessed. Do not let this time go to waste. It will pass before we know it. 

Keep the faith.