Looking for a Job: 11 recommended exercises during COVID-19

I was let go several weeks ago. After dealing with the different emotional stages (somewhat similar to a break-up), I was ready to pull myself together and move on.

Looking for a job is challenging. It is stressful and can take a long time. However, with the pandemic we are facing, the process is more challenging and less straightforward. Knowing that today, 4.4% of the working American population is unemployed doesn’t help to stay motivated and positive.

It’s obviously important to keep an updated resume, build a solid cover letter, keep a current LinkedIn profile, and stay active on the platform. You know that already. Nonetheless, I watched this outstanding webinar from Nick Martin and Kirsty Bonner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK0s2k-UFc4 — I encourage you to watch it, the session is very informative even for seasoned job seekers.

My recommendation is utterly personal and may not apply to your situation. The following efforts are time-intensive; my suggestion is to spread the tasks over the weeks. Take as much time as you need to create results you are happy with.

1. Start by working on a personal SWOT analysis:

• Strengths: what are you capable of doing? Which skills make you a fantastic employee?
• Weakness: what holds you back? How can you get better at it?
• Opportunities: which position inspires you? What working environments would help you reach your potential?
• Threats: what can negatively affect your job search? What are the obstacles?

2. Establish a list of companies/organizations that are hiring during COVID-19.

3. Find a volunteering project to keep you busy while also developing skills. Productive work might also help you to appreciate yourself.

4. Create a portfolio that makes you feel proud and strong.

5. Ask a former colleague to be a mentor.

6. Reach out to your network and friends. Talk to them and see what you can do together. Don’t be afraid, everyone is sympathetic about the situation you are in, and you are not alone.

7. For once, you have the time to really think about your next move. Take it and own it.

8. Take online courses.

9. Listen to podcasts. My favorites: “How I built this with Guy Raz”; “Up First” and “The Daily.”

10. Keep a journal. Write down your frustrations, fears, hopes, and futures objectives. It’s liberating.

11. Create a personalized tool kit:

• Learn about mental health and anxiety management in own your life.
• Read books that make you feel good, to learn something new, or just the books you have always wanted to read.
• Work on an art project — the power of art will help you think about something other than the job search.
• Re-organize your house — change your perspective.
• Eat healthy, cook, and look at new recipes online.
• Practice yoga, meditation, abs exercises, anything you like.

Finally, the main take away I want to share with you is not to rush the job search. At first, I was working on a too-long to-do list. I felt overwhelmed and discouraged to tackle it. Working on a simple and clear plan might help you feel calm and reassured. I believe it is better to apply in earnest to fewer positions than to haphazardly apply to hundreds of jobs. Trust yourself. Everything is going to be ok.

- You are capable -