You Have To Be In It For The Long Haul,’ Says Job Search Expert On Finding Work During Economic Crisis
You Have To Be In It For The Long Haul,’ Says Job Search Expert On Finding Work During Economic Crisis
You Have To Be In It For The Long Haul,’ Says Job Search Expert On Finding Work During Economic Crisis
June 22, 2020
Summary
The situation for job seekers is daunting - the country is experiencing record unemployment during a global pandemic and widespread social unrest.
According to Lakeisha Mathews, Director of the Career & Internship Center at the University of Baltimore, "Studies typically show that it takes three to six months to land a job. So you have to be in it for the long haul."
Career coach and president of Interview Like An Expert Lynee Alves advises job seekers to lead with a professional summary of key strengths and skills, rather than an objective.
Creating a few versions based on the targeted industry or job type that are then adjusted by opportunity is doable.
"All job seekers need to gain a comfort level with using technology," Mathews said.
According to Mathews, it's "Very important for job seekers to have a virtual brand, meaning, number one, you should be on LinkedIn. For me, LinkedIn is the top site for virtual networking and to be seen by employers. Or if employers want to just check you out, because they can't come to campus, they can't hold their own information sessions."
A job seeker's LinkedIn profile can borrow heavily from their resume.
Networking, through broader social media channels and narrower channels like neighborhood organizations and alumni or professional associations, can bear fruit in the job search.
In these turbulent times, with the health crisis, economic collapse and ongoing social unrest, "Job seekers need to be aware of how they're using their other social media channels," said Mathews.
"If you're looking for work and you're also passionate about the things that are happening, regardless of your opinions of them, you do need to realize that what you put out on social media may have an impact on your job search."
Reference
'You Have To Be In It For The Long Haul,' Says Job Search Expert On Finding Work During Economic Crisis. (2020, June 22). Retrieved June 23, 2020, from https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2020/06/22/job-search-tips-economic-crisis-record-unemployment-coronavirus/