Countless people are looking for employment for the first time in years, and many are challenged to know where to begin. Some have wondered if it's even possible to find a job now.  While hiring has undoubtedly slowed, there are companies actively recruiting.  And remember, many companies were actually founded during the last recession! (Uber, Airbnb, Drobox, Venmo, Instagram, Groupon and others!)  The playing field will likely be more competitive, but with a well thought out strategy, you can utilize this time to stand out amongst your peers.

This comprehensive guide offers useful recommendations to help you find your next job.

15 Practical Suggestions:

1. YOUR MINDSET IS MORE THAN HALF THE BATTLE. Temporary hiring freezes, layoffs and new processes may result in a longer search process, so starting with the right mindset of patience, flexibility and confidence is essential.  Own and build on your strengths so you can confidently sell yourself to prospective employers.  This is not the time to work on improving weaknesses. 

2. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.  Before you make the first update to your resume or apply to any job, decide how you will reduce stress and restore energy throughout your search. Commit to it.

3. KNOW YOUR GOAL.  In 10 words or less, write a sentence that clearly defines your goal and timeline. Is there a specific job you want at a particular company?  What is your salary requirement? Do you want to work from home? Or, is this the time you want to transition to a new field? You will succeed if you start with the end in mind.

4. MAKE A PLAN.  List specific steps, in chronological order with dates.  If something feels too
overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more bite-sized chunks. Remember, you can't eat the elephant in one day, so establishing a plan is essential. You can always revise as you go.

5.  THREE THINGS EVERY DAY.  Commit to completing a minimum of three tasks related to your job search every day.  When you finish one, write it down.  Remember, this is not your "to-do" list.  This is your "I did it!" list!  Refer to it often to remind yourself of the progress you’ve made.

6. YOUR RESUME.  If you haven't updated your resume recently, keep it simple and just get started, avoiding “analysis paralysis.”  Start with a blank sheet and list the dates, titles, responsibilities, and accomplishments of your most recent jobs.  Then, note your strengths and areas of expertise, highlighting
transferable skills.  Once you document these key components, you can decide on a format that suits your personality and job you're seeking.  You may want to work with a Chapter You career coach. Contact us here for more information.  (Here's what our clients are saying about their resume experience.)

7. YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE.  Align your profile with your resume to ensure your story is consistent. Post a professional, up-to-date headshot. With today's technology, it's easy to create your own. Find a neutral background, free of clutter, and be sure there’s adequate lighting.  Use your 10-word Goal Statement (#3) as a starting point for an eye-catching tagline, and update your contact information. 

8.  YOUR VALUE PROPOSITION.  Create a document to articulate your unique value. Chapter You coaches can help.

9. A TARGETED SEARCH.  Create a prioritized inventory of industries, job attributes, responsibilities, and titles that are important to you.  Add each one to your plan.

• Apply if you’re interested, even if you don’t meet 100% of the job requirements.

• Reach out to people who work at the companies you’re targeting.  Take advantage of social media platforms and get comfortable introducing yourself to decision makers.

• Think about your experience more broadly and consider various jobs that lend themselves to your transferable skills.

• Consider contract, freelance and part-time opportunities.  They may pave the way for you to be selected first for a full-time position when the economic climate improves.

10. ONLINE NETWORKING IS YOUR FRIEND.

• Join professional groups and look for opportunities to demonstrate your expertise by participating in online conversations.  Weigh in with your comments, or start a discussion by sharing your ideas or informative articles.

• Follow key decision makers and add relevant and valuable insight to their posts.

• Proactively contact people in your network and take time to create new, authentic connections.

11. PREPARE FOR VIRTUAL INTERVIEWS.  If you haven't spent time on-camera, it can be unsettling, so you'll want to be prepared.

• Dress professionally from head to toe.

• Find a clutter-free, well-lit, quiet space to set up.

• Get your camera angle right. Try to look straight into the camera, not stretching to look up or down.

• Practice several times with a friend or coach.

• Double check log-in instructions, leaving ample time to seek clarification if needed.

• Log-in early, to ensure you have time to resolve unexpected technical issues.

• Know how to contact someone instantly in case you need last minute assistance.

12.  KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING. Once you make contact with a hiring manager or recruiter, check-in regularly and be sure to acknowledge your understanding of the unprecedented circumstances of 2020.  The idea is to remain visible without becoming a nuisance.  A few examples:

• “As things begin to settle down with your organization, I'm looking forward to a follow up conversation with you.”

• “You've been generous with your time.  Thank you. If there's anything I can to do to help you, it would be my pleasure to return the favor."

• "Please find attached an article about managing in a virtual environment.  Based on your comments in our last conversation, I thought the pointers might be useful to you and your team.”

13. BOLSTER YOUR QUALIFICATIONS.  Since your job search process might be slightly extended, consider finding online classes or certifications that will help you expand your skills.  The Muse offers 14 suggested sites for online classes.  Also check with your college or university.

14. ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE.  Make it a regular habit to look back at the three things you accomplish every day and take time to give thanks.  When you're aware of all the reasons you have to be grateful, it makes the arduous job search process just a little easier.

15. FIND A CAREER COACH.  This person will walk alongside you, help you strategize and prepare. Our Chapter You coaches would be honored to support you at this critical time on your career journey.
Contact us here.

Laynne Holloway is a certified career coach with a tenured technology career at a Fortune Top 10 company.  She is also an accredited Enneagram practitioner.  Click here to read feedback from Chapter You clients.