When a job feels like a grind, or when you’re struggling to find meaning in a world that sometimes seems to be burning up, it can feel like finding work is a daunting task. The days when people got a job right out of school and stuck with it for a lifetime are long gone; now, if you want to keep your career moving, you need to be nimble about locating new opportunities.
Many jobs are never advertised; instead, they’re filled by people who learn of them through word of mouth or networking events. This is known as the “hidden job market.” If you’re able to tap into this, you can find work more quickly and efficiently.
If you’re serious about finding a job, your first step should be to update your resume and cover letter. Make sure they’re clean and free of grammar and formatting errors, and have someone else read them before you send them off. It’s also a good idea to tailor your application materials for each job you apply to. This will help you get past any applicant tracking systems that may be in place.
While some people have tried crazy tactics in this job market, such as pasting their resume to a billboard or walking around as a human billboard, more traditional methods of finding work still work. For example, if you have a contact at a company you want to work for, ask them to let you know of any openings. Another option is to walk into a business that you’re interested in and ask for an application. Make sure you look presentable and act politely; you never know when that kindness could lead to a job.
Arlethia Washington worked as a legal secretary in New York and took an exit package when she was laid off early on in the pandemic. She expected to land a position easily when things opened back up, but found it difficult to break through the maze of employers who weren’t interested in her skills or experience.
You should try to network as much as possible. Reach out to college alumni, LinkedIn contacts, family members and friends who might be able to recommend you for a job. If you have a friend who works at a company that you’re interested in, ask them if they can recommend you for an internship or full-time position. Employees are often paid a finder’s fee for referring a person they think would be a good fit.
Depending on your industry, you should research the required qualifications and certifications for the jobs you’re applying for. Make a list of all the skills and experiences you have, and be honest about any gaps in your employment history that might raise red flags. If you took a year off to write the Great American Novel, for instance, be prepared to explain that. Trovare lavoro