As the pandemic reaches its second year and the Great Resignation unfolds, it can feel like scoring a job is impossible. However, as frustrating, and stressful as job rejection can be, simple steps can be taken to assist the process and ease defeats. At the very least, these tips can help your overall well-being and mentality.
- Network: Making connections can be a vital step in securing a new job, especially during Covid-19. Networking is a fabulous way to find direct contacts that can link you to available jobs. Also, there are online networking events and even past co-workers or friends who might have a connection to a new job.
Simone, like many others during the pandemic, was laid off from her marketing job. She eventually connected with a friend who knew of someone hiring for a marketing position. By communicating with people she knew, Simone was able to gradually find a connection to a job. And while networking doesn’t always mean securing a job quickly, it can help to get the ball rolling in your application process.
Another great thing about networking is that you can reach out directly to the job poster or manager and explain your mutual connection. Job boards and networking sites, such as LinkedIn are proficient networking tools. Some people express discomfort in directly messaging managers or job posters. Often, our fear of doing the wrong thing holds us back from potentially getting what we want. In fact, Samantha McKenna, a LinkedIn Expert says, “As someone who has hired and helped hire for countless roles, I can tell you that a candidate reaching out to me and others on LI about a job rarely happens and, when done right, is a pro-move to standing out.”
Connecting to people and businesses online gives you the chance to see more job opportunities and speak directly to the job poster, enhancing your chances of getting hired. It is also free to setup a LinkedIn account!
2. Find What Clicks: It’d be nice if we lived in a world where we all had our dream job that filled us with joy and passion. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and that’s okay. If your job is the main source of your misery, it is important to seek other options and look around for a better fit. However, sometimes the trick to finding fulfillment and passion in our day to day lies within our perception.
For instance, if you are applying to a call center, maybe the act of helping others motivates you. Perhaps it’s the idea of eventually moving to new positions in the company. Finding what clicks shifts your mindset to a solutions-based perspective. It helps you pinpoint your motivational style and define the aspects of the job that align with that.
Similarly, it can help your authenticity and nerves during interviews. Take some time before the interview to contemplate the aspects of the position that inspire you. Inspiration comes from a genuine, internal place. In an interview, authenticity shows. Knowing what you want and why it ignites you can build your confidence and show interviewers that you are dedicated to the cause.
3. Acquire New Skills: The purgatory of applying for jobs and waiting to get hired can feel uncomfortable. David, a salesperson puts it like this: “When I’m unemployed, I feel antsy and unsettled.” This is perfectly normal. In fact, according to Carl Van Horn, PhD, “Losing a job and being unemployed for a long period of time is a psychological trauma and a financial trauma, and the two are closely intertwined.”
Something that can help ease the nerves and stress of job searching is acquiring new skillsets. Currently, there are countless options online that can teach us new skills. From free YouTube video tutorials to boundless online articles, and resources, learning something new has never been more accessible. There are even paid courses run by professionals. Plus, as a bonus, putting your time towards building your resume skills can actively calm your nerves and boost confidence.
On the flip side, learning new skills does not always need to be work related. Actively participating in hobbies can minimize stress and add joy to your day. Therefore, even acquiring a new fun skill is beneficial to your overall mental health. And when you feel better and more relaxed, you might have more motivation in your application process.
According to the Australian Department of Health, “Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression.” You may even get lucky and discover a hobby that is fun and beneficial to your resume. Either way, learning new skills helps motivation, self-confidence, and overall well-being.
As the pandemic trudges on, and the Great Resignation unfolds, finding and keeping employment can feel quite bleak. However, it is important during this time to remember to take care of ourselves and try to be gentle in an unpredictable world. Networking can help you meet direct connections to jobs. Pinpointing an area of excitement or motivation in an available job can boost your authenticity, and learning new skills, both for fun and work can reduce stress. Each step shares a commonality: doing your best, making time to enjoy, and working towards solutions in an irregular world.
