Embarrassing question: I have worked for the federal government for over 20 years, and I am completely out of touch with the new systems and means of finding a civilian job, writing resumes, cover letters (are they used anymore?) and I have never used LinkedIn, other job apps, AI or chatgpt.
I'm concerned that I am an easy target for scams and fake jobs - I feel like I just entered a foreign country and can't even say "Hello" in the language. I've been a social worker for a few years, I worked my way through grad school during Covid for a new second career while I also remained in the federal system (I am working on taking my clinical license exam soon). Where do I start, when there is too much information and opinions on what a resume should look like, how to rewrite everything over and over again to get the keywords correct to bypass the HR apps, or is now what I heard on a broadcast, that resumes and apps no longer work, that you must have friends and colleagues in a company to get a job now, that only connections work? I had been expecting, as a veteran, to work several more years for the government and retire, but I need to prepare to start yet again. Thank you for your advice.
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Anonymous
First sorry for the need to look for work after serving the government for so many years. It is definitely a rough time for Federal employees. Take the skills you have and use them to craft a resume that shows your soft skills and also tech skills. If you have leadership skills and have managed or hired others showcase that too. Anything you have done that saves money or helps others should be highlighted too. Write it up in a list and then use that list to update the last resume you had. Show progression. Yes, do write a cover note. Tell them why you fit. Yes use your network and on linkedin share tidbits of knowledge and interest with regularity so that you show up in peoples feeds and news. It will be a long path as in this current market many folks are seeing 6-9 month searches. Apply to any and everything that might come close to what you want and need. Lastly, good luck.
Anonymous
You have made great career moves so far so don’t sell yourself short. Focus on getting your clinical license. That will be worth gold because those folks are experiencing a workforce shortage. Most people have a résumé and cover letter in a format like word where you can change it to more closely align with keywords in the job posting. However, your new credentials, you might be able to bypass all of that by looking around to community mental health centers in your area and pick the one that sounds the best. Email your resume and a cover letter to their HR department. For avoiding scams, always know what company you are applying to (not some vague intermediary) and look the company up before you apply. Be sure the job opening is posted on their website and the role the general description of the company from their website. If you can work for 2 yrs in community mental health you will have lots of options while helping people who really need you.