Ready for change but I'm feeling overwhelmed!

12 Comments

1. Linnea SingerJanuary 26,2022 at 4:57PM UTC

   Keep going! I'm in a similar position and the advice I get time and time again is to keep making those connections and following up after you apply. The goal is to get eyes on your work, even if they aren't responding to you.

   The other piece of advice someone gave me this week was to attend virtual events and find a mentor. It can be difficult to stand out on paper, but if you're able to be in situations where you're meeting with people face to face (even if it's virtual) you're more likely to make an impact and show off all of the awesome things that make you a wonderful person and employee.

   Best of luck to you!

2. AnonymousJanuary 26,2022 at 9:34PM UTC

   Great ideas, Linnea. Good luck in your search and I appreciated your advice!

3. Sabrina CortesJanuary 26,2022 at 7:38PM UTC

   I know you said that you reconnected with people, and that's great but, have you connected with Recruiters/Hiring Managers from companies that you'd like to work for? This can also be helpful - even if they don't have a job posting. The thing you want to do now is build those relationships by liking and responding to posts and sending messages once in a while.

   You also said that you tailor your resume to the qualifications in the job post. I'm not sure what you're referring to as qualifications in the job posts because most posts have them, as well as the responsibilities listed. You want to focus on these too because they will have skills listed in them that should be in your resume as well. Having keywords and phrases from both of these sections in your resume will greatly increase your chances of passing the applicant tracking system's scanning process.

   I hope this helps! Feel free to message me if you have any questions. :)

4. AnonymousJanuary 26,2022 at 8:53PM UTC

   Thank you, Sabrina. I'm contacting recruiters and hiring managers. I've tailored my resume to include qualifications and requirements to hopefully beat ATS systems.

   During previous job searches, I at least received rejections. With ATS, I have a feeling that in spite of the time and attention I put into each application, hiring managers aren't seeing my submissions.

   In terms of connecting with recruiters and hiring managers, they accept my connection request but when I follow up, I don't hear from them.

   I've liked and shared content, reached out to express interest and it's still radio silence. What else can I do to turn accepted connection request into meaningful discussions?

   Thank you!

5. Sabrina CortesJanuary 27,2022 at 12:24AM UTC

   Here's a couple of blog posts that I found that might be helpful.

   1) https://huntscanlon.com/10-tips-for-networking-with-executive-recruiters-during-covid-19/

   2) https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/network-with-a-recruiter/

6. AnonymousJanuary 27,2022 at 8:53PM UTC

   Thank you for sharing and I'm looking forward to reading.

7. Sabrina CortesJanuary 27,2022 at 10:08PM UTC

   You're welcome!

8. AnonymousJanuary 28,2022 at 7:22PM UTC

   My experience - a lot of the jobs depended on the industry. Some are taking longer to rebound than others. It took me almost a year to find a job after my Covid layoff, and then I got 3 offers in one week. It sounds like you are doing all of the correct things. I was most successful when I worked with recruiters. I wish you all the best.

9. AnonymousJanuary 29,2022 at 7:16PM UTC

   Thank you and I appreciate your advice. All your hard work paid off and that's amazing that you received three offers in a week. I'll keep plugging along and hope that things rebound shortly.

10. Elaine Holston-SouthworthJanuary 31,2022 at 1:14AM UTC

    Hello, I totally can identify how stressful it is, looking for gainful employment. I found having a clear intent is best. It took me to recreate myself before I was able to move forward in my job search. I had to think outside the box and not necessarily focusing on the former positions I had. I started to doubt myself and I felt that find a job at least, was hard work and often was disappointing because I thought I was putting my best into it. We have to pay bills right! So, I had to put my thinking cap on and really focus on me. If you can relate to what I have just told you, then it may be a great time to focus on SELF: identifying with your strengths and re-examine your confidence level? Always checking in w/ SELF, can bring some clarity for you. I had to and I became more creative in your approach to job seeking. Seeking competitive employment is a job within it's self, and it's important that you have a plan, stay focus and incorporate self -care as well. Applying all the above suggestions, may play a positive or more effective deliverance and you'll have more success in reaching your employment goals; I know I did. Also, building relationships is important too and is very vital in your journey. Here is another key: seek professionals that can help you land that job; look at it as added support which can serve a a bridge in connecting you to desired outcome. Always, think positive because negative thinking can hold you back and can also decrease your self-confidence. You see,... it's a job within it's self . Taking a holistic approach to finding completive employment is something to think about. Lastly, if you are feeling stuck, just ask yourself these two questions: "Where is my passion"(currently) and "What are my strengths/ skills"? Those questions will give you a start. It really does start by building yourself up from within, before you put yourself out there. Please, feel free to pick my brain for additional help. Sending good vibes and wishing you the best of luck.

11. AnonymousJanuary 31,2022 at 7:45PM UTC

    Thank you, Elaine! Your post reignited my desire to job search. I agree that it starts with changing your mindset. I spent a long time focusing on the wrong types of jobs. I was going after past positions rather than what I wanted.

    I've spent this month reevaluating and I'm starting to hone in on my goal. You're right that searching is a job in itself. I felt defeated after spending so much time filling out applications and tailoring my resume and cover letter and then not hearing anything back.

    I've taken a new approach of trying to build my network and seek advice. My issue is that I take the time to build connections and after wanting their advice, I'm directed to their website or job board.

    While thanking them, I've already done that and I don't feel that I'm in a better place after making that connection. Why accept my connection if the only input is to direct me to your website? That's the first thing I did followed by reading the company's mission, objectives and open positions. Do you have any advice regarding building relationships?

    Thank you and I appreciated your advice and best wishes!

12. Elaine Holston-SouthworthJanuary 31,2022 at 11:16PM UTC

    Awesome, so excited for you. Building relations in a pandemic is tough A few suggestions for your job search that I tried: went to my local Chamber of Commerce events, especially the morning 7:30am breakfast meetings, attend local community functions, career centers one stop centers and there it’s really a great chance to connect w career counselors because when a competitive opportunity come they will suggest you ( look out for you) or go to not just your local career fares but surrounding areas. Ask employers for informational interviews and in your own circle brain storm w them on who they know and so forth. How do you start somewhere and it’s just how I approach building relationships.