Resumes are posting online at an impressive rate. A recent Forbes article states that approximately 640,000 resumes relating to hotels and restaurants are currently posted on Indeed.com, approximately 20,000 of which posted within a 24-hour period. These numbers pose an interesting question: does the immediate urge to apply for new positions upon unemployment facilitate the most productive job search?
While this instinctual response is understandable in these unprecedented times, it is also important to consider how you can approach this situation differently to position yourself for greater success.
To begin, step back and listen to the unique directives of our current reality:
Stay Home. Pay attention to your health and well-being. Consider your decisions carefully so that you contribute to our society’s healing.
This messaging can seamlessly transition to our professional lives:
Slow Down. Reflect on your professional accomplishments and goals. Craft a plan to create the future you want.
Instead of rapidly submitting resumes, use this downtime as an opportunity to think and to strategize. Think about your career to date and how it aligns with your professional goals. What is your “true” next step? Do you have a plan to reach your goals? Challenge yourself with questions like, what value do I provide? What makes me different from others with the same job title? What are my true strengths and how can I use them to improve my skills? How can I best address my weaknesses?
With the answers to these questions you can then:
- Write down your goals. Develop a plan to meet them. Educate yourself on the specific skills, roles, companies, and industries that will get you there.
- Write a thoughtful resume. Focus on your accomplishments rather than your responsibilities.
- Update your LinkedIn profile to align with your new and improved resume. Activate your network, build connections, and explore your options.
- Write a cover letter for each job opportunity that demonstrates your value and conveys enthusiasm, authentically. Why are you right for the job and why are you excited about it?
Thoughtful consideration of these items before you click “submit” will differentiate your application from others and prepare you for future success.
Contact Maggie to schedule a complimentary career consultation with resume and cover letter editing during the current Stay at Home mandate of the COVID-19 Crisis.
