I've been looking for a long-term job for the last two months or so, and these are a few tools - mostly articles and videos - that I've discovered and utilized to keep me focused in this search.
Resume/Cover Letter Help
Writing a resume from scratch can become overwhelming. God bless State of Washington Resume Help! Their WorkSource website provides an inventory of basics that should be in a resume. However, if you already have a resume and it's been a long time since you've found yourself unemployed, this recent CBS article can help you refresh your resume. Once you're done, check it out against this resume checklist.
Once upon a time, I thought cover letters can be all encompassing - all I had to do was change the prospective employers' name and job position on the first paragraph. Wrong! Despite the fact that cover letters and resumes are supposedly skimmed through in about six seconds, the fact of the matter is that those are the six seconds that matter the most in your job hunt. Therefore, each cover letter should show why you're perfect for each specific job that you apply for. Check out this helpful Forbes article to help your cover letter stand out from the pile.
Interview Tools
Once your exceptional resume and cover letter got the hiring manager to call you and schedule an interview, it's time to practice your interviewing skills. First up, make sure you look like the perfect candidate - not too uptight, but still professional. I always go back to this quick video from Glamour for wardrobe and makeup reminders. If you're of the XY variety, you might want to check this short GQ Q&A out. Now for the actual interview - I've found this hilariously honest HelloGiggles article about Do's and Seriously, Don'ts For Your Next Job Interview. Another tool I've used is this surprisingly helpful Business Insider video that I found while perusing Tumblr. Bottomline is make the interview work for you as much as it works for the interviewer - find out if the job is really the dream opportunity you initial thought.
Follow-Up
I live by this Forbes article, especially number one and two. It sums up the process completely: Stay top of mind, It's half the battle.
...and lastly...
For Your Sanity
Unemployment sucks. I know. And though I may not be the expert when it comes to landing a job as I myself is still looking for a job, I am knowledgeable when it comes to staying motivated throughout the job hunt. How so, you may ask? Well, I bounced back from a depressive state that I fell into within the first two weeks of my unemployment. And then I found this HelloGiggles article, and realized that there's a good reason why I left. I knew I would be utterly miserable if I faked and stayed working for my former employer. Financially I would be more secure, but my career growth AND emotional wellness will continue to suffer. And that thought keeps me sane.
However, if your situation is different from mine - which is completely possible - just ask yourself "What Would Oprah Do?". Although neither you nor I nor your bff can ask her - unless you actually can, in which case I say HOOK A SISTA, UP! - this article from her website will serve to remind you that even though you (and I!) are in such a pickle, remember to not let your overall health go on the wayside. It's best to not let this short blip on your otherwise fab life affect your health as it will show, and no one wants to hire someone who cannot take care of his or her health and wellness.
Well, that's it. I hope these tools will help you as much as they continuously help me. If you have tools, make sure to share and leave a comment!
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