Getting hired in a typical year is hard enough. Finding a job in our world as we navigate our way out of a pandemic brings its own set of challenges in addition. Here are eight tips to make the most of finding a job that works for you right now.
1: Craft a resume with pizazz
While you don’t need to ‘Elle Woods’ your resume with perfume or pretty paper, you can make your resume stand out by being clear, concise, and centered. You don’t need to mention your job in college working at Starbucks if you are applying for a Virtual Assistant or Accountant position.
One-page resumes are usually your best bet. Weave in keywords from the job posting into your application if you are sending it through a virtual program as some companies now have bots to scan resumes for the closest match—feeling lost on where to start? www.myperfectresume.com is an excellent template resource to build a resume that will shine. Also, you can hear from resume experts at the free, monthly Get Hired Workshop.
2: Certifiably the best!
Some jobs require certification, while others see it as a competitive edge. What credentials might help you in your field? MCAA has scholarships for certifications in the medical field or business administration. If you’ve been managing projects for a while, a Project Management Professional certification might be up your alley.
3: Attend a Virtual Career Expo
The MilitarySpouse Virtual Career Expo is a great way to talk face-to-face with employers who are hiring. The next expo is coming up soon with 20+ companies, 50+ recruiters, and over 500+ open positions, guaranteeing you’ll walk away with a new lead, job, or connection! Explore hot jobs, chat with recruiters, apply for positions. All from your home!
Register here for free before the seats fill up.
4: Have a day look, party look, and a zoom look.
Virtual interviews and zoom meetings aren’t going anywhere. When on camera, make sure you have good lighting. If a window is right behind you, you might look more like a shadowy villain than an upbeat must-have new team member. Having a lamp next to your computer can give you the right glow if you only have a ceiling light.
Make your in-camera space clear and as professional as you can. As much as you may love your purple velvet headboard, nobody wants to know you are working from bed. Shifting a table or moving a bookshelf can give you a background that represents you well.
5: Let technology work for you.
Did you know you can set up auto-apply and job alerts on Indeed and other job application sites? Having a solid resume in place with keywords and your information uploaded allows the site to ask if you’d like to apply, and in one click, you can send your resume to a place that aligns with your goals. Register at www.Indeed.com.
6: Make sure your photo matches you.
As you look for work, update your LinkedIn, Facebook, and website to reflect your search. LinkedIn is an excellent way to get your foot in the door and find out about job opportunities with companies you prefer.
According to PBS, “In a recent Jobvite survey, 58% of recruiters said they’re using social media like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to promote their brands and connect to talent.”
7: You know it: Networking
Nowadays, half of getting hired is ‘who you know.’ The Military Influencers conference is a great place to get connected to such companies, and there are Facebook groups you can join like this Military Spouse Professional Networking group. You can also look at your local chamber of commerce for events within your city. Ask around and see if anyone knows a company that might be hiring in your field of work.
You eat an elephant one bite at a time.
It can be disappointing to receive a ‘no’ or, even more frustrating, no response at all. Create achievable goals during your journey, like ten applications sent off a week, talking to a recruiter, or attending a networking event once a month. Seeing measurable activity can help you remember that you are doing your best, even if you don’t see the results you would like.
8: Find a Matchmaker!
Some companies act as a middle man for workers and organizations. Even if it’s not the work you expected to be doing as a kid—Sea World isn’t hiring Dolphin trainers at the moment—you might be surprised at the range of skills you have and can cultivate. Companies like VirtForce are notable because you know you are getting qualified companies actively hiring military spouses. So you don’t have to worry about losing your job if you PCS, stress about a Deployment, or ask to be flexible because of sudden orders.
As tough as our world can be, there are many opportunities for military spouses to grow and find jobs they will excel in. Share this article with your best tips for finding a job and tag @militaryspouse in your post so we can all grow together!