I Landed a New Job During COVID-19 and This is What I Learnedfeatured

I have had a job since I was 16 years old. I worked and grew up at In N Out Burger for many years then pivoted into marketing and communications. That’s just a little about the work I have done, it has not and will never define me but it has definitely influenced my life and my professional goals and aspirations.

While I have always separated myself from my actual job, I have always identified myself as a hard worker, no matter where I land professionally. So when I had to walk away from my most recent job, I was confused for a moment.

Not because the place had been so awesome, but because it had given me a reason to work really hard every day and maintain a familiar routine.

On the flipside, I was also happy to begin a new chapter but my ego didn’t necessarily appreciate that it wasn’t initiated completely on my own terms.

I looked inward and began focusing on my personal brand. As you may have heard, I launched Calm Collab and am building out my dreams every single day. I earned my Digital Marketing Certification and am currently undergoing yoga teacher training.

And while I have refocused my direction, I have still seriously missed my familiar routine. I tried my best to create a new one but it’s not that easy. Some days the biggest goal was to shower, do my makeup, and do yoga. I learned to give myself grace on those days.

It is strange because when I was living the routine life months ago I wasn’t making the best of it, yet when it was gone I learned to appreciate it more than ever.

During this professional and creative transformation, I continuously looked for jobs. But this search was different. This time my dreams were top of mind. I was not going to work just anywhere, I was going to work somewhere that would help me flourish.

I narrowed my search, worked with a career coach, updated and personalized each resume to each job, took employment skill and aptitude tests, submitted numerous applications, and had multiple Zoom interviews.

Here’s what I learned about looking for a job during COVID19:

1) You shouldn’t just apply ANYWHERE. Look for jobs where you can see yourself growing years from now. Don’t follow the title, follow the culture. I looked for jobs at companies where I could fully stand behind their vision and incorporate it to compliment my own entrepreneurial spirit.

2) Expand your job title search. Just because you have always identified with one job title doesn’t mean you can’t apply for others. Many skills are transferrable. I expanded the job title search but made sure to keep within an industry I am passionate about.

3) Don’t be afraid of your resume. I repeat. Do not be afraid of it. Just because you updated it once, doesn’t mean it’s golden and final, never to be looked at again until the next time you’re looking for a job. If you are still looking, chances are your resume could use more tweaking. I recommend you personalize yours to specific job descriptions that really speak to you. Click here to learn how.

4) Not all Zoom interviews are created equal but treat each one like it will lead to your dream job. Look professional and study up on the company beforehand. Warning: Some will turn out to be underwhelming but they are all great experiences nonetheless. I once had an interviewer respond to my question, “What benefits are offered?” with: “Let’s not waste time discussing that now.” Really?

5) Update your resume on all job boards (like Indeed and ZipRecruiter) and make sure to make your profile is “visible” to recruiters. This is usually a setting you have to enable. I can’t express how important this one is. Employers and recruiters are finally looking for candidates again they will actively pursue you if you have an appealing resume including the keywords they are looking for. Many successful people post their resumes on their personal LinkedIn pages. Start there for inspiration. Also be sure to research the language people in your field are using in their professional bios.

I landed a job because of #3 and #5. But before that exciting moment, I made sure to focus on tips #1, #2, and #4. A lot. I also recommend you research behavioral interview questions. Many interviewers are using these and it doesn’t hurt to start thinking about what type of responses you could provide if presented with these.

Most importantly, keep your heart open to all opportunities. Contract work is really rewarding and if you must start out part-time at a place you know you will love, start there.

Right now is a time when your next career move might look completely different than it might have in the past. Let go of old expectations and take new chances. They may lead you to the most unexpected and rewarding places imaginable.

If you are currently looking, please know that you are not alone. If you need any help or just want to chat, comment below or reach out to me directly here.

Love Deeply and Forever,

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