Don’t Put Your Job Hunt on Hold
While hiring is almost at a standstill, there are still things you can do to be ready when companies open job reqs and start interviewing candidates again.
We’ve rounded up Rain or Shine’s top activities to prepare and stay ahead of the game:
Update your Linkedin profile. I know this seems obvious, but I’m talking about ACTUALLY updating your profile. Don’t just include the places you’ve worked and your title— add bullets for a major project you were a part of, and how you contributed. As a recruiter, I always like to see a bullet point on something you worked on outside of your general role, too. And please, please, please include a link to your portfolio.
Speaking of portfolio… make sure you update yours! Or create one that includes five projects that highlight your most recent work. There are several options for building a new site including Behance, dribbble, Cargo, Squarespace, Working Not Working. It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy, just a white background with thumbnails to click and view the project in detail. You want your portfolio to give recruiters a taste of what you can do, even if that’s a section to show off your personal projects or freelance work. Also, a tip on behalf of recruiters and hiring managers: don’t password protect your whole site! Just the projects that need to be due to contracts or the nature of the work.
Update your resume. That’s right, the resume that may have been collecting dust in the deepest corner of your saved files, needs to be updated. Start by thinking about the next job you’d like to land and tailor your experience to that dream role. Once you have a first draft and need it reviewed, try reaching out to a recruiter from your previous company or one in your job market to take a look. (I’m available to help you with this as well.) These sources of help can also provide some insights on who may be hiring for what you’re looking for.
Start networking. Some of your former colleagues or managers may have moved on to places that are on your list of companies you want to work for. Reach out to them through email or on Linkedin if you don’t have their email address. Try setting up a FaceTime or Zoom call with them to learn more about their team and company. Make new connections at companies you’re targeting through a quick message and a link to your brand new portfolio. This will allow you to stay top of mind for when they are looking to make a hire.
Learn a new skill. Is there a program you’ve been wanting to learn or or skills you’ve been hoping to master? Now is the time to check out courses and bootcamps offered virtually through General Assembly, Designlab, Udemy, Flatiron School, and more.
Things are tough right now and it’s easy to procrastinate on any of these. Just start with the one that you think will benefit you the most. If you ever need any help or advice, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Good luck and stay safe!