Conducting a resilient job search during the second summer of COVID
Job search tips for resilience and self-care
Searching for a job can be stressful – particularly during a pandemic. With this in mind, here are a collection of resources and tools to help promote resilience, realistic hope and self-care.
Treat Job Search like a job! – Finding a job takes time, often weeks or months. Though you may feel that you should spend your whole day job searching when unemployed, do not underestimate the focus and mental energy required to identify jobs, create targeted resumés, and connect with employers. Schedule several hours of the day to work on your job search as you would with a regular job and when the time is up, stop for the day. Set goals for yourself each day, to see your progress and know when to stop working for the day. Searching for a job can easily become an all-consuming affair, but with a schedule, you can give yourself time to relax and recharge.
Quality over Quantity – Sending out dozens of generic applications usually means that you rarely make the top 3-5 chosen for an interview and is a fast-lane to discouragement. Instead, spend time making sure each application is targeted to the position. Polish your resumé, cover letter writing and interview skills, register for a Career Services online workshop, use Career Connect, and take advantage of our virtual resumé learning centre.
Maintain a social network – It is easy to feel unhappy and unmotivated when we’re isolated. Though COVID has made connecting more challenging, there are still many opportunities. Consider reaching out to professionals and alumni through UM Café and other mentorship programs to learn more about a job and future opportunities in the field. Look at ways to get involved on Campus, attend Art Hive, and explore volunteer opportunities.
Take advantage of mental health resources – Beyond providing individual and group counselling/workshops, the Student Counselling Centre provides a helpful guide on maintain Emotional wellness and COVID-19 as well as self-help and community resources to help you manage your mental health.
Feeling uncertain of where to start? Visit Career Services for help with volunteer and employment opportunities and be sure to read our Six strategies to support an effective summer job search.