There’s a lot of uncertainty around jobs right now.
U.S. employers slashed more than 170,000 jobs last month — the biggest February total since 2009, which was in the midst of the Great Recession. Thousands of federal workers have been fired and thousands more are fearful their job could be next.
Avery Bardell, workforce development manager with Goodwill Easter Seals, which offers job training and career support, told MPR News preparation is key in this turbulent and anxiety-inducing time.
Gather important documents
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Send a copy of any certifications earned to a personal email address.
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To apply for unemployment insurance in Minnesota, you need your social security number, a driver’s license or state ID, employment history for the last 18 months and bank account and routing numbers should you want direct deposit.
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Check out the Dislocated Worker Program for free job search help and training.
Get your resume past AI scanners
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Try an online resume checker like Jobscan, which compares your resume against a job description and gives you a score.
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When uploading your resume online, have two versions: One for human resources and the other for artificial intelligence.
“We all like a resume that looks really good, is formatted beautifully. I think of that as ‘for the human eyes resume,’” Bardell explained. The second should have no formatting, “so the AI doesn’t get tripped up by bullet points, by lines and bolding and things like that.”
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Not too soon to network
“Networking is good for you, but networking is also good for the people that you’re connecting with,” Bardell said.
Frequent networking connects you with your fellows, keeps you up-to-date on your industry and can link you to job openings.
“So I wouldn’t think about networking with your peers, with your friends, as, ‘Oh, I’m only doing this because I am potentially going to get laid off and I need a job,’” she continued. “70% of job offers that happen are not through cold, online applications. They’re actually through networking.”
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LinkedIn remains the classic, professional social networking site for employers, job holders and job seekers.
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Facebook groups can offer more — and more local or specific — points of connection.
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“Social media can be a really powerful tool, but I wouldn’t rely just on social media,” Bardell said. In addition, check out in-person or virtual networking events through organizations like Wooddale Church Job Transition Support Group or The White Box Club.
I’m mid-late career. Should I worry?
“Everyone in a different [stage] of their career has different challenges,” Bardell said. “If you’ve been in your career longer and you’re more experienced, a big challenge is making sure to find a company that respects and appreciates your experience and expertise.”
Some companies invest time in college career fairs, attracting new hires who they can mold into their ideal employee, she said. Many small-to-mid-sized companies prefer applicants with prior experience.
Bardell suggests looking at companies that both align with your values and appreciate the experience you have. And again, networking is your friend.