- Keep seasonality in mind. Many organizations want the entire hiring committee present for the interview process, and it’s challenging to align schedules during the summer or winter holiday seasons. Once more people are back in the office, you’ll likely hear back a lot faster.
- Be shameless in your job hunt. This is a time in your career when you can shout from the rooftops that you’re looking for work — don’t be ashamed to post about it! And don’t be ashamed to slide into those DMs and ask your network for help.
- Decide what you really want before applying. I say this as someone who was out of full-time work with no debt, dependents, affordable rent and receiving Canada’s Employment Insurance. Take time to research different roles so you can be targeted in your applications. Conduct informational interviews to get more insight on different jobs and employers.
- Make a schedule. Immediately after my role was terminated, I walked to the theatre where I was employed on a casual basis and asked to be put back on the schedule. Having a few shifts each week gave my life structure. Once the theatre season ended, I scheduled yoga class, volunteering, or meeting up with friends or my partner (who weren’t working 9-5).
- Go easy on yourself. Mentally, it’s not easy to go through a layoff. Whatever emotions you’re feeling, they’re totally valid.
Wishing everyone who’s on the job hunt right now all the best.
Carly Chalmers (Image Arts ’12) is the Manager, Customer Education at ChartMogul. She’s worked for a number of startups in Canada, Germany and the UK. Outside of the office she’s a dedicated arts patron and volunteer.
Photo credit: Christina @ wocintechchat.com
Great tips, Carly. It took me a while to figure out these 5 things. The hardest to do was going easier on myself as I was pretty tough on myself during the first couple years of career as I had a fear of failing but I embraced it and now see it as a learning experience.
An updated LinkedIn profile with current profile photo, a cover image, with up today information in the “About” section of the profile is essential. Adding rich media including images, videos and recent projects to the “Featured” section of the profile will help you stand out to recruiters and potential employers.
I tend to take denial personally. So when I don’t get a job I get insulted and feel discouraged to keep looking. So going easy on yourself is a good tip! I’ll try to remember to not take it personal and enjoy the process.