Lose Your Job? 10 Steps to Getting a New One

Millions of Americans are out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you've lost your job, you may feel hopeless as you navigate your search for a new one. These tips will help you get on track and stay there so that when new employment opportunities arise, you're more likely to capitalize on them.

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If you held down the same job for quite some time, it could be that your resume hasn't been touched in years. But chances are you've grown professionally since then, so make sure your current resume reflects those added skills. At the same time, you may want to take certain items off your resume. If you've been working full-time for five years, for example, then the temp job you held down the summer before college may not need to be mentioned at all.

ALSO READ: Avoid These Mistakes on Your Resume

You may come across different job listings that require their own skill sets, so don't be afraid to tweak your resume to accommodate that. Shifting some of your job responsibilities around, or changing the way you frame your experience could make you a more viable candidate.

Some job seekers don't put much thought into their cover letters, but that's a mistake. If you want to attract employers, that letter can't be boring. Rather, it needs to be punchy and full of character. Most importantly, it needs to tell the story of who you are and what value you bring to the table.

The things you do best could make you a promising candidate for a number of different roles, so think about what your strongest skills entail. Maybe you're really good at analyzing data, managing projects, or noticing small details. Figure out what you're really good at, and it will help you narrow down the best roles to apply for.

ALSO READ: 4 Job Skills It Pays to Boost in 2020

Chances are, there are one or two things you could really stand to improve on professionally. Maybe you're not very organized, or you lack a skill that's specific to the type of job you want (for example, a computer programming language). Take the time to do better in these areas so they don't hold you back from getting hired.

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We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by the Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true. And while Amazon and Netflix have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Simply click here to learn how to get your copy of “5 Growth Stocks Under $49” for FREE for a limited time only.

You may not have needed certain skills at your last job, but if you're willing to learn new things, they could help you land a new one. While you're out of work, take the opportunity to become more well-rounded. Enroll in an online marketing course, or sign up to improve your presentation skills. The more well-rounded you are, the more likely you are to get a job offer.

Just because we're in a recession doesn't mean there aren't jobs available. The key, however, is to search for them consistently. Right now, there's a lot of competition since so many Americans are out of work. Keep at that search and don't be discouraged if some days yield fewer results.

You'll often hear that when it comes to getting a job, it's not what you know, but who you know that really counts. At a time like this, it pays to put yourself out there and network extensively. Contact former colleagues, old college professors, friends, neighbors, and long-time family acquaintances. Now's certainly not the time to be shy, so reach out, explain that you're job-hunting, and ask for leads on openings.

If you held down your last job for quite some time, then there's a good chance it's been a while since you've attended an interview. And if that's the case, it's imperative that you brush up on those skills so that if you are called in as a potential candidate, you don't blow your chances. Read up on common interview questions and enlist a friend to do a mock interview with you. A little effort on your part could make things go much smoother when you're put on the spot.

ALSO READ: Here's How to Ace a Job Interview

It's one thing to claim to be a good writer, illustrator, or web developer, but it's another thing to prove it with actual examples. Spend some time creating an online portfolio that highlights your best work. It's a good way to show prospective employers that you're as talented as you say you are.

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We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by the Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true. And while Amazon and Netflix have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Simply click here to learn how to get your copy of “5 Growth Stocks Under $49” for FREE for a limited time only.

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