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I need a new job! How the heck do I job search when our world is under lockdown and quarantine!

How Working Mothers Can Job Search During The Quarantine

You’re a busy working mother who has been juggling work, being a mom, and life for a while. You have wanted to find a new job that would allow you to work and have more time for your family. However, you haven’t had the time to look for one.

A positive of this pandemic has been the gift of time you have received. Though it has come at a high cost. You’re now trying to navigate working from home with kids. Or, you’re on furlough or recently lost your job and income!

I’m so sorry that you have to be going through this. I hope these tips will help you go through what you’re going through.

You now have “time” to job search, but you’re feeling confused, unsure, and stuck trying to figure out how the heck you can seek employment during this quarantine.

You can absolutely job search during this quarantine!

Below are five steps you can take today to start your job search during the quarantine.

Five Steps To Take Job Searching During Quarantine

I know you’re anxious to get started with your job search immediately. They are a few steps you must stake before you start submitting applications. These steps will help you plan for and execute an effective job search that will be as stressful as possible.

Step#1: Figure Out Your End Goal

Are You looking for a J.O.B, Side Gig / Business, or a Career Change?
As you know, job searching can be very stressful, even without the additional challenges we’re facing in this pandemic.

It’s beneficial that you Begin Your Job Search With Your End Goal In Mind!
Knowing your end goal will help you build your road map to achieve your job search goal.

You have to be strategic and tactical with your job search. You can’t throw “mud” at every wall and just hope something sticks. This will get you even more frustrated.

Take some time to figure out if you’re seeking a J.O.B (Just Over Broke). A temporary low-paying non-career-related work; a side gig/hustle/business or a new career-related opportunity.

When you know where you’re going you can work backward/reverse engineer and create and implement a job search plan with steps that will yield results.

Step#2: Conduct A Working Mom Analysis

As a working mother, they are additional factors that you must take into consideration when conducting a job search.

I have laid out 5 Musts For Working Moms Before Starting A Job Search In this article.

FIRST: Know What You’re Looking For In The Position You’re Seeking.

In step one, you’re figuring out the type of work you’re seeking. In this step, you need to be able to describe how you see yourself performing in the position. How will you use your skills, accomplishments, and experience to impact the positions you’re seeking.

Companies use different and various job titles for the same roles. When you’re conducting a job search you need to know the “meat” of the position. Go beyond the job title you’re seeking. Figure out and know what you’re looking for in the position you’re seeking.

This will help you identify the position you’re searching for and market yourself for the job better. Thereby decreasing your stress, anxiety, and the time you spend on your job search.

SECOND: Identify Your Skills, Experience, And Accomplishments – The Value You Have To Offer Employers.

THIRD: Figure Out “Where”. The Locations You are Willing And Able To Travel For Work As A Working Mom.

Does your job need to be close to your home?
Or, does it make sense for your job to be close to your children’s daycare and/or school?

FOUR: Identify Your Non-Negotiables. What do you need from your potential company, team, manager, and position?

Remember that you are also interviewing the companies, teams, and managers to ensure they are a good fit for you and your family. As a working mother juggling work, children, and family things become more dynamic.

If you’re not sure what your needs are or how to identify your non-negotiables – look at all the challenges you’re currently having or have had in your current or previous job.

FIVE: Know Your Worth! Figure Out The Salary You Need!

Think about the entire package including benefits. This will help you during the interview process to respond confidently when asked about your salary expectations and negotiate your job offer.

You can read the article on 5 Musts For Working Moms Before Starting A Job Search for more details and tools to help you with these five steps.

Step#3: Create Your Job Search Plan

Now that you have “figured out your end goal” and completed the five steps in your “Working Mom Analysis” you will have the tools needed to create an effective job search plan.

NETWORKING IS THE NUMBER ONE [ #1 ] METHOD OF SECURING A JOB!

Think about who you know and who knows you. Take it back to the basics.

Even though we’re restricted under social distancing and stay-at-home orders we are very fortunate to have the technology.

Reach out and connect with your network and make new connections. Let them know the value you have to offer.

– Telephone – Make phone calls
– Email – Send emails
– Social Media – use social to connect, reconnect and make new connections
– LinkedIn – LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network. You can use it to make connections, research, and job search.

Get our Job Search Time Saver Bundle for only $29.99 (a $76 value).

As you prepare for your job search, review the 10 best job search sites for 2020, based on in-depth research conducted by ConsumersAdvocate.org.

Step#4: Update and Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

Be sure to update your marketing tools (resume, cover letter, thank you letter, and reference page). First impressions are important. Have your resume ready for when you start reaching out to your network.

Update and tailor your resume and cover letter to market you for the position you’re seeking. Be sure to show employers the value you have to offer. What skills, experience, education, training, and accomplishment do you have that will add value to the position you’re seeking.

Related Articles: Resume Writing Tips To Get You An Interview

Related Articles: How To Write An Effective Resume

Step#5: Research and Target The Companies You Want To Work

In the job search plan guide, I discuss proactive and reactive job search methods.
What actions can you take to plant seeds that can flourish when companies start hiring?
What actions are you doing to take in response to job openings you see?

– Go directly to the company websites.
– Create profiles and upload your resume and cover letter.
– Check LinkedIn and other social platforms of the compies you’re targeting.
– Check the news and see what’s happening in your industry.

You Can Job Search During Quarantine

Our world has slowed down and may never be the same again. We are so fortunate to be here and get another day to go after the dreams and goals we have.

It’s okay to be afraid as we have never experienced anything like this before. Plus they are so many uncertainties.

Ruth Soukup says in her book, Do it Scared, Courage is Taking Action Despite Your Fear! This doesn’t mean you’re not afraid. It’s being afraid and taking action anyway!

TAKE ACTION!

You have been wanting to go after a new job for a long time and have not had the time to do so. Follow the steps above and start your job search one step at a time.

It takes an average of three months for a typical job search. I hope and pray that this time will pass soon and you will secure the job you and your family need!

You can get our Job Search Guide For Busy Working Moms. It includes our 4 in 1 Resume Bundle and Job Search Guide For Busy Working Moms. Click the link to see what else is included and how it can help save you time with your job search.

Email me at yamiek@rockstarcareermoms with your questions.

Hang in there, mama, and stay safe and healthy!