At this point you've probably heard it all through the news, commercials, or company's outreach emails: we're living in unprecedented and uncertain times. While this sentiment is certainly true, not everything in life needs to be on hold. Though it may come as a surprise, this applies specifically to the job search. It's hard to believe that job searching can continue when we watch the economy sink lower each day and the unemployment rates rising. But there are still jobs out there and companies are still hiring! 

The question then becomes: how do you best approach job searching in the midst of a pandemic where everyone is confined to their homes? Networking remains an important aspect of the job search process. Despite the fact that in-person events have been on hold indefinitely, there is still the very reliable online networking tool: LinkedIn. While LinkedIn has played an important role in job searching over the years, it's value is highlighted even more in times like these. 

The Muse has highlighted three ways that you can gain the attention of recruiters through your LinkedIn profile. So take the time at home to understand what it takes to make your profile as strong as possible.

1. Show up in searches. Having a complete profile, using keywords that employers may be searching for, and getting recommendations and endorsements will all help to boost your profile up higher in search results. Adding relevant contacts can help your profile be more noticeable as well. Still take care in who you are inviting, but perhaps be a little more liberal and open-minded in terms of how new contacts could help you.

2.  Be clickable. With the millions of users on LinkedIn, having a photo that's professional and expresses who you are can make it more likely a recruiter will click on your profile to learn more about you. A strong headline will help pique their interest, so be thoughtful about the little blurb you use to describe yourself, more than just a generic job title!

3. Stay active and up-to-date. So, you've gotten the recruiter to click on your profile, your work isn't done yet! Make sure you've put in the effort to make your profile interesting enough to hold the recruiters interest. This includes having a well-worded and thoughtful summary. To show you're an active user, post regularly, whether it's sharing new articles, writing your own blog posts, or commenting on things you've found interesting about your industry - this will show the recruiter you're not taking a backseat approach to your career aspirations. 

Though it might be easy during these times to feel like a job search is in vein, it's not. If you put in the effort, there's an increased chance you will be noticed by those who are still hiring and you will be on the path to securing a new position, despite current circumstances.

Take advantage of some of Cancer and Careers' virtual offerings as well, including:

• The upcoming, brand-new, webinar on Job Search Strategy During COVID-19 on Tuesday, May 12, presented by CAC's excellent volunteer coach, Julie Jansen. 
• Our online series, Ask the Experts, is an incredible opportunity to engage in a live Q&A with our guest panelists. On Tuesday May 5th, Dr. Victoria Blinder, from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, joins us to discuss balancing health and work demands during this unprecedented time. On Thursday May 7th, Kathy Flora, career coach and cancer survivor, returns to answer your most pressing employment and job search questions. And on Thursday May 14th, Ali Schaffer, LCSW, will discuss the best ways to take care of your mental health.
• Our free Resume Review Service is still available if you want to take advantage of this time to reformat your resume to fit the jobs you want!
• Check out our publications available for order and/or download, in particular our Job Search Toolkit, with a section on LinkedIn.