Whether you're job searching because you’ve been looking before COVID-19, been laid off during the pandemic, just graduated, are hoping to find something more meaningful, or need to switch to something less taxing, it may feel particularly overwhelming to approach a job search during a pandemic.

However, Cancer and Cancers offers job search resources to help you during this time, such as an upcoming webinar on Networking During Social Distancing (join us Tuesday, 9/29!). And, we have outlined key takeaways from an article by Buzzfeed below on the 13 Things You Need to Know About Job Hunting Right Now, and added our own thoughts. We also recommend checking out the original article for their hilarious & light-hearted memes to add a smile to your job-search process!

1. Give yourself credit. Job searching is hard in general, even before a global pandemic, and even before balancing cancer. So go easy on yourself and remember what you are doing isn’t easy. Set realistic goals and reward yourself.
2. Be flexible. A lot of things have been forced to change due to COVID-19 and industries have been forced to adapt. Job seekers must adapt too. Try to have an open mind when looking for your next role. Think through your options.
3. It’s okay to think short-term. If you need something more immediate for income, health insurance and other benefits, it’s okay to take a job for the immediate term while still looking for something that aligns with your career path.
4. Focus on the companies doing well. Some companies have been hit harder than others during this time, so do your research into which are thriving.
5. Look at companies with open job ads. While we usually say most don’t come from job boards, at this particular moment, you should be strategic and focus on the organizations that are actively hiring.
6. Networking is important. Still today, most jobs come from those that may not be listed. Read through our Networking section for tips and techniques to effective networking.
7. Adapt to virtual networking. Since right now most networking meetups aren’t happening, it’s important to learn how to network online via videoconferencing and email. Join us on September 29th for a webinar on Networking During Social Distancing.
8. Learn new skills. Use this time to build your resume by developing a professional skill. Not sure where to start? View our past webinar recording on Enhancing Your Skills: Prepping for Success.
9. Clean up your online brand. Employers google. We recommend doing a Google search of yourself and seeing what comes up. Did you disclose your cancer diagnosis online? For more on addressing your online footprint, click here.
10. Add remote-work experience to your resume. If you’ve been working from home or are familiar with work-from-home software such as document-sharing tools and video conferencing software, put it on your resume! Even if you’re not working from home right now, past experience with remote work is an asset during this time.
11. Go on informational interviews. Build your network by asking people for informational interviews rather than asking for a job. Right now, you can do so remotely.
12. Look into your camera on an interview. Most people tend to look at the screen, not the camera, but looking at the camera creates the illusion of eye contact. Make sure your area has nice lighting, is non-distracting, and that you are dressed appropriately, etc. Click here for tips on effective interviewing.
13. Remember the advantages of remote interviewing. If you already have a job, it’s a bit easier to interview without your employer knowing; and it’s easier to reference notes, etc. So embrace the new advances!