Anatomy of a job search: tips for staying on track during a trying time

A job search is never a walk in the park, and now it’s happening during a global pandemic. TechPoint wants to be as helpful as possible during this unprecedented time, so we gathered several resources to get you started on your job search. They are broken down into three sections to make it easier to digest.

Go where the jobs are

• The TechPoint Job Board is a great resource for those looking for jobs in tech. There are still companies actively looking for talent during this time. The Job Board features different job categories, experience levels, and locations as there are jobs in various locations throughout the state.

• We recently created an RSS feed to meet the demand for connecting companies with talent. Access the feed here. Alerting those in need of new job postings is one of our priorities, look for this graphic on our social media channels when we communicate new jobs are posted.

• If you’re looking to pivot your career and learn a new skill set then our Sales Bootcamp may be for you. The Sales Bootcamp is a four-week program designed to train and provide a first-hand look inside the work environment at several tech companies. 93% of participants to date have received job offers upon completion of the program. [Applications for the May 2020 cohort are now closed.]

• LinkedIn has also put together resources to help you navigate the challenges of today’s job market. The article is broken down into three parts: building a job search strategy, leaning on your professional network, and improving your interviewing skills.

Level-up your LinkedIn

• Add new skills to your profile with a training or two. Including specific skills on your LinkedIn profile is a great way to showcase your abilities to other members. Matt Nettleton, our sales trainer for Sales Bootcamp, has webinars on-demand that discuss various aspects of sales. Lessonly is also offering free sales training courses. Kaplan has partnered with Purdue University to offer free online courses for those searching for a job during this difficult time.

• Join relevant LinkedIn groups to strengthen connections, widen your network, and be in the know of current hot topics. If you are a college graduate, join your school’s alumni group. You can also join any affinity groups from programs you may have been a part of. There are even groups with specific job types to connect and share information like Indy Executive Assistants.

• Ask your current network for endorsements and recommendations. Endorsements and recommendations allow for potential employers to see how you may fit with the position they are trying to fill. When a connection endorses your skills, it strengths your profile. Recommendations are displayed on your profile for people to view. People that visit your profile read the recommendations you’ve received from your connections to see what others have to say about your work.

• Don’t forget about your profile photo! Here is a guide for you to master a headshot while in quarantine. All you need is your phone and a tripod.

Take care of yourself

• It’s important to take care of personal health, as well as your finances, during a trying time. Pete the Planner has started a video series on recession-proofing your finances. Get the skills you need by watching the videos here.

• There are many ways to keep your mind active while spending most of your time at home. The CDC put together ways to cope during the virus outbreak. If meditation is your thing, Headspace is currently offering some meditations you can listen to any time. Visit Indy also put a resource together on ways to enjoy Indianapolis while social distancing.

• Or how about, do nothing for two minutes?

This is a hard time for everyone, go easy on yourself. Remember, you’re not alone, and you have an entire community here to support you.