JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ provides mature Philadelphia job seekers with professional job readiness workshops, one-on-one job coaching, and advocacy. For more information on how we can help you, register for our next free Information Session, which are held via Zoom videoconference. See our events page to RSVP for an upcoming session.

 

How can I find a job during a pandemic?

  1. Don’t keep your job search a secret: network!
    Develop a support system by letting your friends and family know that you are looking for employment. They may know of companies that are hiring, or what other opportunities may be available, or introduce you to someone who can expand your network. Speaking of which, social distancing doesn’t have to mean distancing yourself from your community or network. Reach out to all of your contacts, including former co-workers, supervisors and business colleagues.  Hiring managers love to get referrals!
  1. Make use of online resources. For example:
    • Join us for an upcoming JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ Friday Info Session on Zoom!
    • PA CareerLink® Suburban Station, operated by JEVS Human Services, is a collaborative project between multiple agencies to provide career services to Pennsylvania employers, potential employees, and others.
    • Indeed is a job search engine that can help you with your search, send you alerts about your desired role, and make applying for jobs easier by allowing you to upload your resumé.
    • LinkedIn is a networking site that allows you to list your professional background and qualifications, connect with others in your field, and view job listings.
  1. Stay up to date – sign up for webinars!
    These days most hiring companies are utilizing virtual technology for safe communication, so it is wise to consider familiarizing yourself with platforms like Zoom to be ahead of the curve. Zoom has a great tutorial that can assist you with learning the steps of usage. Zoom is also used for many job search webinars.

    What’s a webinar?
    A webinar is an online seminar conducted over the internet using specialized software such as Zoom.  All you will need is a computer that has video access, or a smartphone or tablet. There will be a host (presenter), a specific topic of discussion, and short-trainings or workshops. These webinars offer face to face interaction with multiple people and job seekers.  Check out upcoming webinars from JEVS!

How can I stay proactive during this time?

  • First, take some time to update your resumé and cover-letter.  And instead of having just one, customize a few variations of your resumé, each emphasizing different skills to meet a variety of job requirements.
  • Also, this is the perfect time to determine if you want to stay in the same field or consider other options.  Try using MyNextMove to evaluate where you are and where you want to go.
  • Finally, use this time to refresh your skills and learn some new ones! (See below).

How can I enhance my skills during a pandemic?

There are some great FREE online tutorials that you can use in the comfort of your own home:

If you would like to strengthen your qualifications with a certification or degree, there are many options available. Contact the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) to boost your professional expertise with noncredit, online offerings.  Through August 31, you can take these courses for free: Introduction to Critical Thinking, Personal Creativity or Creativity in Teams and Organizations.

Another great online higher education option is JEVS’ Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).  Students learn online with personalized feedback and structured one-to-one coaching conducted remotely through email, text and videoconference.

How can I relieve stress?

Be patient with yourself and set realistic goals.  Start by taking some time out to practice self-care:

  • Develop a daily routine for productivity and sleep.
  • Aim for a healthy diet by eating nutritious meals and snacks.
  • Go for a walk alone, with a pet, or with a friend (just be mindful of social distancing).
  • If you are employed and become sick, it’s okay to use your sick time.

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More Information

We hope that you’ve found these tips to be enlightening and informative.  If you have any questions, need support with your résumé, job leads and professional career coaching, please feel free to contact us about our free services (generously funded by the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging–PCA):

Phone: 267-647-7137
Email: cs55@jevs.org

REQUEST PROGRAM INFO

> Read our other job search articles in the “Mature Workers” series here.

 

Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ program understands that finding a job can be frustrating. However, we’re pleased to report that employers are hiring! Therefore, we encourage you to be patient, pace yourself and seek professional support. Also, continue to connect with positive people who are on the same journey as yourself. 

 

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