The Briefcase "Briefs" Job Search Newsletter - Issue #8

March 29, 2020

In this issue: Zoom hacks that you've probably never heard before, Career change resume examples, job search strategies during the coronavirus pandemic, interview trends for 2020 and more...

I am thinking about you. Yes, you.

Dear readers,

I can't tell you how many sleepless nights I've had over the last few weeks as I've worried about many of you during these uncertain times. I've thought about the fact that some of you unexpectedly lost your job, some of you are now homeschooling your kids while looking for work/and balancing an already full plate and some of you (like me) are working really hard to keep your businesses running. I don't have any magic words or memes that are fitting for these times. I just wanted to send a note to say I am thinking about you.

I have had a lot of time for self reflection and am feeling more energized than ever about the mission of the Briefcase Coach. As competition for jobs increases, I know that the need for quality career services will become even more essential. As a small business owner, I am also committed to providing the very best for my clients and serving the unemployed and underemployed through the regular daily content I produce and large group training sessions. I'm participating in a number of free career summits this month with the goal of giving job seekers in the "trenches" the best tools.

Below is a great article compilation from the past month. Some I've written, some I've contributed to and others I just genuinely liked. I hope that you find these articles helpful. I'd also encourage you to share this newsletter with job seeking friends.

Reach out and say hello this week. Tell me how you are dealing with these new changes. I'd love to hear from you.

As always, I'm rooting for you,

Sarah

Ps. I love unexpected surprises. This has been a heavy week. For fun, there is an "Easter egg" hidden somewhere in the newsletter with giveaway.

Job Search Trends During Coronavirus

Thanks to the reality of self containment to stop the spread of COVID-19, job searching for many has become challenging. We asked 8 career experts how to PRACTICALLY look for a new job while adjusting to self containment and limited child care.

For a decade we have talked about accelerated change. The pace of change in technology, the economy, and society are reshaping the future of work. Yet progress towards actual transformation has been, paradoxically, slow. That is, until now.

How will the COVID-19 outbreak affect the job market? Austin Belcak put together a very comprehensive guide for job seekers during this new period of uncertainty and remote/self-containment.

Recruiters say it's also easier to reach candidates as they work out of the office during the pandemic. This article comes some video interview best practices.

The number of companies around the globe asking their employees to work from home increases each day with the number of infections tied to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As a result, recruiters and managers are being forced to move their hiring processes online.

Interview and Resume Tips

Bob McIntosh asks 5 experts for the insight into the hottest interview trends for 2020.

Some industries are going to be more impacted than others during this economic period of uncertainty. Many people in the travel, retail and oil and gas may find that the best solution to finding meaningful work is to make a career pivot. This article gives practical advice on how to write a resume for a career change.

Thought Provoking Professional Advice

Denise Pickett says, “Being ambitious isn’t always about climbing the corporate ladder … Part of being ambitious is taking risks. I don’t mean just saying yes — I also mean risks with saying no.”

Set powerful goals for 2020 and beyond by asking yourself this set of potent questions.

Interviews are getting canceled. Offer letters are being delayed. However, I can guarantee one area of talent acquisition that isn't slowing down right now.... SOURCING Sourcing recruiters are working hard to build talent pipelines so that when we return to our offices, hiring can resume so that business can avoid more disruption and delay.

Talent Sourcing is not a new function in Human Resources, but it is one that is gaining popularity. I grabbed a virtual coffee with two of the best in the business-- Dean Da Costa and Jonathan Kidder. We talked about how they "find the unfindable"​ and ways that you, as a job seeker, can get on their radar.

Did you know that when I first started making professional videos for the Briefcase Coach I was using a stock image of a fake office on my green screen? For those of you who are now using Zoom and video conferencing for the first time, my article covers some hacks that you can affordably implement to look better on camera.

Share this newsletter with your friends!

We hope that you found The Briefs newsletter thought provoking and applicable to your job search. Please feel free to forward it to your connections, invite your friends to subscribe and SHARE it on social media.

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