Starting your job search from scratch
A job-hunting strategy for after divorce and when you’ve been out of the workforce for a while
Entering a new industry without any prior contacts can be daunting. When I made the leap, I was fortunate to have recently completed my Masters, giving me a solid reference. Additionally, a few individuals I had freelanced for were willing to vouch for my work quality. For those reentering the workforce, the experience can be overwhelming, but with the right strategy, it’s possible to navigate the process successfully.
Energy and Focus During Your Job Search
When you first start job hunting, it’s natural to feel a surge of energy and enthusiasm, wanting to apply to as many positions as possible. However, this approach can quickly lead to burnout. Instead, it’s crucial to channel that energy into focused efforts, especially for the companies that matter most to you.
If you’re not in immediate need of work, I recommend applying only to roles you genuinely desire. Spend the first month focusing solely on your dream or stretch positions. Committing to a job should mean being truly excited about the role and the company.
Managing Expectations While Looking for a Job
It’s essential to manage your expectations regarding the application process. It’s not uncommon to wait several weeks before hearing back from companies, particularly for newly posted roles. During this waiting period, you can continue refining your applications and preparing for potential interviews.
Crafting and Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter
Updating your resume after a divorce and when you’ve been out of the job market can be tricky. Take your time and make sure what is presented tells a full story that makes sense.
I spent considerable time researching how to format my resume for optimal results, discovering that Word documents are often preferred for screening software used by large companies. Some of the best tips I found came from TikTok, though the platform can be overwhelming, so I used it sparingly.
Each application I submitted was tailored specifically for the role and company. I adjusted my CV and cover letter for every single application to demonstrate that I wasn’t using the scattergun approach but had genuinely researched and understood the position. This personalized touch is the least you can do to stand out in a crowded job market.
Tracking Applications While You Apply For Jobs
I saved each version of my CV and cover letter for every application I sent. This strategy paid off when I received feedback from a company indicating that my application had progressed to the next round. I then used that successful resume template for other similar roles, knowing it had passed through the initial screening.
Job Application Pace
Initially, I aimed to complete three applications per day, prioritizing the most important ones. Over time, this number decreased to one or two high-quality applications daily. This method ensured each application was meaningful and aligned with my skills and career goals.
Choosing which Platforms to Focus on During Your Job Search
I primarily used SEEK (in Australia)for my job search, with some attempts on LinkedIn. However, I didn’t find LinkedIn Premium particularly effective for someone like me, who was new to the industry and lacked extensive contacts. Choosing a platform is less critical than ensuring you’re applying to roles that genuinely fit your skills and aspirations.
Avoiding Burnout While Applying
Job hunting can be mentally and emotionally taxing. To maintain my sanity, I adopted a schedule of one week on, one week off. This approach allowed me to recharge and reduce anxiety, preventing the process from becoming all-consuming. It’s important to remember that missing a week won’t cause you to miss out on the perfect opportunity.
Strategic Job Applications
Given that I had some time to find a job, my strategy involved initially targeting roles that perfectly aligned with my career goals. After two months, if I hadn’t received favorable responses, I planned to broaden my search to include roles that didn’t require my exact skills but could get my foot in the door at desirable companies.
For instance, if my copywriting applications weren’t successful, I considered applying for general marketing roles. If those didn’t work out, my fallback was to apply for any job with reasonable hours and good working conditions, allowing time for future career moves.
The Application Journey
It took about two months and 27 applications to secure a job. Out of those applications, I progressed to the second round with five and had interviews with two. These numbers might seem low compared to the effort involved, but persistence paid off.
My job search timeline was as follows:
First application: April 8th
Last application: July 7th
Job offer: First week of August
In total, it took four months to secure a role that I consider an ideal starting point for my career.
Conclusion
Job hunting in a new industry without contacts can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Focus on quality over quantity, tailor each application, and manage your energy to avoid burnout. Remember that persistence and a strategic approach can lead to success, even if it takes time. By sharing my experience, I hope to provide a realistic perspective and actionable advice for those navigating a similar journey.