pandemic | Robin's Resumes (r)

Resume Q&A: How Do I Transition to Self-Employment?

Oct 24 2021

Q. I spent most of the pandemic at home, working and taking care of my kids. It was tough, and I was actually looking forward to the chance to get back to the office. But even though I may be ready, the daycare center and after-school program I used are not yet running at full capacity. My managers are running out of patience with my need for flexibility. My priorities have changed. I want to take part in the gig economy, where I have more control over my time—and my health. How do I transition to self-employment?

A. Many people have been giving serious thought to becoming self-employed after the pandemic. Many people begin the transition to self-employment by keeping their current job and fitting in freelance work at night or on weekends. That is difficult to do when you are already stressed from childcare and your full-time job. You may want to see if your current employer is open to part-time work—or even to becoming your first freelance client.

There are several ways to build a client pool:

Short-term contract positions let you build up connections and a reputation in your industry. You will need a resume to apply for those positions.
Networking is vital to anyone who is self-employed. Keep a resume on hand to provide to anyone who has a lead and needs more information about your capabilities and experience. You may want to join the local chamber or business networking groups.
Reputable online job websites can connect you with people who are looking for individuals to handle a special project.
Self-promotion online—posting on professional sites like LinkedIn, establishing your own website, and even creating an e-book—gives you visibility. Take advantage of print opportunities also, in the local paper or business magazine.

You should be aware that self-employment comes with a few extra legal and financial requirements. For example, California recently tried to pass Proposition 22 which tightened the rules defining independent contractors. The legislators were concerned that companies used the “independent contractor” designation to deprive workers of health, retirement, and other benefits. Whatever your own take on this situation, you must be careful that your jobs confirm to “independent contractor” status. Furthermore, you should prepare to take over the high cost of benefits yourself, especially health insurance for you and your family.

Robin’s Resumes® has helped many people transition to self-employment with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and cover letters that show their value to future clients. Contact us today.

Resume Q&A: What Is It Like Now to Enter the Job Market?

Sep 05 2021

Q. I am a recent college graduate, and I am terrified about finding a job on so many levels. For one thing, the companies I would have applied to for internships were not offering them during the pandemic. So I lack the experience I thought I would have. I am also worried that I will be exposed to unvaccinated people, especially during interviews and when dealing with clients. Finally, I worry that employers hold my grades against me because they dropped during the pandemic. Do you have any words of wisdom?

A. My first words of wisdom are these: you are not alone. In fact, 52% of recent graduates share your terror about entering the job market, according to a survey by Best Colleges. As a result, they changed their post-graduate plans and their employment goals, but the good news is that they are fully prepared to work remotely if that is part of the job.

Your fears about being exposed to unvaccinated people are probably justified. Another survey conducted earlier this summer found that 47% of US employees do not expect vaccines to stop the spread of COVID completely; yet, 66% are uncomfortable with employers tracking vaccination. If you are worried about whether the person next to you is vaccinated, you probably have no recourse other than getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, and trusting your coworkers and clients will tell the truth.

As for your question about grades, you can set your worries aside. Everyone went through the pandemic together; they know what a toll it took. For recent graduates, giving a grade point average is not necessary, especially if it is below 3.8. However, if the job indicates they want someone with a grade point average, at least what yours is, by all means, include it. If you received a high grade point average in your major (as opposed to your minor or cumulative average), then you can put that number on your resume. Otherwise, just omit the numbers altogether.

The types of courses you took are more important. So, too, is any work or volunteer experience you have, even if it is not on your chosen career path. Prospective employers want to know that you enter the job market with a work ethic, team spirit, and learning ability. As a recent graduate, your resume should highlight those hard and soft skills you learned on the job; soft skills, like communication skills, are in high demand and transition easily from job to job.

A great resume will give you confidence in your abilities, experience, and education as you enter the job market. Contact Robin’s Resumes® for the resume writing and career transition support you need at this critical time.

Covering a Pandemic Gap in Your Employment

Jul 04 2021

A gap in your employment—and in your resume—used to concern hiring managers and recruiters. Those days are long past. The pandemic has proven that the loss of a job, reduced working hours, or changes in responsibility are often totally out of an individual’s control. Therefore, they do not reflect current or future accomplishments and skills.

A single line is often sufficient to explain any gap in your employment, including one caused by the pandemic. Keep explanations brief and as positive as possible. For example, “Returned after 9 months when the office reopened after pandemic” or “Left position to prioritize childcare responsibilities during the pandemic.”

Do not try to cover a lack of work by extending dates, and certainly do not pretend you are still employed if you have been permanently laid off. Any attempt to hide a gap in your employment is considered lying and will sabotage your efforts to find a new job. Instead, concentrate on your achievements before being laid off. Consider including any anticipated results, such as “on track to double revenue.”

Your resume should indicate if you contributed to the company’s ability to pivot during the pandemic. For example, “Supported team during transition to working at home with new SOPs and changed priorities” or “Kept 100% of customer base and added 3 new customers during pandemic using virtual meetings and networking to maintain contact.”

Your resume should include any activities during the pandemic that might contribute to your value as an employee. Did you take courses, work toward a license or certification, complete continuing education credits, volunteer at an organization, or take on freelance work? By showing that you kept your mind sharp and engaged, you demonstrate your work ethic, enthusiasm, and concern for the community, attributes that are important to hiring managers and recruiters.

Finally, if your industry is no longer hiring or no longer in tune with your needs, you may need to reorganize your resume to target your new, post-pandemic career path. As a job and career transition coach, a certified master resume writer, and a master career director, I create resumes for my clients that navigate gaps in employment, stoppages, and transitions, whatever the cause.

Do you need help covering a gap in your employment after the pandemic? Contact Robin’s Resumes® today.

A Few Cautions about the Future of Remote Work

Jan 17 2021

The pandemic has inspired many companies to rethink the expense versus the value of having brick-and-mortar locations. According to a Conference Board survey, 36% of companies are now willing to hire 100% remote workers. In contrast, only 12% were interested in that option before COVID-19. Moreover, 88% are willing to hire at least some remote workers—an increase of over 60%.

However, the shift in ideas from onsite to remote is not as huge as those figures might imply because most companies still want their employees to be within commuting distance of the home office (assuming the home office exists).

Another idea going the rounds both among employees and employers is to take back a percentage of the remote worker’s pay. A report by Owl Lads says that 31% of workers are willing to take a 5% pay cut, and 26% would take a 10% pay cut to work remotely. Deutsch Bank recently floated the idea of remote employees paying a tax to support employees who cannot work remotely.

Where does this leave you?

Companies are still figuring out how “remote” they want their remote workers to be. You may want to consider carefully before aiming your resume on a remote job with dreams of working from some exotic location.
Attitudes toward remote work are evolving. Assume that any remote job you take might change back into an onsite position—or vice versa—and consider whether you are flexible enough to deal with that.
As remote becomes more prevalent, companies might treat it as a benefit rather than an accommodation to a problematic situation. Once companies see remote work as a benefit, it might lead to pay cuts, taxes, or other penalties—especially for women who often fall victim to the assumption that all women prefer to stay home with family.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we keep track of trends like these because we want to give you the best-fit resume for the job you want and the best career advice. Whether you prefer a remote work or an onsite position, rest assured that our resume will help you toward the career you deserve.

Applying for a Job during Covid-19 Pandemic

Oct 04 2020

What does the pandemic mean for job seekers?

The job market is still there. If you have been hesitating to apply for jobs now, fearing an unwelcome job market because of Covid-19, take the plunge. Many companies have found that their customers are returning and that revenue is beginning to approximate pre-pandemic levels. However, be sure you want the change and are not reacting to a temporary situation. Robin’s Resumes® has had many folks contact us who want to change jobs but are not focused on what the changes may do to their careers. Be sure not to seek any job just because you do not like your current situation. We offer coaching services to help you find the right situation and then change jobs. We have succeeded in helping several senior- and junior-level folks to identify the right positions to apply for and then create job-winning packages for them during the pandemic.

Virtual interviews are common. Many companies will continue to depend on virtual interviews of job seekers even after the pandemic. If you already have Zoom or another videoconferencing system set up on your office computer, now is the time to check that your background is professional, your sound system is working clearly, and you radiate confidence in front of the camera. If needed, arrange to have your picture removed from the screen, so you are not tempted to look at yourself during conversations with someone else.

Masks are expected. If you have been lax about wearing a mask, you may want to rethink that: 60% of US companies recently surveyed state that masks will be part of their employee dress code. Purchase or sew masks that fit over your mouth and nose and feel comfortable. Check online for hacks to fix masks if they interfere with your glasses or feel too tight. Use the mask when you are applying for a job in person and assume your workplace will require them.

Most companies are prioritizing safety. Ask about workplace policies related to Covid-19. If you have a condition that affects your immunity or otherwise makes you more vulnerable to Covid-19, you are probably already primed to ask questions. But you should find out about company policies in any case so that you do not inadvertently put yourself or your fellow employees in danger.

Political discussions are inappropriate. Whether or not you agree with the way governments and corporations are handling the pandemic, avoid political discussions, especially when you are applying for a job. A survey by the staffing firm Robert Half revealed that only 21% of employees believe it is appropriate to discuss politics at work. For job seekers, discretion is a good idea; you may want to remove political statements from your social media.

Work environments are changing. Be prepared for a different work environment. More than 90% of companies are creating social distance guidelines and reconfiguring workspaces.

If you need guidance in readying yourself and your resume while applying for a job during the Covid-19 pandemic, please contact Robin’s Resumes®.