I Found An Amazing Job Using These 5 Powerful Tools

When you get laid off, it’s okay to feel hurt, angry, and upset. I was laid off on March 18th, 2020, for reasons related to COVID-19, and it stung. I would say my pride took a hit, but to be completely honest, I was also relieved to be moving on to the next chapter.
If you get laid off, the best thing you can do is 1) know your worth and 2) practice gratitude. I was thankful for my time at the company as well as the fact that my whole family has been safe during this pandemic. Losing a job doesn’t even compare to losing a loved one. Keep perspective.
But now there’s a large question mark where once I had a LinkedIn position listed and a “Currently Working Here” box checked. Each situation is unique, but the core mission of any unemployed person is to find work.
Before I dive into the tools that helped me in my job search, it’s important to remember that layoffs can be a signal for a system reset. What do I mean by that? After all, we aren’t robots… beep boop bop beep… system resets, in part, involve reevaluating your goals. For some (🙋♂️like me), it’s the time to try to build something, like a business. If that’s you, go for it.
There are tons of examples of people who were able to create something incredible despite tough external factors. In ’08 we saw a plethora of entrepreneurs emerge from the shadows of the crisis. Some of my favorites include Pat Flynn, Steve Kamb, and Brett McKay.
It’s my opinion that this current crisis will end with similar phoenixes, who manage to rise from the ashes. Most people will probably just go find a job rather than try and start their own business. I don’t believe these are mutually exclusive: you can start a side hustle and get hired somewhere. This is risk mitigation because you’re diversifying your income streams. Hopefully the tools I list below will help you in your search.
My Favorite Job Search Tools
1. Crash
I cannot speak highly enough of this tool. Crash lets you create a profile highlighting your skills, knowledge, and personality. It includes a “Pitches” section, where you can make videos to send to recruiters or hiring managers. Crash’s team is very invested in their Crashers. They want you to succeed and they’re incredibly responsive. The Pro version includes a special Slack channel where you can see new job opportunities, message fellow Crashers, and post questions.
2. Zety
This is pretty much the Amazon of resume builders. It’s one of the best known tools, for a good reason, too. I love the simplicity of Zety. They have a wide selection of resume and cover letter templates you can use and customize. If you’re on a job hunt, update your resume to make sure it stands out.
3. Remotive
This is my favorite job search platform. They list 100% remote jobs and include a simple, easy-to-use interface. Remote companies are more likely to be “business as usual” during this crisis, so check out some remote positions and see if you can find a good fit. These types of companies love creativity — this platform definitely pairs well with Crash.
Side Hustle and Search Hustle Tools
The resources listed above are specifically for if you’re trying to find work. I’m also attempting to start a side hustle. Done right, a successful side hustle is extra job security. I had to enter my own “think tank” and come up with ideas that I’m not only interested in, but that I think might be lucrative long-term (as well as within my financial means). But even if you’re not starting a side hustle, these tools can help you in your job search.
4. MindMeister
This is an easy-to-use mind-mapping tool that lets you create an idea web. It’s helpful to start with an idea and see where it leads as you build on it. I love the colors and the soft edges of the shapes. I used this specifically for coming up with ideas for a side hustle and how to realize it. You can also use it for developing a job search strategy and picking how you will target certain companies.
5. Notion
The all-in-one note-taking tool. I found this about two or three months ago and have loved using it. It’s very versatile, you can create tables listing jobs, track your search progress, or consolidate your side hustle ideas. The ways to use this are endless. It’s similar in nature to Evernote, but I like it better. It’s a great one-two punch paired with MindMeister, which is better for idea inception, then you can build out concrete steps in Notion.
And that’s all, folks.
I was laid off on March 18th and two weeks later I landed my new job, which I love. I used all the tools above and I hope they come in handy for you as well.
Remember, the first step in bouncing back from a layoff is shifting your mindset to seeing it as an opportunity, not a setback. Confide in people who have your back and make yourself stronger because of the experience. One of the positives from this crisis is that we’re all in this together.
Originally published at https://domainofdads.com on March 29, 2020.






