A list of resources, advice, and inspiration for people looking for employment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are in an unprecedented, extremely difficult time. This document is a list of resources, advice, and inspiration for people looking for employment during the COVID-19 pandemic. My hope is that this helps you navigate your path forward and, more so, that you feel accepted and supported.
This is a living document that will be updated over time with new resources. If you would like to contribute additional materials to be included, please email Muriel at muriel@anthillai.com.
This document was compiled by Muriel Clauson and Rumaisa Mughal. Original sources are linked and noted throughout unless anonymity was requested by the author (as noted). None of the information in this document is legal advice. You should, of course, speak to your own legal and financial advisers if you have a situation that requires their insight.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Who is Hiring
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Candor has put together a database outlining which organizations are currently hiring or on a hiring freeze. This can save you a lot of time in your search. Also note, many of these hiring freezes are temporary and beginning the conversation with firms pre-melt may be effective. Who’s Hiring & Freezing Hiring from Coronavirus
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The National Retail Federation has put together a list of current job openings for those who have displaced from retail positions: Job opportunities for workers displaced by COVID-19
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Glassdoor put together a list of companies hiring specifically to address the threat of COVID-19: 60 Companies Hiring to Address COVID-19
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80,000 hours has a long list of opportunities to work to stop COVID-19 directly and other great resources: 80,000 Hours COVID-19 Page
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The Muse shared a list of companies actively hiring today: 55 Companies That Want Your Application Today
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Linkedin analyzed active job postings on their website and have linked to job postings for the most in-demand areas right now: Most In-Demand Jobs on LinkedIn
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Fast Company offered some ideas for quick employment: Fast Company Employment Ideas
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Forbes shared top industries hiring with links to company job boards in those areas: Industries Hiring During COVID-19
These links outline opportunities to work from home:
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Forbes shared websites offering work from home employment: Work From Home Websites
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Western Michigan University shared resources for temporary part-time or remote work: Part-time or Remote Opportunities
How to Approach a Challenging Job Search
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Rumaisa Mughal: The Job Search Journey of an International Student in the US. We are in unprecedented times, yet it can be helpful to look at job search approaches people have taken when they need to navigate difficult conditions. International students seeking employment in the United States have a disadvantage on the job market in light of their visa status and this article outlines a systematic approach that can help someone be successful in a difficult job search.
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Lindsey Pollak: How to Get a Good Job in a Bad Economy. Some of the content is out of date (this post is from 2008), yet the author does a good job outlining what to think about when looking for a job in a recession.
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Forbes: 3 Things You Need To Know About An April Job Search. Forbes outlines some of the things to keep in mind while job searching during COVID-19.
How to Land a Job and Expand Your Network with a Job Search Pipeline
This is one step that I absolutely would take if you are looking for a job as an office or knowledge worker! Not only does it raise your odds of finding a new job, it also expands your network in your desired field as you begin your search. This approach primarily 1) gets a lot of people to help you and 2) makes it very easy for those people to help you.
The premise is simple, you create a list of target companies and roles in a google sheets spreadsheet. You share the editable sheet with all of your network asking them if they can intro you to anyone at any of the companies on the list. They fill in the “who can intro” column and this builds as more people jump on board.
Here is a sample spreadsheet to get you started. I recommend starting with a wishlist of 50 companies. It doesn’t matter if you have no leads today -- people want to help and this document makes it really easy for people to know how to help you. If you can’t think of anyone who can provide an intro for you, then reach out to people on LinkedIn premium with a free trial (more on that in the job search post above by Rumaisa Mughal).
When someone does offer to make an intro, follow-up by sending them a sample email they can use. Something like:
Thank you for offering to make an intro on my behalf to ____ at ________. I’ve attached my resume and included a forwardable below. Please let me know if there is anything else that you need from me to make this introduction.
Forwardable:
My [friend/former colleague/contact], [Your name with hyperlink to your LinkedIn] is interested in learning more about working at ______, specifically in the role of ______. I think ________’s background will be very interesting to you. [Insert a sentence that captures why you would be a good fit for the role or organization.] I’ve included _____’s resume below.
Open for the intro?
The easier you make it for people to help you, the more help you will receive. The point here isn’t for every conversation to lead to a job. These will mostly be informational interviews. Yet each person you speak with is another person who can potentially intro you to the person who does give you a job AND you are building your network in a big way.
What Financial Resources Are Available
NOTE: This is not legal or financial advice. You are responsible for determining if you qualify for the following programs.
If you are eligible for unemployment:
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Career One Stop, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor: Unemployment Benefits Finder
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Statewide unemployment resources: Reddit Job Loss Megathread
If you are a 1099 worker:
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Fund for gig economy workers: One Fair Wage Emergency Fund
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Small Business Association Disaster Loan Assistance: CARES Act Loan Application
Resources for Debt Management:
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Student loan interest and payment relief: Wirecutter
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Credit card payment relief: Wirecutter
Resources for Non-US Citizens:
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Resources for Immigrants during the coronavirus crisis: Informed Immigrant
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Immigrant workers’ eligibility for unemployment insurance: NELP
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COVID-19 Fund for working class Asian immigrants and refugees: Emergency Fund
Other Resources:
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The financial resources and information available from the United States Government
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Resource on how to use Go Fund Me during Coronavirus Fundraising for Coronavirus
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Worker’s Lab is currently raising a Worker’s Fund
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Please see the section dedicated to service industry workers below.
What Resources are Available For the Service Industry
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Relish Works the innovation arm of Gordon Food Service has put together an incredible website to help the service industry navigate COVID-19. They have a page of resources for service industry workers who have been impacted with several helpful links. Eat.News
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Eater put together a list of relief funds and other resources for service industry workers: A List of Relief Funds for Restaurants, Bars, and Food Service Workers
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Hospitality workers can apply for a grant for support with paying bills such as rent or utilities: Applications for Assistance
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Restaurant Opportunities Center United: Coronavirus Support Resources and Funds for Restaurant Workers
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Fork Over has created a fund to support service industry workers. Funding service industry workers in a time of need
Where Can I Find Side Hustles
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Whether you’re working from home or out of work permanently or temporarily, you might have some extra time on your hands. If you’re looking for a source of extra cash or trying to build an emergency fund, now might be a great time to start that side hustle you’ve always dreamed of: Side Hustles That Anyone Can Do From Home During Covid-19
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Using FlexJobs’ list of the 100 top companies with remote jobs, we pinpointed 32 businesses that have offered full-time, work-at-home positions if you’re looking for one right now: 32 Legit Companies That Will Pay You To Work From Home
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We found plenty of legit, and many unique, money making opportunities out there for you to capitalize on at your convenience, with the perk of no long-term commitment and, in most cases, setting your own hours: 15 Safe Ways to Earn Extra Cash in the Age of the Coronavirus
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As more and more cities temporarily shutter businesses due to the spread of the coronavirus, you may find that one or more of your streams of income is disrupted: 5 side hustles you can do from your couch that can pay as much as $40 per hour, or even more
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Whether you’re struggling to pay the bills or just looking to pad your savings account, check out some clever ways to earn a buck that are on the strange side: 28 Genius Side Hustles You Never Knew Existed
Where Can I Connect With a Community of Job Seekers
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Meetup and Eventbrite have several virtual communities and events focused on job search and coaching during this pandemic:
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Let's Generate Money Working From Home During the Quarantine
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Navigate your Job Search during COVID - Virtual Recruiter Panel
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Virtual Career Expo: CareerEco's cloud recruiting events offer a unique method of connecting virtually that allows everyone to save time and eliminate the many burdens and costs associated with travel.
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Reddit has several communities focused on job searches and career advice. Several of these feeds are heavily focused on supporting those seeking employment during COVID-19. If you are new to Reddit just a heads up that you may run into a troll or two.
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Resources to help keep you sane and happy while quarantining: Save Ourselves
Where Can I Listen to Great Career Advice
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Career Tools is a weekly podcast focused on specific actions you can take to grow and enhance your career. Whether you are interested in jump-starting a stalled career, or sharpening your edge, Career Tools is the podcast for you.
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Pivot offers sharp, unfiltered insights into the biggest stories in tech, business, and politics. They make bold predictions, pick winners and losers, and bicker and banter like no one else.
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Portfolio Career Podcast: “It’s Like How I Built This But For Careers”
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Being Boss is a podcast for creative entrepreneurs, freelancers, and side-hustlers and digs into the mindset, habits, routines, and boundaries that help you make money doing what you love.
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The School of Greatness shares inspiring stories from the most brilliant business minds, world class athletes and influential celebrities on the planet to help you find out what makes great people great.
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Side Hustle School: It’s a daily podcast and action-packed books — all designed to help you create a new source of income with-out quitting your job.
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This is Your Life with Michael Hyatt: Designed to help high-achievers achieve lasting success in all of life’s domains.
What to Read for Great Career Advice
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Atomic Habits by James Clear can help with building systems and good habits while navigating uncertainty and a job search.
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So Good they Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport is a roadmap to create work you love.
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Daring Greatly by Brene Brown which teaches us how to embrace our vulnerability and authentically connect with others.
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What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard Bolles is a good overview to think about the career path that will match who you are and what you can offer the world. This is a good primer book if you are new to thinking about your career plan.
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Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett is a design-thinking approach to your career.
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Antifragile by Nassim Taleb outlines how to not only cope with negative events in our life, but how to thrive within uncertainty.
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War of Art by Steven Pressfield which covers how to overcome our inner critic and put ourselves out there when we are feeling stuck.
General Resources
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Indeed has put together a bunch of useful information on COVID-19 and work. They cover everything from how to work remotely to how to job search. (link)
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LMHQ has compiled a wide array of resources for job seekers coping with COVID-19. (link)
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LAist has compiled this list of places that are offering financial assistance, food for adults and kids, and more. (link)