Even before the economy began to suffer from the effects of the COVID-19 virus and the ensuing lockdowns and quarantines, many people face layoffs or unemployment each year. But in the first half of 2020, the number of unemployed people has skyrocketed. News reports like the following are increasingly common: 

“U.S. job growth slows sharply;
long-term unemployment rises.”
December 4, 2020

If you’re reading this, it’s likely that either you or someone you know has been impacted by sudden layoffs, reduced hours, or joblessness in recent months. If that is you, we want you to know that you are not alone, that God still has a plan for your life, and that Crossroads Career has tools and resources available to help you through this crossroads moment in your career. 

First Things First 

If you are eligible, don’t wait, Apply for Unemployment Benefits now. Finding your next job may take longer than you think. It also generally takes one to three weeks to get your first benefit check, so the sooner you apply, the better.  

Crossroads Career has created a 7-step curriculum called “You Are Created for Good Works,” and it’s designed specifically to help you through the whole job search process. We want to help you hear God calling, maximize your potential, and get the right job. This 130-page workbook combines powerful biblical teaching with industry-standard human resources practices to prepare you to navigate your career crossroads. 

We also have curated over 100 resources for you. They are organized according to the 7 steps, but could be used separately from the curriculum and at any point along your journey.  

Start searching for jobs and preparing for interviews 

Many companies are still hiring. Some have higher-than-normal demand right now, or have developed their work-from-home options. Here are some curated lists of companies currently hiring: 

• • Freelance Jobs– This post lists 78 of the best freelance job websites that you can get started on right away. (Updated January 2021)
  • Entry level positions (for December 2020 graduates) https://careers.college.indiana.edu/blog/2020/11/30/now-hiring-companies-searching-for-december-2020-graduates/
  • 100 Companies Hiring This Week (January 2021) https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/companies-hiring-now
  • 22 Companies Hiring Amid COVID-19 (updated January 5, 2021) https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/22-companies-actively-hiring-during-covid-19/
  • Companies Hiring During COVID-19 (updated January 28, 2020) https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/urgently-hiring-employers
  • Top 100 Companies to Watch for Remote Work in 2021 https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/100-top-companies-with-remote-jobs-2021/  
• Among the job searching tools that we offer at CrossroadsCareer.org is our own job board that allows you to search over 700,000 jobs. You can also search the internet for jobs by zip codes and keywords (job titles, employers, skills) or use a national job search site such as Indeed.com, ZipRecruiter.com or LinkedIn.com. The job search process is changing for everyone. This article explains some differences in what recruiters are looking for in light of Covid-19. You can also check out this PDF (https://CareerWakeUpCalls.com/COVID-19/) for job search resources and encouragement from Recruiter Abby Kohut.  Use your time to practice and prepare for Online Job Interviews with these tips from The Balance Careers,  and these tips for Video Interviews on the Crossroads blog. While there are several different platforms employers may use for online interviews, one of the most popular is Zoom.US. Learn how to maximize Zoom resources for job search, career development, live networking, remote working and doing business. This tool is also great for getting and giving fun and personal support with family and friends near and far away!
  

  Take care of yourself and your relationships 

  It’s easy when times get challenging to withdraw and experience anger, fear, anxiety or sadness. Here are a few steps you can take to combat those emotions.  In the midst of the challenges presented by COVID-19 and periods of unemployment, it has been harder for many to stay mentally healthy and focused on positive thoughts. Dr. Rick Petronella, a counselor and psychologist, shared two articles with Crossroads that give some great advice on how to handle challenging times like these:  When Bad Becomes Good: Finding Meaning in the Negative Events, which shares ten ways to build and keep a positive attitude The Power of Choice: It Really Does Matter, including the top 10 things we can choose to change Don’t let the threat of potential physical isolation keep you away from the ones you love. Connect with Family and Friends Online. Use services like Zoom.US video conferencing or other video chat options (Facebook, Facetime, Google Hangouts, Marco Polo, etc.) to stay connected to parents and children, brothers and sisters, church groups and buddies. Join our Confidential Prayer Network. You can post a prayer request or a praise report, as well as pray anonymously for others. Remember to spend time with God. Check out this list of 11 different ways you can hear from or connect with God. He has everything you need to get through this difficult time.  Don’t be afraid. Take courage. If you do find yourself facing fear or anxiety, you can pick up this devotional, Face the Fear to help you fight the good fight. Brian has been writing, speaking and connecting people to Christ in the workplace for 45 years. He is Co-Founder of Crossroads Career Services, former Chick-fil-A restaurants VP for Human Resources and Administration, and Owner of Primus Consulting executive search. He has authored Christian resources including Mastery of Leadership, Real Success at Work, and New Job Jump Start. Brian and his wife Kristy live in the Charlotte, NC area.