\u201cRepresenting teamwork can be accomplished by describing the work of job seekers\u2019 past\/current teams,\u201d says Mayer. That can mean participation in volunteer groups, academic group projects and\/or pay-based work.<\/p>\n
As for problem-solving skills, describe them briefly in your resume, but be prepared with SAR (situation\/action\/result) narratives to provide more specific examples during a job interview. Then, use the same approach to represent your analytical and quantitative skills.<\/p>\n
\u201cUsing real work examples will highlight your personality and character to the interviewer(s),\u201d says Poulos. \u201cA SAR example can further strengthen your job tasks or responsibilities you use to describe your experiences on the resume.\u201d<\/p>\n
And don\u2019t forget to highlight other key skills on your resume, including verbal and written communication, leadership and flexibility\/adaptability. Speaking of adaptability…<\/p>\n
Use skills learned during COVID pandemic on your resume<\/h2>\n
Mayer says that an often overlooked component of the pandemic is an increase in skill development, and many of these skills lend themselves to the job search. His tip? Leverage this experience to sell yourself as a candidate:<\/p>\n
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- Organizational skills: Suddenly switching to virtual classes and submitting all work remotely is no easy task. \u201cJob seekers should incorporate stories highlighting their ability to prioritize responsibilities in a virtual environment,\u201d says Mayer.<\/li>\n
- Initiative\/leadership skills: In job interviews, Mayer says, describe how you managed your autonomy. \u201cWhat techniques worked well, what forms of digital assistance worked best and why?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Think of it this way \u2013 your experience adapting quickly to a virtual learning environment can showcase your self-management skills and align with the influx of jobs that include remote work.<\/p>\n
Avoid job-search burnout<\/h2>\n
Burnout became a workplace buzzword over the past year, but don\u2019t exhaust yourself before you even get an interview.<\/p>\n
\u201cJob searching in general can be extremely frustrating, even more so when juggling stressors associated with a pandemic,\u201d says Mayer. \u201cBe sure to schedule regular breaks while job searching, celebrate your victories, be mindful of negative self-talk and regularly speak with others about your job search \u2013 in other words, don\u2019t self-isolate.\u201d<\/p>\n
And most importantly, don\u2019t lose hope.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn general, your career is a marathon not a sprint,\u201d says Poulos. \u201cTry not to tie your expectations and feelings of self worth to strict milestones you need to achieve in your career.\u201d<\/p>\n
Need more advice before you start applying? On their weekly podcast, \u201cManual or Automatic: What Gears are Driving Your Career?\u201d Adam Mayer and Jeff Poulos offer useful tips and tricks for job seekers. Listen to episodes of the podcast.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
![\"Jeffrey](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2021\/06\/Jeff-and-Adam.jpg.4.2x.generic.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
Jeffrey Poulos, career advisor for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Adam Mayer Adam Mayer, Montclair State\u2019s director of Career Development.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n