Causey’s Career Corner: What job seekers should do during COVID-19 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Damia S. Causey
March 18, 2020
Greetings, fellow Causey’s Career Corner readers.
My usual column would be filled with job fairs and training resources.
Not this edition.
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In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with most job events canceled, I will not post job listings at this time.
This is a stressful and unpredictable time. With schools online  and many businesses shuttered for the next month, being out of work or underemployed adds another layer of anxiety to an already taxing situation.
As a job seeker, or laid-off worker, there are things you can do to feel productive and improve your skills during this period of social distancing.
Check out the library
Although the Milwaukee Public Libraries are closed, they offer online services. If you have a library card you can read eBooks, listen to music, audiobooks or watch movies online. The library also offers online courses in health and wellness, arts and hobbies, technology, foreign languages and many other courses.
If you don’t have a library card, register here. You will receive a temporary password allowing you to use the site for 30 days. After 30 days you will have to go into the library with identification to receive your permanent card.
Election workers needed
Calling all millennials and Gen Xers! City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is asking for younger workers to apply to be election inspectors. With the current COVID-19 outbreak, the CDC recommends older adults stay at home as much as possible.  A third of the current poll workers are over age 70.  This position pays $130 for the day.
Unemployment benefits
If you are laid off or working fewer hours due to COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. Apply here.
The Department of Workforce Development also has a factsheet for workers affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
*As of this publishing, the IRS is discussing extending the tax filing date. If you need an extension, please see IRS tax extension information here.
Other ways to be productive
Create a LinkedIn page. Use this page to connect with employers, job seekers and follow the latest job trends.
Conduct spring cleaning on your social media pages. During this timeout, thoroughly scan all pages for content potential employers may deem inappropriate such as foul language, hate speech or sexually explicit memes.
Keep applying for job opportunities! Just because things will be slow for a while doesn’t mean employers aren’t still looking for workers.
Take inventory of your career wear. Try on all your clothes for proper fit and to see what you really have. Mix and match pieces you wouldn’t normally put together and create new interview outfits. Get rid of clothing that doesn’t make you look and feel your best.
Create a positivity/career vision board. Place it in an area you will see it every day. Use it as a visual reminder of your goals and where you are going in your career. Attach positive quotes, tips and advice. You can also create a virtual vision board. Pinterest has tons of ideas.
Don’t forget to EXERCISE! There are plenty of home workouts that require no equipment other than your own body weight. Exercise is a proven stress reliever. It helps with lowering blood pressure, lessening anxiety and helps you sleep better. Body weight exercises can be found through YouTube or a Google search.
Lastly, don’t give up! The current climate of COVID-19 has all of us more stressed than normal. Be sure to talk about your feelings with your friends and family. Practice self-care by journaling, playing board games or games on your phone or take a walk when possible.
Be well, dear readers. Stay sane and safe!