Quarantine & Progress, Maybe

Brown girls,

COVID 19 a.k.a. the Corona Virus is a new virus that has the globe on standstill as we figure out how to save millions of lives. Many of us here in the United States, especially in big cities like NYC and LA, are being told to stay home until the government figures out a way to slow down and/or stop the spread.

Now you're home, probably pissed because your senior year of college is being taken away (the thrills), your job wants you to work remotely (with all the distractions at home), and your child being home from school (can mean more chaos).

If you've been keeping up with my blog, then you know that I'm big on setting goals and trying to figure out ways to tackle them one by one. This is the perfect time for you to plan what's to come next in your business or craft.

For those that are still enrolled into college, take this time to revamp your resume and add a little spice to it. Since I have the power to hire people and I go through hundreds of resumes at least once a month, I'd like to think I'm qualified to give you all some resume tips and how to add a little razzle dazzle to it and catch an employers eye.

Resume formats are completely different from the norm now. We have color, pictures and fancy fonts. If you apply to a job and upload your resume through the online portal, the system will not recognize the fancy icons we have for "contact number and location". Please delete those icons out off your resume, or it will automatically put you into the the denied section. MOST of the time, humans are not the ones denying your application, but the system it goes through is. These systems scan for key words that'll automatically approve you to be viewed by the actual employer.

Networking will be the key to securing these job positions. When college comes to an end, please do not run to grad school if you're either:

- Lost on what to do next

- This is a second resort because your dream job didn't hire you

- Want to stay around your undergraduate friends (they wouldn't do it for you)

- Don't have enough funds to pay for your tuition

Grad school is sometimes necessary, depending on your field, but other than that, it's just a way to buy into a network if you can't find any other way into your dream job.

Networking is the key to a lot of doors. They cannot be opened until you put that key in the lock. As a senior, you should've been building relationships around campus with not only the students, but the faculty as well. They are the one's that could put you onto opportunities that may not be available in emails and the one's that'll want to see you succeed.

For the razzle dazzle part, include clubs you were in and what you did (ONLY if it's an executive position, in which you're the one making some sort of plans or have power). Events that you put together, it shows organizational and budgeting as a skills (that's a plus). Use "BIG" words, even if you were a cashier at some point. Sell that position girl! Include that references are available upon request on the bottom of your resume. When it comes time to send in your references, utilize at least one professor, one former employer, and someone that's in their career field already and know you well.

Those who are creatives, make a log of content you're trying to get out to your audience. Revisit the first piece of content you ever sent out into the public. How have you progressed? Critique everything you've ever put out and make a plan on how to grab more people's attention.

And my entrepreneurs, budget and plan how you're going to hit your next sales mark. Times right now may be the absolute hardest for you since people are being laid off and may not have income. How can you help out your loyal customers, while trying to drive new consumers in? Maybe, try to do a discount sale, us black folk love some sales. If you do a sale, you're not only helping your consumers get easy access, but you're still getting some sort of income coming in. There's ways to help others while still helping yourself through these hard times. The economy is coming to a collapse and we only have each other to make it through.

Though many are afraid of the unknown that is currently taking place in our lives, it's always great to prep. We have A LOT of time on our hands now that we can easily take advantage of, or ignore (don't be that person).

But here's a good idea. Take my advice, stop being lazy and help yourself. If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready.