Your job search survival guide
The job search is no vacation. If anything, it can feel like being stranded on a deserted island: staring at the endless ocean of job postings, shouting into the void of online applications, and wondering if rescue (or a callback) will ever arrive.
At NRG, we believe it doesn’t have to be that way. A job search can be more than just a means to an end. It can be a time for connection, reflection, and even growth. We want your job search to feel less like survival and more like a supported expedition. So we built a Job Search Survival Guide to help you pack the right tools (and ditch the dead weight).
What to bring with you on the journey:
1) Go-to Job Boards: Create a shortlist of job boards that actually serve your interests. No more doomscrolling on LinkedIn! Check out mission-aligned platforms and local community job boards.
Want more? Here’s a wicked thorough list from Allison Ehrich Bernstein.
2) Community Groups and Listservs: You are not alone! Tap into identity-based or industry-specific groups where people regularly share job opportunities and advice. Think Slack channels, alumni networks, and listservs. Here are some on my radar to get you started:
3) Networking Itinerary: Make a plan to connect with people, not just to get a job, but to learn and build relationships. Our NRG Networking Toolkit gives you everything you need to create your plan, from weekly and monthly goals to message templates. (Get access by joining the Talent Network.)
4) Accountability Systems: Find a job search buddy or join a job seekers group. Set weekly goals, swap resumes, and keep each other going. You’re much more likely to stay motivated if you’re not doing this alone. Never Search Alone offers free support groups for jobseekers.
5) Self Care Routine: Job searching is emotional labor. My self care looks like going for a run, playing racket sports, or spending time with my kids. Make time for rest, joy, and whatever helps you recharge. You can’t write a compelling application if you’re running on fumes.
Block out time in your calendar for each of these pieces + sending in applications. My philosophy is quality over quantity. With these five priorities, you should be spending more time networking and some time applying to jobs that truly fit your goals and experience. Shoot for 4-5 networking conversations and maybe 1-2 job applications (if they feel like a fit) per week.
What to leave behind
These things will only weigh you down.
1) Fear of networking: It’s not lame, it’s human. Think of networking as relationship-building, not self-promotion. People generally want to help, especially if you’re genuine. Here’s a quick guide on how to network.
2) Taking rejection personally: Rejection is brutal, but rarely personal. Organizations have shifting needs, limited capacity, and internal processes you may never see. Keep going.
3) The "Perfect" Resume Obsession: A solid, clear resume is important, but tweaking it endlessly can become a form of avoidance. At some point, send the thing.
4) Comparing Yourself to Others: You’re on your path. Someone else’s success doesn’t take away from yours. Your progress is real, even if it doesn’t look like their highlight reel.
5) Shame In Asking for Help: Ask for intros. Ask for edits. Ask for encouragement. This process is hard. Lean on your people.
Need a lifeline? Schedule an intro call with our Career Coach, Kristin Saybe, to see if coaching support is right for you. We also run small group coaching sessions (our next one is on 8/20), Q&As with our coach (coming up in September), and post new jobs weekly.
Our goal is to make your job search a little less lonely, and a lot more human.
Director, Programs @ Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation; LA; $125K-$145K
Relationship Manager @ Freedom Together Foundation; Hybrid in NYC; $120K-$140K
Regional Director @ Working America; DC, Philly, Phoenix, Atlanta; $108K-$120K
State Program Director @ Working America; DC, Philly, Phoenix, Atlanta; $71.9K-$79.9K
Program Associate, Organizational Development @ Growald Climate Fund; SF Bay Area (Preferred) or Boston; $70K-$78K
Deputy Director of Organizational Development @ California Domestic Workers Coalition; Remote in California, Bay Area Preferred; $95K-$105K
Senior Investment Analyst, Impact Investing @ Clean Yield Asset Management); Remote (New England Preferred); $110K-$130K
Chief of Staff @ Chicago Teachers Union; Chicago; $153K
Major Gifts Officer @ UTEC; Lowell, MA; $96K
Director of Transitional Coaching @ UTEC; Lowell, MA; $75K
That’s not all! We’re hiring for additional jobs and you can see all of our openings on the NRG website.
UPCOMING EVENT
Follow NRG on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all of the roles we are hiring for.
If you aren’t currently a member of the NRG Talent Network, consider joining. The questions take 3 minutes to complete and then we’ll send you job announcements when your criteria (salary, location, etc.) matches the position.
Let’s move,
Naomi
P.S. If you’d like a partner to help you with your job search strategy, sign up right now for 15 minutes with Kristin to learn how NRG’s coaching programs can help you. If you find this newsletter helpful, forward it to your friends and help us build our network! If you received this from a friend, sign up here to receive future “Get Hired'' newsletters.
