Turn Off the Computer

By Elijah Thomas

In 2023, most job hunting takes place online. From finding a job to researching it to interviewing—the internet is a job hunter’s best friend. However, there are still things that can and should be done the old-fashioned way.

What sort of tasks can be done once you close your computer and turn off your WiFi? You can attend job fairs, conduct in-person networking, use career counseling services, volunteer with service and charitable organizations or work at an internship.

Job or Career Fairs

Job fairs, also known as career fairs, are events where representatives from multiple companies—or sometimes multiple hiring managers from a single company—gather for a day to meet with potential job candidates.

The most common type of job fairs are those organized for students so those who are graduating can connect with representatives of companies from around the country. The other common type of job fairs are when a single organization is planning to do a lot of hiring because they’ve opened a new location, added services or are a start-up.

Networking

While much networking can be done online, nothing replaces the impression that you make when you meet someone face-to-face. Get out in your community and in the places where people you want to work with are. Social hire recommends the following for off-line networking: be fearless, be cheerful, be energetic, ask people about themselves and really listen to the answers and track people down.

Career Counseling Services

Career counseling can help you find a new career or adapt your skills to be more competitive in your current career.

Thriveworks, an organization that connects people with counselors, describes career counseling as good for anyone who is thinking about a change in their career or who is just getting started with their work life. They describe career counseling as something that is:

• Designed to help you make informed occupational and education decisions.
• Participatory — the counselor won’t do all the work for you or make decisions for you.
• Multi-faceted and varying from person-to-person depending on their needs and skills.
• A place where you might take an IQ or personality test as a way of discovering potential career paths.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, meet people and beef up your resume. It can also be a personally rewarding experience.

Do you belong to a religious organization? Most synagogues, mosques and churches have opportunities for volunteering whether it is working on the building or grounds, doing clerical work or helping serve people in the community.

What are your interests? You may be able to match your personal passions and interests to a volunteer opportunity in your community. If you like reading, consider volunteering as a tutor to help people learn to read or help refugees learn English. Perhaps there is a reading program in one of your local schools where you can read to students. Do you enjoy the performing arts? Perhaps you could be an usher. Do you like working with others? Health care organizations, senior centers and community centers are often looking for volunteers.

Internships

While most internships don’t pay well — or at all — they can be a springboard into a long-lasting career. It is an opportunity to learn skills needed for a career that you want, make contacts and put valuable experience on your resume.