Hi Lisa,

Thanks for reaching out! I have sent your question over to our coaches who will get back to you soon. In the meantime, I've listed some resources below to help get your job search going:

- Free Resume Review service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new
- Job Search Tools: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/job-search-tools
- Job Search Toolkit (can be downloaded or ordered online for free): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new
- Job Hunting After Cancer Treatment: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/Job-Hunting-After-Cancer-Treatment

I hope that this is helpful!

Best,

Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

thank you Sarah.  This is new for me and I'm going to absorb all the help I can get.

Good Morning, Lisa,

Congratulations on your progress through your treatment and good luck with your upcoming radiation treatments.   I am sure your positive attitude will serve you well throughout this next phase and your recovery.

I understand that you want to work in the greater Baltimore area, so I did some quick research and found a great site that hosts Baltimore area postings, both government and non-government positions.   

Check it out here by copying and pasting this URL into your search bar:

 http://www.metrobaltimorejobs.com/jobs.asp?wage_class=60

Also,  before you begin your search in earnest, I would recommend that you consider a few things that may help you.  I will list them here:

1) Do an inventory of your skills and accomplishments to build your value proposition for employers.   Consider what you do best, and what you have done in past positions that have had a positive impact for other employers, or in a volunteer capacity.  Cataloging those items and writing a succinct statement summarizing your strengths will help you in building your resume, your applications online, as well as helping you focus your story for interviews.

2) Rework your resume to reflect your new approach and most recent accomplishments.  If you are concerned about resume gaps, consider using a functional resume, or better yet, one of the newest versions, an Infographic Resume.   You can find examples of the Infographic resume here: http://www.ezinfographic.com/.

Although online resume screening software is not geared to accept an Infographic style, you can send it to potential employers directly once you network to get e-mail addresses, or after an employer contacts you from your application online.  This type is particularly useful for approaching employers targeted via networking, because it synthesizes your best features quickly, so you stand out from the crowd at a glance.  Its great to hand out at an interview to grab even more attention, too.  

3) When you apply via online postings, remember that an employer may also check up on you via LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and other online sites.  So, be sure to set your privacy settings to keep your personal items personal, and to establish a professional presence, especially on LinkedIn, just for job search purposes.    Cancerandcareers.org hosted a fabulous webinar recently on how to make the most of LinkedIn for Job Search, so do check that out.   To listen to  the recorded session, simply type in the words, "LinkedIn Webinar" in the search bar at the top of the CancerandCareers.org website and it will take you to all the webinars we have archived.  The LinkedIn webinar is at the top of the list.

Finally, or perhaps this should be first, check with your treatment team to ensure that you have the timing of your radiation treatments scheduled optimally to free up time for a potential work schedule.  And, be sure to ask about anticipated side effects of radiation.   Many people find that they can easily work through this phase, but others, depending on their own circumstances, find that they may want to slow down a bit.   That decision will be yours to make, but be sure to check in with your doc and nurses to gather as much info as you can. Job search can take several weeks, so this point may be moot, but just in case, do talk openly with them about your plans and hopes for your future.

One of the things that I found personally, and that other survivors I have worked with have found, is that one really needs to be kind to oneself throughout this process.   Your drive is exceptional, so you may have to be particularly intentional about taking the time you need to heal.  Build rest periods into your day, and set aside time to exercise and just breathe.

Also, remember it is  OK to say no to those things that seem like they will sap your energy rather than fill up your tank.  Where you once may have gone out several nights a week in a volunteer capacity, or to meet with friends, figure out how to maintain those things that mean most to you while eliminating those things that do not seem essential any more.

Cancer changes your focus... so trust your own instincts as you go through your treatment and recovery.   I have no doubt you will soon find yourself on the upside of this  equation.

My warmest regards,

Kathy Flora, Career Coach

Wow!  Many thanks for all of your warm advice Ms. Flora.  Your informative email is outstandingly helpful.  I will take heed to each website you recommended.  I will also visit "LinkedIn Webinar."  I've learned to balance my life skills and I'm thankful for your words that it's okay to say, "no" to things that may take my energy.  

I plan to re-touch my resume' and purchase more business clothing.  I'm so happy to have cancer and careers at my exposure.  I've been working part-time and thankful the hours have been plus.  Thanks again for all you do and the information you emailed. My survivor skills are strong and my nurse navigator has been with me from the very beginning.  She has put me in touch with many helpful businesses including this website.  Many, Many Thanks, M s. Flora!!!! :)