Hi Arhama,

Thanks for writing to us. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve experienced so many challenges since your diagnosis. I know the job search process can be frustrating at times, but you seem to have great professional experience to offer! I think your first step should be making sure your resume is updated and geared towards your next role. For instance, if you think your work opportunities are likely to focus on customer service or administrative roles, then making sure your resume highlights your skillset and experiences in those areas. Once you have reviewed and revised your resume, I encourage you to submit it to our free resume review service: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new. One of our coaches will review it and make refinements and offer useful feedback.

Secondly, I would recommend you check out FlexJobs (https://www.flexjobs.com/). It’s a useful resource to learn about flexible/remote jobs and the companies that are hiring for them. They also have a very robust job board that is fully vetted and focused on those types of roles. It is membership-based, but you can explore everything before you commit. If you decide to join you can enter the code CANCER when you check out to receive a 50% discount. If the fee is too high, please let me know and I will try and work something out for you.

I've sent your question to our career coaches for their insight, but in the meantime, I would suggest checking out the following resources:

• Recording of the 2018 Job Search Webinar: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/job-search
  


• Job Search Toolkit (2^ndEdition): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new(features advice on improving resumes, cover letters; interview and networking tips and other useful tools to help you during a job search)


• Article on job-hunting after cancer treatment: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options/job-hunting-after-cancer-treatment
  

I hope this is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at cancerandcareers@cew.org or 646-929-8032.

A coach will be in touch soon!

Kind regards,

Nicole Franklin, MPH

Manager of Programs

Cancer and Careers

Arhama,

Thank you for your post. I am sorry to hear about your challenging situation, but I commend you on how much you have done for yourself and for your mother.  I know the stress that can come from trying to have any sort of routine in your life, with your living arrangement and with family, all while trying to just handle the physical challenges that come from the actual treatments to battle the disease.

As you delve into the job search process, you want to take stock of your experiences, background and preferences, then try to find a position that matches as many elements of your ideal job as possible. What skills do you have that are current, marketable and that you enjoy doing? This will help you narrow down the types of positions that could be a good fit. As you search, make a list of jobs that pique your interest and highlight how your professional experience and skills match the specific requirements/qualifications of each job. Make sure your resume and cover letters reflect your expertise. The key to a strong resume is highlighting those skills and experience that are most relevant to the particular job you are applying to.  Try to see it through the lens of the hiring manager who will be reviewing it. What do they want to read on there that will get them to say, “I want to speak to this candidate”?

At the same time, you also want to get your resume out there in places where employers will see it.  Sites like www.indeed.com allow you to not only search for jobs, but also post your resume.  These days it is a very popular site for employers to visit and review active job seekers like yourself.

Since you have professional customer service experience, you might also want to look into large customer service consulting firms who hire for their own staff and have multiple clients around the country.  The firms may not be based out of Georgia, but they might have clients that are. They might be able to put you in touch with a local client. Also visit the websites of local organizations and companies with customer service departments. Many of them should have individual job boards where you can apply directly.

If you haven’t already, I also recommend reading the resources Nicole shared above to gain additional insight and direction. Please do follow up with us as your search unfolds and let us know if there is anything further we may do to assist.

Best of luck with everything!

Brandon