Job Seeking Tips for Widows

Are you looking for a job? Keep these tips in mind to maximize your success.

• The best jobs are discovered by networking, not the want ads so tell everyone you know that you're looking for a job and ask them if they know of any.
• Tailor your resume to each job you apply for.
• Resumes must be solid and easy to digest. Don't use long paragraphs, use bulletpoints. And be careful how much you divulge about widowhood. You would think employers would see many positives about hiring a widow, but that's not always the case.
• Use government employment services.
• Volunteer and then become indispensible to the organization---this will give you a foot in the door and first chance at their internal job postings. Plus you'll meet people who can give you good references. 
• Be willing to work two or three part-time jobs. I substituted at both a Christian school and the local library, plus worked regular part-time hours at a department store. It got a little crazy but I could say "no" to the subbing jobs, and when a full-time position opened up at the library I was the first to apply. They were happy to have me because they knew me and I'd already learned most of the skills. 

Finally, remember that right now you're like Ruth in Ruth 2:2, looking at the fields of opportunity. Here's what Ruth did:
1) she got Naomi's advisement and permission. Who's your job authority and mentor?
2) She was willing to use God's system of provision (gleaning)
3) She was willing to work hard
4) She looked for a field with an owner in who's eyes she would find favor. Pray specifically that you will find favor with your yet to be revealed new employer.

As it turned out, God led Ruth to a field that changed her life and blessed her for eternity! And do you know what? God is still in the business of leading widows today. Please let me know how I can pray for you, and also how your job hunting and "field gleaning" turns out. ♥ ferree

Tissot, James. Ruth Gleaning, 1896. Oil on canvas.