National Job Action Day Resources
We’re here for you.
You’re not alone in your job search
Job searching isn’t easy— especially when you’re trying to find work that actually meets your needs. Over 60% of people who reach out to Empower Work are searching for jobs or coping with job loss. The average job search now takes around six months—and it can feel discouraging, exhausting, and uncertain.
We’re here for you. Our trained peer counselors offer free, confidential support to help you stay grounded, rebuild confidence, and take your next right step.
Beyond our text line, you will find resources to help support you through your job search below.
The top 5 questions job seekers ask our peer counselors
Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move at work is normal — and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our peer counselors have supported thousands of workers through job searches, career changes, and tough work moments. They are here to listen and help you work through what’s feeling hardest. They’ll meet you where you are, help you reflect on your strengths, explore options, and support you in finding your next steps.
Here are some of the questions we hear on the text line most often:
Staying motivated:
“I’ve been searching for months and I’m feeling burned out. How can I stay motivated and keep going?”
Regaining confidence:
“I’ve lost my confidence after losing my job. How do I start believing in myself again?”
Career discovery:
“I’m not sure what kind of job makes sense anymore based on my interests and skills. How do I figure out what’s next for me?”
Job search strategy:
“My resume and applications keep getting ignored. What should I change so I actually hear back?”
Managing stress and basic needs:
“I’m struggling to make ends meet while I search. How can I find resources or support right now and manage the stress?”
Looking for a new job can be tough — and you don’t have to figure it out alone. These tips come from Empower Work’s volunteer peer counselors, real people who support workers every day through our free text line. They’ve helped thousands of people navigate job searches, tough work situations, and everything in between. Here’s what they’ve learned along the way.
Job seeking tips from Empower Work volunteer peer counselors
Technical Advice
Eve
“Create a spreadsheet to track jobs as you apply to them. Include the name of the organization, position title, website link, date applied, contact information, maybe some keywords from the job description, callback/interview info, and anything else you might find important. Update it as you do follow-ups or get rejection notices. Sometimes, it helps to identify hiring/turnover patterns of certain employers, if you see the same jobs being re-posted. And it will give you some personal control over the process, which can be frustrating and long.”
Daniela
“Never underestimate the power of networking. Start by looking at your immediate circle and if you don’t already have relevant connections, reach out anyway. Even a casual ask can lead to someone who knows a hiring manager looking for exactly the skills you bring. In a world where many resumes never make it past automated systems, personal introductions are often the fastest route to a job. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there and ask for help. People are usually kinder and more willing to help than you might expect.”
Susan
“Progress isn’t always loud.
1. Keep a simple log, not just of jobs applied to or interviews landed, but of the days you showed up, tried again, or even just opened your laptop. Even when results are slow, your effort matters. Recording these moments builds emotional momentum and reminds you that you’re still in motion, even when it feels like you’re standing still.
2. Stay Open to Stabilizing Roles.
Temporary, part-time, or adjacent work isn’t a step down—it’s a step forward. These roles can offer structure, income, and breathing room while you continue your search. Choosing stability in the short term doesn’t mean giving up on your long-term vision. It means protecting your energy, staying engaged, and honoring your needs without apology. Volunteering can be part of this stability. It’s not just giving—it’s growing. Volunteering has helped me build new skills, expand my network, and stay connected to purpose during uncertain times. It’s a powerful way to stay visible, valuable, and emotionally grounded while you navigate what’s next.”
Motivational Advice
Paul
“1. Be kind to yourself!
2. Describe yourself in professional situations using a Unique Personal Value Proposition. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/personal-value-proposition
3. Answer the question: What makes me job-qualified and employable?”
Charissa
“When you're hunting for a job and haven't had success it is important to remind yourself that it's ok not to have the perfect background. What's important is spending time to figure out how to tell your story and how what you've learned previously can be of value to a team today.”
Carolyn
"Remember you are a gift; you have something valuable to offer an employer. Keeping this knowledge at the forefront of your thoughts can be a protection against hasty decisions about your employment, especially when experiencing financial pressure or negative emotions as a consequence of prolonged joblessness. It will promote sound decision-making practices such as, electing a job that aligns with one's values and grants opportunities for the use of one's unique skills, talents and experiences for the good of others. It will also support you in taking the time to process red flags, instead of bypassing them in desperation.”
Ways to activate your network
Networking can be important while looking for a job—but it can also feel overwhelming and intimidating. If this is your experience, you’re not alone. It’s not always about knowing the “right” people, but more about making small, genuine connections that can help lead to opportunities and feel supported along the way. Chances are, you may already have a network.
Start with people you know
Think about friends, family, neighbors, former coworkers, or community members who might know of job openings or opportunities.
Attend local events
Local nonprofits, libraries, and community centers often host free events like job fairs, workshops, or networking events. These can be great, low-pressure places to meet others and learn about opportunities.
Use online tools
If you have access to a phone or computer, consider joining a Facebook or LinkedIn page for people in your field or city. Reading others’ experiences or job listings can help you feel connected.
Follow up and build community
Remember: networking isn’t about asking for favors — it’s about sharing information, learning from others, and building community. You deserve to have people in your corner as you find the next step that’s right for you.
Talk to a counselor
Job searching can feel isolating—but you don’t have to go through it alone. Text a counselor now for free, confidential support to help you discover your next step.
Here’s how it works:
Step #1 • Start a chat
Text 510-674-1414 or click on the chat icon to start a conversation.
We’ll connect you with a trained peer counselor within minutes.
Talk to real people - working professionals who have gone through selection and training. (No cost. No judgment. Real people who get it.)
Step #2 • Get immediate support
A peer counselor will introduce themselves, ask questions, and reflect with you.
Get support, not directions. You know yourself and the situation best. We’re here to help you brainstorm next steps together.
Step #3 • Feel empowered to take the next step!
Sometimes it may mean taking a walk on your break. Other times it might mean talking to your manager, beginning a job search, reporting the situation, or collectively organizing with other workers. Your next step is what works best for you.
