SHEBOYGAN -- — COVID-19 has devastated the workforce in Wisconsin. Since March 15, 801,306 people have filed for unemployment. Some told TMJ4 News they're trying to get back to work, but the competition is intense.
"I had a couple of leads. I had a couple of interviews, but you know they take their sweet time to decide who they want to hire," said Deidra Peterson, who lost her job during the pandemic.
To stand out, one way could be to email over a professional picture with your resume. The price of a high-quality headshot can start at $250, but on Wednesday, July 22, you can get one for free.
Keeping COVID-19 safety in mind, Sheboygan photographers Dan Maki and Arius Jacks are setting up tripods and backdrops at the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce.
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They are two of more than 200 photographers across the country creating pop-up studios at Brookfield Properties to take complimentary headshots for the unemployed Wednesday.
It's part of a national movement to do 10,000 of the professional pictures in one day. The company, Headshot Booker, is behind the initiative.
"For us, it was a way to utilize our talents to help a lot of people," said Dan Maki, owner of Mandaki Photo LLC.
"We want to help you guys get back to work. It benefits everyone to have more people working," said Arius Jacks, owner of Arius Jacks Photography LLC.
The photographers aren't being paid for their work. They just wanted to give back.
"It's not really about us. It's about all the people who need help," Maki said.
"I thought that was a great idea and I know there are people here in my local area that could use the service as well," Jacks continued.
It might just give job seekers an edge, or at least more eyeballs on their profile and resume. LinkedIn reportspeople who include headshots receive 21 times more profile views.
If you're interested, you need to sign up for a ten-minute time slot on headshotbooker.com. The event is from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
There are three locations you can visit for the complimentary headshot -- Redeemer City Church in Fitchburg, The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce in Sheboygan, and Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa.
Participants are asked to wear a face mask.