I’m taking a sick day too. Except for the first time in nearly a decade, my current employer doesn’t require a doctor’s note for anything less than 3 days.
Honestly, most doctors just give you a note if you go in no matter what anyway, so I’ve always felt that it’s more about your workplace tracking you than trying to make sure you’re alright. The need for a doctor’s note doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. Sucky, relatable situation, you got my sympathy
I agree with this advice of having someone take a look at your resume. Way back, I had an older friend of mine with experience managing CV’s help me work on mine and even the base template of my cover letters. I’ve done a number of interviews, mostly unsuccessful though I’m happy with where I’m at now, and one consistent thing I’ve heard is that I have an impressive resume, and I’m forever thankful to my friend for helping me put it together.
I don’t quite agree on customizing your CV for every submission, but I do do this for my cover letter/correspondence.
Also, yes, reaching out directly to places you want to work with has worked for me a couple of times. If there are hiring/networking events for your field, even online ones, I’d recommend that too. Best success I’ve had landing interviews is through these kind of events and I’ve only done online ones.