Guest Author — Brianna Metsger
So, you’ve recently graduated. Congratulations! What’s next? For many college grads, a series of job applications, interviews, and the start of a career follows Commencement. But that process looks somewhat different for many graduates trying to navigate an economy impacted by COVID-19.
The labor market faced substantial setbacks this year due to the novel coronavirus, which has most negatively affected those looking to enter the workforce as recent college graduates. With continued unemployment numbers in the millions, landing a job in your prospective field has become almost inconceivable. New job listings seem to require impossible amounts of experience, higher education, and lower salary expectations, and many employers have temporarily paused their external hiring processes indefinitely.
So what can we do as recent college grads to stand out in our job search? Several sources such as Indeed.com and PBS recommend plenty of contemporary as well as traditional job-hunting strategies.
Make yourself more marketable.
Many of us have been stuck at home for months due to social distancing, giving us plenty of extra time to get things done (or binge our favorite shows). Whether it means revamping your resume, gaining more relevant experience through a volunteer position or internship, or going back to school, taking the time to make yourself more marketable tells employers that you’re willing to adapt. Just because you have the degree doesn’t mean you’re done learning and growing as a person. Consider pursuing free or low-cost online courses through programs like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Coursera, and EdX. Some additional ways to make yourself more marketable could be to tidy up social media accounts, practice interview skills, or even learn a new skill relevant to your field.
Network, network, network.
Networking is one of the most essential steps in not only the job-hunting process but also in developing as a professional. In job hunting, networking allows job seekers to make connections with potential employers or contacts at companies that interest them. It’s not only who you know but who they know. Our contacts have their own contacts; the more people in your circle, the more connections you make and the more opportunities available. Any current connections in your prospective career field are people you should keep in touch with. Expand your LinkedIn connections, keep in touch with fellow classmates, and look for online events to participate in. As well as being a great source for new experiences, networking can help create long-lasting relationships in your professional life.
Do your research.
Not only is it impressive to a potential employer that you’ve done your homework, it’s also beneficial to know if the mission and vision of a company align with your own personal values. Research the company’s response to COVID-19 and how they are protecting their workers and clients. Be prepared to ask informed questions about the company or position in an interview and give examples of transferable skills you’ve developed in previous educational or professional experiences. Know who you’re interviewing with and why you want to work there and why they need you as an addition to their team!
Come to terms with remote work.
A new reality of open economies in the age of COVID is working partially or fully from home. Career fields that mainly operate digitally offer companies the ability to complete work remotely in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines like restricted gathering sizes and limited exposure. There are also many traditional benefits to working from home including more freedom and a better work/life balance as well as reduced costs for employers. It’s unclear if remote work will continue to thrive post-coronavirus, but we must come to terms with it as a modern reality for many current positions. Don’t shy away from remote work listings!
Consider short-term or interim work.
Most college grads don’t land their dream job right out of school, and it’s even less likely during a global pandemic. This is okay even under normal circumstances. Current job seekers must accept that career expectations cannot stay the same as they were pre-pandemic. In order to adapt to the current state of the labor market, we must consider alternative paths to our dream jobs. Consider entering the workforce with part-time, seasonal, or interim work until you score your desired position. Even jobs that don’t seem to relate to your prospective field will offer the opportunity to build your soft skills in the meantime.
Lastly, make sure to stay positive.
The present hiring process is likely to take longer than normal, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a call back right away. Many companies don’t even contact applicants unless they’re interested in scheduling an interview, so you’re likely to never hear back from companies who choose other candidates. Keep your thoughts positive and don’t lose hope. Make sure to find time to relax and practice self care in order to stay on top of responsibilities. And don’t forget to take pride in your ability to handle the stress of job hunting in the era of COVID; many conventional job seekers may never undergo the same added hardship.
