Are You a Soon-To-Be College Graduate Job Hunting During a Pandemic? Here’s What to Do Next.
Taking steps to enter the job market after years of schooling can feel like a daunting task for just about anyone, but current career entrants are also facing an unprecedented economic and social situation. With in-person interviews halted and many companies rescinding interview and onboarding opportunities entirely in light of COVID-19 layoffs and furloughs, you may be left thinking, “What now?”
While there’s certainly cause for caution given the current economic climate, here are a few actionable steps that 2020 college graduates can take to better position themselves for success:
Consider pursuing a certification
Do you currently or will you need a particular certification or certification series for your intended career path? If your answer to this question is “Yes,” take the time to study for and complete that certification while you prepare to enter the job market. This step could leave you better positioned to apply for jobs even as coronavirus continues to impact the market.
Determine whether a graduate degree could add value to your resume
For soon-to-be graduates facing a tougher job market with a higher level of uncertainty, the opportunity cost of a graduate degree is far lower than usual. Seeking an advanced degree while you give yourself several more years to observe and prepare for the job market could be a wise move. Were you considering taking a few years to gain experience before pursuing that advanced degree? It may make sense to restructure your plan and consider an immediate jump into your desired graduate program with an extra focus on gaining hands-on experience as opportunities arise during your program.
Build your personal portfolio
In the short term, you might consider building a personal website, giving your LinkedIn profile some love, or taking classes that prove your knowledge and skills in specific areas. All of these initiatives can help to distinguish your employment portfolio from other applicants’.
Adapt your interview process to the times
Consider the adjustments you might need to make to your application process given the current changes and medium-term impacts. Phone, and even video, interviews often lack some of the social cues available face-to-face, so be sure to ask thoughtful questions and to elicit feedback throughout the distance interview process. Additionally, if your on-site interview has been moved to a virtual interface, ensure you’re taking extra steps to research and get a feel for company values, culture, and fit. Some of the “feel” of an in-person interview can otherwise be lost in translation when interviewing from home.
Look for relief opportunities
As a college student and perhaps a part-time worker, you may have relief opportunities available to you. Stay on the lookout for benefits you may be eligible for as you collect yourself post-graduation and prepare for the job market—or for one of the other next steps listed above.
While you might feel like you’re hitting a stopping point amidst COVID-19 restrictions and a drastically shrinking job market, a few key adjustments can help you leverage this time and uncertainty to up your applicant profile and put your best foot forward in a less-than-predictable job market.
A lifelong learner and career teacher, Hailey Cusimano is a tutor, curriculum developer, and the host of the Varsity Tutors Test Prep 4 All class series. She was a two-sport varsity athlete as an undergraduate, holds an MBA degree from Rollins College, and spends her free time hiking and running with her two dogs.