The coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone in one way or another, including students. Even though a vaccine for the virus is not available yet, the rate of infection has decreased in many countries of the world. The economic damage of the pandemic is quite significant, with businesses being shut down and people losing their jobs. This has caused students, and especially graduates, to feel like their chances of getting a job post-coronavirus (or even during) are slim. Although currently, many things are uncertain, what matters right now, is to be optimistic and not give up.
Below you will find a few tips on how to enter the job market post-coronavirus:
1. Keep Networking
Networking is important when it comes to finding work. It is what helps people build connections with alumni from their university, with different organizations, companies, or firms. All of these can lead to your next job. Networking has become a lot easier with the invention of the internet, and especially employment-oriented sites like LinkedIn.
Make sure to follow your favourite companies so you can stay updated with news and potential job opportunities. Even after you graduate, stay in touch with career advisors or professors at university, so you can have people you can ask for advice, and you never know who might lead you to your dream job.
2. Continue Increasing Your Knowledge
Learning should always be a part of your life even after you graduate. Think about your options. What can you learn online? Maybe a new language? You will probably be able to find online courses, or affordable ones, which you could complete during your free time. Employers value a rich resume full of experience and skills, so increasing your knowledge and skills can only be for the best.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, even universities have switched their classes online. Many other institutions have been offering free online courses for those interested. Everyone, and probably including you, has become accustomed to learning digitally. Maybe it is not under the best circumstances, but it is a convenient time if you want to increase your knowledge or gain new skills.
3. Stay in Touch but Be Patient With Follow-Ups
If you have recently had an important interview or have sent out an application to a job you would like to get, but you have not heard from them yet, you might consider sending a follow-up email. There is nothing wrong with asking about your application or interview, and whether or not it has been reviewed yet. You may send them an email, if it has been some time after you have applied/been interviewed, and inquire about the status of your application.
What you should keep in mind in this instance, and especially now that many businesses have been working from home, is that things might take longer than usual. So make sure to be patient, while also keeping an optimistic attitude. Even if you do send a follow-up email, it should show that you are being thoughtful and understanding. A thoughtful attitude is always appreciated.
4. Stay Informed and Updated
Staying updated in the 21st century is pretty simple, all you have to do is follow the companies you are interested in on their social media platforms or websites. Find out how different companies treat their staff, what the working conditions are, how are they handling the current coronavirus situation. All these are helpful information when it comes to creating your own opinions on the companies you would like to work for.
By keeping yourself updated with different companies, you will also find out when they have available job positions and apply without missing the deadline.
5. Update Your Resume/CV
Before sending any application, you should make sure that your resume is up to date. Keep updating your resume in order to demonstrate your skillset properly. If there is anything you have learned recently, you should add it to your resume, especially if it is of relevance to the job you are applying for. Even if you have nothing to add, revise your CV before sending it out for the application. You never know what you might want to revise or rearrange.
In your CV, you should outline the necessary details when it comes to all types of experience you might have gathered throughout the years. This could include a wide range of areas such as certificates, awards, extracurricular activities, and even volunteering and internships. You are always advised to customize your resume depending on the job you are applying for in order to highlight the skills or experience that is relevant for the job position.
6. Search for Industries That Have Open Vacancies
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, some industries have been hit harder than others. Some that would usually be hiring might not be accepting applications at the time. You should focus on the industries that are hiring such as customer services, accountants, or warehouse workers. But apart from these ones, there are also other industries that might be hiring at the moment. You can find them easily by going through the job portals in your city and looking for the positions that you have the qualifications for.
7. Stay Optimistic and Do Not Give Up
Simply keep an optimistic attitude. If you start the day with negative thoughts, you will be discouraged to even search for open positions. There are many people who are going through the same things as you, and although many industries have been affected by the pandemic, there are companies who are still looking to hire. Explore your chances across numerous platforms. Search job portals, LinkedIn, or other types of social media. Sometimes people post job openings in numerous Facebook groups designated for job opportunities as well. Keep an open and positive attitude and do not give up!
8. If You Get Called for an Interview
If you land an interview, you are only halfway there, so make sure you go there prepared. Search for anticipated questions during interviews, especially the ones that are related to your field of work. Practice the interview with friends or family, and recognize what you are doing right or wrong. One of the most important things during interviews is to demonstrate that you have searched what the company does and what your responsibilities will be if you get hired.
They might ask you questions related to your experience as well as expectations. Try to be professional and prepared for anything. Although in the current situation, the interview might be conducted online, you should ensure that you have created the necessary conditions for the interview to proceed smoothly. Dress appropriately, be professional, and be on time.