For countless college seniors out there, COVID-19 interrupted your final semester of college and your graduation into the best job market in 50 years. Now, hiring is unclear, and you may be struggling to find a job in the current climate. Here’s how you can continue to look for your first full-time job during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Revise your resume
When you’re looking for a job, one of the first steps is to revise your resume. Remember, when you apply for a job, you want to make sure that your resume specifically pertains to whatever position you’re submitting your application to. You should include previous positions that demonstrate your skills and abilities and any prior achievements that make you particularly qualified. Numerous applicants have a “base” resume and don’t bother to review it for individual job applications. In a competitive job market, make sure you take the time to stand out against your peers applying for those same positions.
Network with alumni and industry professionals
Don’t overlook the help that your university’s alumni and industry professionals can still provide to you. Odds are you now have some free time with online school and full-time social distancing in place. Use some of that downtime to connect with individuals who may be able to point you to some companies who are still hiring.
Learn new skills
Everyone has a little bit more downtime now that stay-at-home orders are in place and universities have shut down their campuses. Look at ways to use your time wisely. For example, if you know you want to work for a start-up but they’re not hiring, take a look at what skills they may need in the future. If they’re going to want candidates who can code, take an online coding course, so you’re a competitive candidate for the job when they do start hiring again.
Pursue these job sites
Keep an eye on job sites! You never know when one may yield the result that lands you a full-time gig.
- Your university’s career platform – they know the struggle you’re currently facing as a senior; they likely have career resources for you
- Indeed – a popular job site that; here is a link to their coronavirus career guide
- LinkedIn – up to 80 percent of people find a job through someone they already know; don’t hesitate to reach out to your network during this time
- FlexJobs – one of the largest and most popular sites for finding remote work; it’s unclear when COVID-19 will end, so use this site to find work ASAP
Final thoughts
The job market may be slow at this time, but don’t lose hope! You can still use these steps to work towards finding your first full-time job. Use the resources you have and look at the companies that are still hiring. If all else fails, learn new skills that will continue to make you an attractive candidate once companies start hiring again.
