So, you’ve graduated from college and are ready to enter the workforce. You’re ready to start your career. Like many other new grads, COVID-19 has had a big impact on your career plans. It has created a lot of uncertainty, and you are likely feeling uncertain about your own future.
With disruptions to your final year in school, changes to graduation, and most importantly, changes to companies’ hiring plans, finding a job is likely not going as planned. You may be in a holding pattern, having difficulty getting interviews, and find that the companies you want to work for are just not hiring at the moment. It’s a unique time to start your career. But this doesn’t mean you should give up.
To help you with your job search, here are 6 tips for new grads entering the workforce right now:
be patient
We all want to get a great job out of school, but COVID-19 has definitely had an impact on slowing down this process. Be ready for a delay in the start of your career. You should also be ready for a slower than normal hiring process. Employers are making a lot of adjustments to keep things operational. Unfortunately for new grads, this will affect the hiring of new people at the moment.
consider temporary roles
Even though your ideal job coming out of school may not be available right now, it doesn’t mean you still can’t get a job. Consider alternative jobs in the interim. Even if a job is outside your area of specialization or industry, it can provide you with invaluable experience getting accustomed to working. You’ll build communication and people skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet new people and network. You never know, it could lead to the connection you need to get your career kickstarted. Hiring companies like to see initiative when they hire new grads. Going out and getting a job while you wait for your career job to become available is a good way to show this. Plus, you’ll be making some money.
be ready for remote recruiting
Video job interviews and digital hiring practices have become the norm today. If you are not familiar with video interviews, now is the time to do it. Get comfortable with video and phone job interviews. Be an active professional in your field online. Get involved with other professionals in your industry and make connections. Creating a professional presence on LinkedIn and other social media platforms can help you get your name out there and aid in your job search.
expect competition
There are a lot of people currently out of work. This means there will be increased competition for jobs once companies start hiring once again. As a new grad, you will need to put in your best effort during the recruiting process. You need to be an effective communicator, perform well during the interview process and show your potential. Take the time now to improve your interview skills. You can never be too prepared for a job interview, especially if you are up against candidates with more experience.
add to your skillset
Now may be a great time to get more professional training and certification while you look for work. Consider taking online courses or programs that can help you in your field. This can help improve your resume and make you a more attractive candidate.
don’t stop looking
Even though it may seem like no companies in your industry are hiring right now, it doesn’t mean you should stop looking. Be diligent in your job search. Continue to make new connections and build your professional network. The opportunities will present themselves. Don’t wait for COVID-19 to end to start looking.
COVID-19 has changed the workforce for everyone. No one knows how long this will last. Focus on being the best job candidate possible. Keep applying and don’t give up.