College Graduates: How to Navigate Job Hunting During COVID-19
It’s pretty safe to say the outbreak of the novel coronavirus has been disruptive for many of our lives and careers. At the time of the writing this post, there have been over 26 million people who have lost their jobs and filed for unemployment in just the last two months when the virus started taking a real toll on the U.S. economy. It is tough. For everyone. But if you’re a recent college graduate, you might be feeling a little bit lost and overlooked.
Graduating from college these days is already tough. According to credit.com, the average student loan debt a new college graduate carries is just over $31,000 and the average monthly payment is $393. Yes, almost $400 per month right out of the gate, and not everyone who graduates has a high-paying job waiting for them… especially now. Maybe you are feeling the panic setting in as you consider these numbers.
But there are some things you can do to keep your head above water in a time that’s uncertain and frightening. Here are some tips for navigating job searches during COVID-19:
Give Yourself Some Breathing Room
No one can make a smart decision while they’re feeling financially squeezed. You need to give yourself some breathing room so you can weigh your options and not just grab the first offer you get, especially if it’s not a great one.
First, apply for all of the help you can, like delayed rent and mortgage payments and deferred student loan and debt repayment. Without these expenses, you can spend a little more time on your actual job search.
Next, remember that you are uniquely prepared to excel in a freelance remote position in order to generate some income. If your skill set allows, sign up for Fiver or Upwork and see if there's some work you can offer from home during the hours that are convenient for you.
Practice Acing the Remote Interview
For the foreseeable future, recruiters and hiring managers are opting to conduct remote interviews via Skype or Zoom. This is a whole new animal and it requires practice in order to come across as poised, prepared and professional.
Record yourself answering common interview prompts like “What is your greatest strength?” and “Describe the last time you solved a problem.” When you play it back, notice your eye contact, your body language, and watch for any fidgeting. Oh, and don’t forget to dress your best, even if they’re not going to see your bottom half. It will make you feel more put together and it WILL impact your performance in the interview.
Clean Up Your Social Spaces
More than ever before, potential employers are going to be scoping out your social media pages. They don’t have the luxury of meeting you in person, so they will have to get a real sense of who you are online. No, you don’t have to completely sterilize your pages of all personality and fun. They still expect you to be human, but you might want to consider hiding or deleting those old house party photos from your Junior year.
While you’re at it, join some remote networking groups on LinkedIn or Facebook where you can talk to people doing the same kind of work you would like to do. Make connections with people and don’t be afraid to ask them for their advice, especially if you find someone who works at the company you want to land a job at. That advice and personal introduction might just be your foot in the door. You never know!
Stay Positive
You’re going through an unprecedented challenge that no other graduating class has ever had to face. There is no roadmap to follow. There are days where you’re going to feel frustrated, but plan to do one small thing each day to get yourself closer to your goal of landing a dream opportunity in your field of study. These small things add up and before you know it, you’re going to be hearing those two beautiful words… you’re hired!