Job Search During COVID-19

5-minute read

It is understandable to feel overwhelmed when you’re searching for jobs and internships during this challenging time. It is easy to fall into the endless cycle of applying to any posting that you can find, many of which might not be related to your skills or experiences. I made this mistake by applying to many shady, illegitimate jobs out of pressure. This led me to take a break to reassess my search strategies and utilize my time more effectively.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when developing a search strategy.

Rethink your online networking strategies (People)

Before you start reaching out to recruiters, I recommend you take a step back and revisit your Bullseye powered by Handshake and LinkedIn profile (among your other social media profiles) to refresh your information. Here are a few things you can consider:

  • Write a new interesting bio/summary that is more suitable for your current interests.
  • Upload a new updated profile picture, preferably one with a smile (if you don’t already have one).
  • Refresh the headline of your LinkedIn profile to something that describes the type of position you’re looking for in 120 characters or less.
  • Review your entire experiences, proofread and add any new skills you have acquired. Also, add class projects and courses to your profile to show off more of your skills and experience.

A lot of the time, people who are already in your network can have other connections that could be helpful to you. Consider looking in their network and ask if they can make an introduction of you to their connections. Don’t forget to use the UB Alumni group on LinkedIn to get advice from alumni!

Informed yourself about current news in the job market (Posting)

Career experts are creating more and more content to support job seekers from all levels of experience. Reading the latest news from neutral, trusted sources help the implementation and execution of your job search plan. Following the news about the current recruitment can be stressful, but it can be beneficial to learn what industry is expanding right now and point your search in the right direction.

When you’re browsing for job postings on Bullseye powered by Handshake, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed, don’t forget to look for helpful articles about the job market during COVID-19. You can also follow the hashtag #GetHired on LinkedIn, where the authors write useful updates on the list of employers who are still hiring and tips and tricks for virtual interviews.

Keep a targeted list of company that is hiring (Prospecting)

Your plan should include a list of hiring companies to avoid wasting your effort applying to employers who paused their recruiting process. This way, you can research and reach out to the company for any opportunities that may open soon. I think it is important to have an open-minded approach when browsing for internships and jobs. Be flexible and let employers know that you are willing to work from home/ remotely. Explore a new industry that you might not have noticed before. Consider short-term internships or freelance professional projects that interest you.

Last but not least, as you may have heard this from many people already, but this is an uncertain time for everyone, we’re all trying to figure this out. The most important thing in my recent graduate experience is not giving up on your job search once you start feeling stressed. Remember that you can talk to somebody, whether they are a career coach, career peer coach, family member, or significant other. Make sure to take a short break from applying to reevaluate your approach. I find that this is crucial for your mental health during this time.

Best of luck out there, my friends!

By Quynh Mai Dao
Quynh Mai Dao Career Peer Coach