Job-Seeking and the COVID-19 Pandemic: What This Year's College Grads Should Know

The recent economic changes and growing fear of the COVID-19 virus will certainly impact the job searches of soon-to-be college grads, but not all hope is lost. 

As we embark upon the familiar time of year when college students prepare for graduation, we find that we are now facing a new reality. A period that is usually filled with anticipation, excitement -- and maybe even some apprehension about entering the real workforce -- is altogether different this year.

Of course, the usual concerns surrounding networking, composing a quality resume, creating an impactful LinkedIn profile and elevator pitch are consistently present; as is finding the right match in a job and company.

Assessing Your Reality

It is increasingly evident, however, that the graduating class of 2020 is being forced to cope with a new level of unease this season. One looming question, “How can I interview when companies are requesting that the majority of their staff work from home?” presents a definitive picture of what college graduates are contending with at the present time. With the increasing fear of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus (Coronavirus), those involved in companies’ hiring processes are typically not seeking face-to-face interviews. In fact, many companies are putting their hiring needs on hold, as certain industries are seeing a downturn in profits and necessity, not to mention voluntary pauses in the name of safety. Needless to say, this is turning out to be one of the most difficult times to interview in recent recollection.

For these purposes, we will focus on those companies that are presently following through with the hiring process, as the services of many businesses and industries are still very much in demand, albeit from a remote standpoint. Therefore, what is the best course of action for young job seekers? Devise a working strategy. Naturally, as in-person interviews are fading, it’s time to embrace video and phone interviews as the norm, at least for now. While both are viable, each has their pros and cons. The key is to make allowances for the drawbacks and maximize the positives.

Phone Interviews

Since the interviewer and the office itself are not visible during phone interviews, it’s possible to miss out on important social cues that may offer feedback on how your responses are received by your interviewer. It’s difficult to acquire a sense of the culture and people without the surroundings in view. (Plaques, pictures, signs, etc. can provide a bit of insight into the leanings of an organization, sometimes even providing opportunities for conversation.)

Additionally, some recent and soon-to-be graduates may not feel as at-ease with phone conversations as their older counterparts. If necessary, Gen Z and younger Millennials should conduct practice or “mock phone interviews” to gain a greater sense of comfort in this forum. One of the advantages of phone interviews is the ability to take notes and use them while you are talking. This helps keep you centered on the topic while offering a bit of a safety net in the conversation.

Video Conference

Video interviews, however, provide a few more of the perks of in-person meetings with more similarities to a familiar FaceTime conversation. Nevertheless, interviewees should make professionalism a priority, as it is easy to fall into comfortable social habits. In other words, be sure to maintain a sense of formality. Dress as if you were attending an in-person interview; and remove distractions and background noise (both audible and visual).

Online Presence

Since we don’t have an exact time frame on how long this break in face-to-face meetings may last, college grads should ensure that building their online personal branding and social media presence is at the top of their to-do list. Your LinkedIn profile will have even more power as a virtual representative of your skills, knowledge, and experience; while also offering you the opportunity to effectively network. Seek connections at companies related to the field in which you are seeking employment. Be sure to target human resource professionals, hiring managers, and any individuals who maintain an influential presence in your industry of choice. Also, turn to friends, family, and other mentors who may be able to assist you in getting started. Creating a blog or website that highlights what would make you an excellent employee with unique value is also an effective way to increase your online presence, while also catching the attention of industry leaders.

Tried and True

In the meantime, the traditional aspects of a job search are still viable. Begin exploring corporate websites for career information, job database sites, and other employment resources/agencies that can provide you with assistance. Acquire email addresses, etc., send your resumes, complete applications, and be sure to follow-up with recipients. Keeping a log will help you stay organized during the process.

Stay Hopeful but Patient

The recent economic and stock market changes coupled with the growing fear of the COVID-19 virus may certainly impact the speed of your job search, especially in comparison to past graduates. You will need to maintain a sense of patience as well as mental and emotional resilience. This may not be easy, and it’s perfectly logical to experience a sense of disappointment after devoting the time, effort, and money necessary for a chance at your dream job, only to face an isolated incidence of unique difficulty in the job market.

With this stated, it’s best to curtail your expectations of a swift and easy job search. You may not receive the call-backs you normally would, but do not allow this reality to affect your confidence or self-worth as a contender in the job market. The truth is that the hiring process is taking a temporary backseat as companies steer their way through this difficult time period.

Since it will likely take extra time to land your first degree-related job, some graduates may consider moving back in with their families for the time being in order to save money. While you continue to seek out the position that will eventually launch your career, take a local temporary job and do your best to avoid debt.

Inspiration for Our Future

Graduation is an inspiring time when the world is at your feet and anything is possible. However, prior to taking on what the world has to offer, the class of 2020 will need to take care of themselves first. Consider using this time as an additional opportunity to assess what direction you want to take your career and your life, in general. Keep in mind what will be both fulfilling and lucrative.

Remember that “challenging” does not mean “impossible”, and your hard work will eventually prevail. The difficulty you are currently facing will only build strength in character to better deal with impediments and hardships down the road. In fact, you may find future graduating classes seeking your advice in overcoming job-search adversities.

Source: Forbes

Fred Coon, CEO

Stewart, Cooper & Coon offers Human Capital Strategy Services to both individuals and corporations. Our staff is dedicated to our clients’ success via innovative job search processes, employment management strategies, and state-of-the-art technologies. Contact Fred Coon – 866-883-4200, Ext. 200

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