Due to the current coronavirus outbreak, many college seniors have had their last year of undergrad cut short. And as virtual learning and social distancing become the new normal, there are a lot of factors that remain uncertain - including what the job and internship market will be like in upcoming months.
While this is a scary time for all college seniors, it's especially devastating for those who were relying on a post-grad job to support themselves and/or their families. But despite the uncertainty of the future, the good news is that there are several things you can do to keep your postgrad career path on track.
Tap Into Your School’s Resources
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Consider reaching out to your school's career services center, which can help you polish your résumé, cover letter, and other application materials. You can also contact your college's alumni relations department (if there is one) to see if they can connect you with successful alums in your desired field.
Lean Into Technology
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From networking on LinkedIn to job hunting on Glassdoor, the internet is chock-full of career opportunities.
Give Your LinkedIn a Much-Needed Makeover
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Whether you're looking to learn more about a potential employer, network with other recent graduates, or apply to jobs, LinkedIn can - and should! - play a significant role in your job search. Make sure your photo is up to date and professional (sorry, no selfies allowed), update your experience, and stay active on the platform.
Become a Pro at (Video) Interviewing
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No need to practice your handshake anytime soon. Virtual interviews (whether via telephone, Skype, Zoom, or what have you) are becoming increasingly more popular given these unprecedented times. However, you should still dress professionally, research potential employers, and send thank-you emails. I actually prefer virtual interviews to in-person ones because you can prep a little cheat sheet highlighting your talking points right by your laptop. (Trust me, it helps!)
Be Patient - Really!
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Job hunting can be especially nerve-racking for recent grads. However, the hiring process is just as stressful for employers as it is for you - especially now. As a result, it's possible that you may experience certain roadblocks like a delay in response, or, in some cases, budget cuts or hiring freezes. In these cases, try to be as empathetic, professional, and patient as possible (for example, don't email the hiring manager every 48 hours asking for an update on your application status).
Stay Active in On-Campus Activities
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Even though you're no longer on campus, you can still partake in extracurricular activities and student organizations. Try to attend virtual meetings, which will provide you with a sense of normalcy while also affording you the opportunity to hone in on your skills and strengthen your leadership experience.
Don't Take Things Too Personally
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It's OK to be sad if you don't receive the job offer you wanted, but try to remember this is all new for everyone - and nobody knows what to expect. Perhaps there were budget cuts or layoffs that prevented the company from continuing on with the interview process. Instead of ghosting the hiring manager after receiving your rejection letter, send a thank-you email and say that you'd like to stay in touch. Who knows, the hiring manager may reach out with a new opportunity in a few months, or perhaps the recruiter who emailed you way back when can connect you with the hiring manager of your dream job!
Remember That This Is Only Temporary
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While you may feel alone or defeated, remind yourself that you are not the only one in this position. Vent to your friends. Practice self-care. Call your mom. Whatever you do, remember you are not alone, and, thankfully, this is all temporary. All you can do is try your best to use this time to truly focus on taking care of yourself and your loved ones, and use the next few weeks/months as an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on the world around you.
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