Eight tips for today's worried job seeker

Lee Brown

COB (and ECU) students have been thrown for a loop this term. From the loss of class time to the cancellation of commencement exercises, they are experiencing uncertainty about a future that has yet to start.

Lee Brown, the director of COB’s Career Services, says his office has heard several upcoming graduates are getting their offers for full time and internships rescinded.

“Unfortunately, I feel this will be a trend for a while until the financial markets get some stability and employers get some confidence regarding their future.”

Brown adds, “There are many concerns for students who are graduating; not only the many organizations that are laying off workers but how to interview with employers that have asked most of their staff to work from home.  This current environment surely will be one of the most challenging times to interview and obtain employment than any student has experienced.”

What’s a college student to do? Brown provides some helpful tips for the nervous, soon-to-be job hunters.

1. Now is a time to hone your virtual interviewing skills. We all know virtual interviews are quite different from the typical face-to-face.  There are many resources like Interviewstream that will allow a student to create their own virtual interview and review once they’re done.  It’s challenging to engage with a computer monitor versus a person. However, times like these make it a necessity.
2. Maintain structure in your life. Most will perform better when there is some form of structure and organization in their daily life.  Students have had to move to an online lifestyle that creates more ambiguity in their life. So, having some sort of daily routine will provide the necessary framework for the student to be successful.
3. Build a strong social media brand and network. With face-to-face interaction all but ceasing, now is a time to build a strong social media presence.  Spend time on LinkedIn and connect with professionals in your desired field.  Use family, friends, professors, career services and any other network to build connections.  Remember, if you are not networking, you’re not working.
4. Develop a strong mental and emotional mindset. You will hear “no” a lot.  The current job market is extremely challenging, and more candidates are vying for fewer jobs.  We are in a survival of the fittest environment. However, there are many resources available to help you be successful.  We live in an instantaneous society.  We want results and want them quickly. However, we must be prepared to experience significant delays in communication from job applications.
5. Have realistic expectations. Don’t expect to hear from employers for a while.  They are busy taking care of their current employees and trying to keep their organization afloat amid these uncharted waters.  It’s OK to follow up after an application submission, but please be reasonable regarding timing.
6. Learn new skills. Many online resources will allow you to develop new skills such as software knowledge, social marketing, Excel and the list goes on.  Take some time to expand the skills section of your resume.  You and your future employer will be glad you did.
7. You might need to change your strategy. Although the company you want to work for may not be hiring, some organizations/industries are ramping up their hiring numbers.  Do some research and find other opportunities that might be out there.
8. Don’t give up. Tough times create tough people.  You will get through this.  Someone once said, “your tomorrow will be determined by the decisions you make today.”  Determine to work harder than ever during this new normal time.  You should never make permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances.  Employers will look for graduates who are flexible and adaptable, and this time is an excellent opportunity for you to demonstrate those skills.  This, too, will pass.

• Categories:
• Cunanan Center for Professional Success