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What advice do you have for students applying for entry-level roles as recent graduates amid the COVID-19 pandemic?

#graduate #career #resume #stem #job #compsci #first-job #hiring #computer_science #engineering #tech #civil-engineering #COVID-19

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Lisa M’s Answer

Companies are still hiring and always looking for college hires or interns. Keep in touch with your Career offices at your school, and keep applying. Connect with Hiring managers, recruiters or alumni from your school on LinkedIn. Take this opportunity to learn a new skill online or practice your interviewing skills. Opportunities are still out there.
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mary’s Answer

I agree with the answers already given for this question! Please don't give up and keep applying.

You can also use this time to brush up on your interviewing skills. Phone and video chat interviews are just as important as an in person interview - make a great first impression. Most companies will be needing to fill positions after this pandemic calms down. Because most corporate jobs/HR jobs may be working from home, you can also network and connect with people through LinkedIn.
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Colin’s Answer

Hi Augusta, definitely keep applying...We will get past all this and the companies will still need talent. Companies are becoming very innovative during these times including interviews via skype or other video type apps.

Be sure to take the interview just as serious as if you were sitting in front of the interview in person...Dress professionally and avoid having any distractions in the range of the camera. Ensure your environment is quiet so that you can focus.
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Jaclyn’s Answer

We are still pipelining candidates even if we can’t hire for a specific role. So apply. Work your network. Connect with hiring managers and recruiters on LinkedIn Also I’m hearing that many campus / entry level programs are still on, they just may start later. Read online LinkedIn and Yahoo articles as they will give you updates on the top employers hiring periodically.
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Andrea’s Answer

I think its hard to tell how impactful and for how long this pandemic will last in regards to the job market. My overarching piece of advice is this. Don't be too picky. Your first job doesn't have to be your dream job. Consider any opportunities that can be a stepping stone to a bigger dream. Think about what resume checkboxes it will check for you. Take it for that and then work on your longer term plan. Having a job and showing that you are employable it better than not having a job and not starting to gain skills. This may be a fundamental shift in how you think about your first job but unfortunately it may be the reality. The sooner you can understand and accept the realities of the job market the greater advantage you will have to your peers. Good luck and keep your head up! I remember my friends who gradutated from business school in 2008 and they are doing just fine. The market will come back and you want to make sure you have solid experiences when it does!
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Miyoshee’s Answer

My advice is be patient, it will take time for the world the get back to normal. This is a great time to improve on your interviewing skills (have family help you) you can find You Tube videos on how to interview. Also take this time to really research different positions to ensure it is the right fit for you. Don't give up you are our future!
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Hanleigh’s Answer

Keep applying!

Companies are still in search of people to fill positions, and that just won't go away because of this pandemic. There are many ways that employers have to interview or contact you that is not necessarily in-person like video chatting and emails, which I personally think makes your job as an applicant a little less intimidating. Keep pursuing those positions, in spite of the current state of the world.
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Marcie’s Answer

I think the biggest thing right now is being patient. So many companies have been ordered to put hiring on hold at the moment, but that doesn't mean you can't still apply to places. I would even suggest mentioning this understanding and acknowledgement in your cover letters stating something along the lines of "I know it's a difficult time for your company right now, but, with my experiences, I can help alleviate some of this confusing burden." That way, it shows that you understand what they are going through while at the same time being confident that you would be a good asset to the team based on the skills you have.

Another thing is volunteering. Right now, because there are so many things shut down, there are a ton of online, virtual volunteering opportunities. You can help others during this time and put that on your resume and in your cover letter to show that you weren't just sitting back but leaning into this and helping when you could. Showing initiative in times like these is going to be a huge positive for hiring companies. Hiring companies want to see that you take that initiative instead of stalling.
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Ripudaman’s Answer

Hi Augusta!

Apart from rigorously applying online, I would say concentrate on the quality of application rather than the quantity of application. It is evident that during this time hiring is not as active as before. But still, you would want to stand out in whatever number of opportunities you see.
- Read the job description very carefully.
- Make sure you use the keywords from the job description in your resume.
- Definitely make sure that you are revising your basics every day.
- I have seen students fumbling while explaining things written in their resume.
- Also, keep learning new skills relevant to your job interest.
- Most importantly, have confidence. If you know that you have worked hard and you know your subject, you will eventually come up with flying colors.

All the best :)
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Giovanni’s Answer

Hey there Mary, best bet is to keep on applying and get in contact by using LinkedIn which will allow you to obtain connections such as human resources which can significantly increase your chances of getting hired. I hope you find this helpful and dont lose faith on your goals.

Best of luck out there,
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Howard’s Answer

These are certainly unprecedented times we are living in in regard to the work force and new job opportunities. I think it is important to keep in mind that most companies are now forced to increase daily safety routines and cleanliness protocols as part of job interviews. A clean, neat tiddly appearance at interviews will certainly help create a positive image of someone that can be detailed and meticulous to varies job duties and responsibilities.Do not be afraid to impress upon your interviewers that you are in indeed aware that new precautions to protect employees, customers and clients in this post Covid-19 world.
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Nawaz’s Answer

Follow these 5 basic rules to stand out from others during this challenging job search race.

Nawaz recommends the following next steps:

Reach out your college alumni group and ask them for referrals.
Write a technical blogs or any inspirational idea and share it in medium or Linked in to grab more eyeballs.
Be flexible with your job search, salary expectations and location. Its about getting experience.
Keep yourself engaged with Volunteer work while doing the job search. You can add it your resume and it keeps you stress-free.
Update your LinkedIn account with relevant keywords that employer is looking for. You can get those from the job postings.
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Jasmine’s Answer

I believe preparing for an Video Interview will not only help you now but later as well. Here are some things you can do to help below.

Video Interview Tips
Find a quiet, private, well-lit place, free from possible interruptions.
Ensure your internet connection is stable.
Check that your computer’s audio is working.
Test your computer’s webcam.
Close any unnecessary web browser tabs and applications.
Dress professionally and avoid bright colors.
Have a pen, notepad and copy of your resume on your desk.
When listening, nod and smile to show you are engaged.
Use hand gestures when appropriate.
Place your phone in silent mode.

Practice interview questions before interview. The STAR method is great for behavioral questions which stands for Situation Task Action Result.
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Armen’s Answer

If you haven't done so already create profiles on job boards such as Dice, Indeed etc. Definitely familiarize yourself with LinkedIn and brush up on your interview skills. I also highly suggest brushing up on your networking skills as well. LinkedIn is a great tool for that as well. Ultimately don't give up. Set yourself a goal to research and apply for jobs for at least an hour a day (maybe more). Dedication and persistence will ultimately pay off.
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Wayne’s Answer

Tap into your school’s resources. Even though you have graduated, your school's career services center can still assist you in finding employment.
Use every resource available to you. Create polished and professional LinkedIn and Glassdoor profiles and work the networks.
With regards to interviewing, especially video interviewing, practice, practice and practice as much as possible until it's a second nature to you.
Be patient. Job hunting can be nerve-racking. I've been there. But keep pushing and keep applying.
Do not Take Things Too Personally. It's okay to be disappointed if you do not receive the job offer you wanted, but try to remember this is all new for everyone and nobody knows what to expect. Always send a thank-you email and say that you would like to stay in touch.
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jacqueline’s Answer

Hi Augusta I,

Though the world is in the midst of a pandemic like we have never experienced before. I have faith that we will get past this. Young students like yourself will be the voice, the movers and the shakers and the example of the future. With that being said, my advice to you is to continue with applying and not only for entry level jobs, look beyond that. You may be surprised what you will qualify for, young minds are limitless in what they can offer. Organizations, and companies are always looking for something new and innovative. In addition there are many opportunities available right now where you may be able to work remotely. Students have worked hard for the past few years to earn their college degree, do not let COVID-19 place roadblocks that can be easily pushed aside. Keep applying, good luck to you I'm positive you will land a great role!
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Colby’s Answer

A lot of companies are halting location based hiring, so there is opportunity to select roles without the confinements of geography. Be flexible, be open to change, and look outside the box. There is less structure and rules right now, there are chances to get your foot in more now because of the great reshuffle and resignation.

The key is to keep high standards of interview- dress for the role, send a thank you note after, prepare yourself for the interview. If a job is worth interviewing for, it is worth doing the homework for it, so come in prepared, come in ready to interview.

And remember, the process of getting a job is not personal, there are a number of reasons you may not hear back from a submitted resume. Just stay positive and keep swimming.