Hope for New Grads to Find a Job During a Pandemic

So you  graduated college, in the middle of a pandemic. The pressure is immense. Most recent graduates in “normal” circumstances face indecision about their careers, anxiety about their ability to secure their first “adult job” and an overall sense of dread and anxiety about their future. Throw in a pandemic into the mix and suddenly that pressure I just mentioned boils over. While it may feel like your circumstances are similar to the graduates of the 2008 financial crisis, there is hope on the horizon. According to a study by Boston University, “employers project hiring 7.2 percent more college graduates this year than last.” The economy is slowly recovering which means there will be more opportunities to find adequate employment. The key however, is learning how to position yourself to optimize your likelihood of being hired. Here are three tips that could help you increase your chances of securing your next job.

1. Be open and flexible with the kind of roles you’re willing to take 

With the pandemic forcing more businesses to rely  heavily on technology, recent graduates might benefit by focusing on job sectors that have thrived in this new digital economy. According to the report The Future of Work After COVID-19 by McKinsey, the job fields that are experiencing the most growth right now include health aides, techs, care workers, STEM professionals, health professionals, and transportation services. While these career options may not like your cup of tea, there is always the opportunity to work within these sectors in different roles such as communications, marketing, social media management, and sales. To set yourself up for the most success in your job search, remaining flexible and open can help you secure your next opportunity. Being agile and looking at opportunities that may not have  been on your radar can increase your chances for success. Not to mention, your first job is never your dream job, so manage your expectations accordingly!

2. Consider contract and part-time work 

Even though the American economy is improving, landing a full-time job with benefits may still prove difficult. To combat this, consider accepting contract or part-time work that in turn will make you a competitive candidate. Working on contract or as a part-time employee saves employers thousands of dollars. This is because employers are not on the hook for providing benefits like health care and retirement. Not everyone is in a position to accept this type of arrangement; however, if you can afford to not have your healthcare cost covered by your employer, this is an easy way to enter your field of choice. Not to mention, this is also a great way to establish experience in the marketplace while also building relationships that can serve you in your career later in life. It’s not uncommon for employers to consider contract and or part-time employees first when making new hire decisions for full-time roles. A savvy job searcher might also consider multiple contract gigs or part-time roles (especially since more employers are open to remote work) to increase their earning, rapidly build their resume, and afford healthcare and other benefits out of pocket. If this is a route that is compelling to you, make sure to set aside money for taxes since most contract workers are responsible for filing taxes on their own throughout the year. 

3. Leverage your network

Did you know that 70% of all jobs are not on job board sites and as much as 80% of jobs are ultimately filled by way of personal and professional connections? This is something I myself have experienced. After being laid off last April, I realized my next opportunity would not be easily found through a job board site. With the decrease in job opportunities and the increase of applicants, I knew the best way to set myself apart from the competition was by leveraging my network to find opportunities before anyone else did. While this method took some time and required a certain level of vulnerability, it ultimately paid off. 

If you’re a recent grad who hasn’t had the opportunity to  build out a professional network, this method can still be done. Consider past professors, teachers, neighbors, and even family friends to help you find opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed. Not everyone you connect with will have a job lead for you and that’s ok. Instead of getting discouraged, use every conversation and connection as a way to meet new people who might have a lead for you. 

As you leverage your network, realize there are two types of connections. The first connection is with a person who works directly at a job you’re interested in. They will likely be able to connect you with a job lead or with a decision maker. The second connection is with a person who has a large network. While this person may not be able to connect you directly with a job lead, they will be able to connect you with other people that could help you find more job leads. Each connection is valuable in their own way and can help set you apart. 

Finding a job right out of college has always been a challenging task. With the last two years of lockdowns, a crumbling economy, and a seemingly never ending pandemic, the stress of finding a job is  heightened. However, with a little tenacity and a lot of patience, mixed with the ability to be flexible, the consideration of different employment options, and leveraging your network, you might just find a blossoming career unravel.