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
37 answers
Lisa M’s Answer
mary’s Answer
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.
Andrea’s Answer
Colin’s Answer
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.
Jaclyn’s Answer
Giovanni’s Answer
Best of luck out there,
Miyoshee’s Answer
Ripudaman’s Answer
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 :)
Hanleigh’s Answer
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.
Marcie’s Answer
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.
Nawaz’s Answer
Nawaz recommends the following next steps:
Howard’s Answer
Jasmine’s Answer
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.
Michael’s Answer
Thank you for the question! I agree with a lot of the comments already made. With any interview - it's paramount to be authentic and be prepared for the meeting. Being that a lot of interviews are being completed in a remote environment - test your phone and video connection well in advance of the interview. Some tips for video conferencing:
• Face a soft light source – for example, if near a window, face the window vs. positioning it behind you.
• Place your camera at eye level or slightly higher – a stack of books can serve as a handy riser.
• Your microphone needs to be closer to you than you’d think.
• Be on the spot with the mute button – a sneeze or background noise can pop up at any time.
Best of luck, Augusta!
Jennifer’s Answer
Jessica’s Answer
Be patient while applying since these are uncertain times, but once you have an offer make sure that it's one you can accept and be comfortable in and don't forget to negotiate!
Even in a worldwide pandemic you still have some leverage. So make sure you review the compensation package including all the benefits (especially flexible schedule and remote capabilities).
Robin’s Answer
celeste’s Answer
I too agree with everyone that has written to you on this topic. No matter what keep applying and putting yourself out there to different employers! There is plenty of opportunity to do volunteer work and that will reflect very well on your resume as character and experience!
Good luck to your future endeavors!
shubha’s Answer
Use this time to do online certifications, now a days lot of universities offering small duration courses.
Stay focused and keep trying, even if you don't get dream job immediately, consider it as well one can always switch whenever convenient.
all the best!
Sonya’s Answer
Ashish’s Answer
Stay positive and keep on applying.
We can look at this as an opportunity to polish your skill sets and when this time passes away it would open up the market.
Utilize this time to research more on the job/field that you were intending to do.
See what are the skill sets required and try to polish your skills that you do not have command on as of now.
Try to see what value add can you bring in to the job roles that you are targeting. For example - in most of the enterprise and SP networking companies process automation is a good/required skill to have. So if you have basic understanding of the technology and have good command on automating mundane tasks then it is value proposition for the hirer.
amanda’s Answer
Rukhsana’s Answer
2) Indeed.com is a great place to check out entry level positions
3) Reach out to your school or colleges career counseling programs
4) Check online for virtual job fairs coming up in your area
Carl’s Answer
1. Be patient and ensure you go after the job/career you are looking for.
2. Use this time (if interviews are lacking) to practice, practice practice your interviewing skills! Learn techniques wether it’s through YouTube or getting advise from others. I would highly recommend do a mock interview with someone you don’t really know, like a friends parent, one who has interviewing experience. As a hiring manager, I’ve seen countless of candidates who look great on “paper” but their actual interview creates doubt and are lacking. I have had several direct reports who have all the capabilities in the world and would absolutely do well in the job they are applying for but can convey their skills and accomplishments to the hiring manager, then only to be told after the interviews what their opportunities were which is the complete opposite of the feedback.
3. Research the company in debt. Knowing what philanthropic organizations the company partners with, the goals and aspirations and even some of contributions the business has been a part of can make a difference in the interview process. A great place to start is the About Us section on most business’ s website.
4. In my opinion I think there will be a theme in which company’s may ask “what have you done during your time while the country was in lockdown?” Hint; hanging out with my family and trying to not go stir crazy, probably not going to set you a part from other candidates. Use this time wisely, invest in the ongoing/upcoming process, add to your own aspirations and find ways to contribute to your community.
Hope this helps! Good luck and don’t underestimate the power of smiling in an interview! Be yourself!
Dong’s Answer
Dong recommends the following next steps:
karthik’s Answer
All the best for your job search.
Its a best time to prepare yourself for job interviews, There is lot of interview questions you can refer online on your field.
As you are in entry level , concentrate more on basics of your field.
Telephonic or video conferencing call is best in this COVID-19 pandemic.
Lisa’s Answer
Lisa recommends the following next steps:
Yolonda’s Answer
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=JuVYWUo2meE
Sheila’s Answer
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Donita’s Answer
Abhishek’s Answer
Pradeep Kumar’s Answer
COVID-19 is not a big challenge in case if you are applying for job it IT industry. You can appear for interview through video call and many good companies already following and promoting this process. So keep your CV updated and keep trying. Even if you don't get call immediately , Utilise your time to learn new skills in your field so that you have an edge over other candidates.
Last but not least stay safe this COVID-19 situation will get over very soon.
Cheers
Pradeep
Stephen’s Answer
Colby’s Answer
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.
jacqueline’s Answer
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!
Wayne Archibald
Wayne’s Answer
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.