Seeking out jobs is a difficult task to motivate yourself to do in normal times, let alone throwing in a surge of unemployment, millions of people on furlough, a global pandemic, a mental health epidemic, a wave of grief and loss, returning back to family homes, lack of a graduation ceremony, human rights concerns and lack of opportunities to gain experience in industry.
My perspective: Psychology
Writing from a personal perspective, completing a Master’s in the midst of a global pandemic is not something I planned to do, and has probably been one of the hardest things I have done to date. Not being able to go to campus, having 100% online teaching, not meeting any course mates or lecturers: all things not ideal when studying a postgraduate degree within the four walls of my bedroom. Coming to the end of the teaching year, I can now reflect on what these past few months have meant for me. I have learned some valuable new skills such as adaptability, resilience and discipline, all of which I will explain later. Job searching is looming and, in an industry where a few years’ relevant experience is almost always necessary to secure a role, it can be difficult to face. In such a competitive field, it can be concerning to know where to start.
Personally, because experience is fundamental, that is where I am going to start. Take a step back and reflect on what is required for roles you want to apply for. What is needed for that role? Even if you are unsure on what roles to apply for, experience can be a great starting point in figuring out what you like to do and where you like (and don’t like) to work. It is also a great opportunity to upskill and build your CV.
Whilst the last year has been undoubtedly challenging and a catalyst for the pressure of job searching, we should allow ourselves time to reflect on the past year (check out some tools here to aid reflective thinking) and the skills we have built up. Some of us may have taken up some new hobbies, joined some online courses or simply gained a plethora of skills just living through Covid-19. Use these as experience and skills for your CV and job interviews. Read below what kinds of skills the pandemic has taught graduates.
- Adaptability and flexibility: These are shown by individuals driven by challenges, who have a positive response to change, use initiative, adapt and change communication styles, adapt strategies and action plans in light of new situations/information.
- Resilience: this is a skill developed through change and challenges. The ability to face setbacks and obstacles without allowing them to consume or derail you. Those with higher levels of resilience are more likely to have high levels of problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. What doesn’t challenge you, doesn’t change you.
- Discipline. Finishing assignments, dissertations and degrees during a pandemic within the four walls of your bedroom or home, takes a huge amount of discipline. Without course mates or lecturers there to give you a boost or face-to-face support, it can be difficult to achieve. Recognise the self-discipline this takes and celebrate your ability to have achieved this in the current circumstances.
Tips for job searching/applications
- Focus on your strengths that are crucial at the moment: online working, digital skills, proficiency in computer software, online presentations/conferences. Not only will these help you in the recruitment process, these are skills that most employers are actively looking for, especially with online communication and events here to stay.
- Keep up to date with recent pandemic and Brexit issues and how they may impact the industry you are looking to go into. Staying relevant and this will show commercial awareness.
- Make use of your network. If you are a LinkedIn member (if not, we recommend joining to grow an online presence and network), use the search function and your connections to look/ask for experience, whether that be paid or voluntary. This is something that would take minutes and could prove very valuable.
- Tailor your CV/cover letter to each role. This will help you stand out and consider your audience. Although it can be time consuming, it will show your efforts and that you’re a good match for the role.
- You don’t have to go for the first role you are offered. Alternatively, you won’t be stuck in the first role you’re offered for the rest of your life if it is not your ideal job. The average person changes their career five to seven times in their career. It is important to remember that nothing is permeant and securing a role may be a quick fix for financial reasons, but it is not the be all and end all.
- Most importantly: don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You graduated/are studying in the most difficult of times and are searching for a job that could have thousands more applicants than usual. Try to stay motivated, and if you lose that (which we all do), take a few days to refresh and find motivation doing something you love before jumping back into Indeed. It is okay to have not secured a (graduate) job by the time you have finished university, or even up until a few years after. This is not a reflection on you.
If you would like some one-on-one tailored advice or coaching through the job searching and recruitment process, you can contact Clare, an accredited careers coach, at [email protected] or on +44 7594 946 166. Alternatively, if you are a parent or older person reading this with someone you know struggling with this issue, check out some tips here. And stay tuned for our blog on job searching for more established careers.
Written by Siobhan Headd
