Finding your first job can be tough under the best of circumstances. And if you are a recent high school or college graduate, the Coronavirus pandemic presents a new set of challenges. Could you use some extra guidance? Here’s our job search advice for the Class of 2020.
Don’t Job Search Alone
In his classic, job-seeker manual What Color Is Your Parachute?, Richard N. Bolles wrote “No one should ever have to job-hunt all by themselves if they can possibly avoid it. We all need encouragement and support, along the way.” This applies today more than ever before. So, where should you turn for help? Start with your friends, family, and extended network. Let everyone know you are looking for work. After all, you never know who might be able to offer a useful tip. Also, remember to tap into the often-overlooked expertise offered by career centers and employment agencies. These professionals can assist you in making industry connections, writing your resume, and preparing for interviews. Plus, in almost all cases, these services are FREE for students and job seekers. In other words, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Be Flexible
A few months ago, you may have formed a vision of your first job. How things have changed! Understand your career path may start out differently than you thought and recognize that’s OK. Rather than focusing on what you want to do, think about what you can do. Look at what industries are currently hiring and be realistic. For example, let’s say you were planning to look for a full-time job in hospitality management, but all you can find is a part-time position in a warehouse office. Although not ideal, this role still could provide you with the opportunity to improve your customer service skills, oversee facilities, and supervise employees. Eventually, this may either turn into a full-time job you surprisingly love or serve as a resume-building experience.
Keep Busy
When you’re unemployed, it’s tempting to sit home, binge watch TV, and worry. Don’t do this! Staying active will allow you to feel better about yourself and, ultimately, create more opportunities. Volunteer at a local food bank or animal shelter. (They could use the help!) Contact a staffing agency and test out a temporary job. Try gig or contract work. Or master new skills through an online course or internship. Certainly, these experiences aren’t what you originally had planned. However, you also have a unique chance to become more resilient, experiment with various roles, expand your network, and, as a result, develop a more diversified, and therefore stronger, overall career.
Could You Use Some More Job Search Advice?
BOS Staffing publishes weekly blog posts on a variety of topics ranging from What Not to Include in Your Resume to How to Make Your Social Media Work Friendly. And if you’re looking for your first job in the greater Atlanta area, our recruiters can assist with that too. Begin the application process and start job hunting with BOS Staffing today!
