News Release
OMAHA, Neb.-While the job market has been extremely strong and robust for college students and graduates over the past few years, 2020 graduates will be stepping into an uncertain employment landscape as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Jeremy Fisher, director of the John P. Fahey Career Center at Creighton University, students can expect the job search to take longer than normal as many companies are delaying hiring opportunities until the health, safety and financial implications of COVID-19 have stabilized.
“Many graduates that have already received job offers are experiencing delayed start dates until later this summer as most employers have transitioned to remote work,” Fisher said. “Summer internships also have been delayed, cancelled or changed to virtual or remote experiences.”
Recent findings of the career center’s new graduate survey show 60% of graduates enter the workforce within six months of earning their undergraduate degrees while others are accepted into graduate schools or begin service programs. According to Fisher, this summer could be an ideal time for students to make themselves more marketable by taking summer classes online; learning new skills such as coding, web design or even a new foreign language; creating a website or online portfolio; contacting faculty about summer research opportunities; networking with alumni; and volunteering or job shadowing in industries of interest.
Concerning job industries, there is no question certain industries are being hit hard; however, Fisher said it may not be necessary to completely change careers as long as the impacts of the pandemic don’t persist longer than the next few months. Fisher adds that there also is opportunity in industries that are continuing to hire, which include e-commerce; logistics and transportation; health care and medical devices; financial services and insurance; grocery; and digital technology firms.
COVID-19 also is affecting job interview processes. Students seeking employment can expect virtual recruiting and interview processes through platforms such as Zoom and WebEx.
Fisher offers the following advice for job seekers during current conditions:
Virtual interviews: Find a quiet space and practice interviews ahead of time to feel comfortable utilizing the technology. Be prepared to answer skills-based questions, in addition to personality and behavior-based questions, which help employers determine if an applicant fits into the company’s work environment. The more knowledgeable a job seeker is about the position and the organization, the better they will be able to communicate to the interviewer how they will contribute to the organization’s goals. Ask good questions in an interview but refrain from asking questions regarding salary and benefits in an initial interview.
Networking is key: Receiving a referral or recommendation is the number one way to secure a job interview. Developing mutually beneficial relationships is important. Engage in networking opportunities through social media, virtual events and online databases. Creighton University utilizes Handshake, an online platform that top universities use to help pair job seekers with recommended employers and job opportunities.
The power of social media: Signing up for social media accounts is encouraged, but beware of what is being posted to avoid hurting your image. LinkedIn is great for marketing yourself and staying connected in the professional world. Social media also is a great tool to learn more about companies and their cultures.
The John P. Fahey Career Center assist students and alumni in exploring and preparing for job opportunities through virtual appointments, webinars and online career fairs.
For additional career resources, visit creighton.edu/careercenter/covid19careerresources/.