While it is true that many industries have slowed down or ceased hiring, others have not and may even have an increased demand for talent in the wake of COVID-19.
- Update your resume. It is essential that you make your resume stand out—and now is a great time to do that. Identify your personal brand and strongest selling points.
- Create a professional online presence and clean up your personal social media accounts. Establish a professional online brand. As part of the hiring process today, many employers check a candidate’s online presence to learn more about them. This may be even more common for employers during the COVID-19 climate, as face to face interviews may not be possible.
- Build new skills. In the digital age, it is possible to learn most anything through the internet. Take advantage of online opportunities to enhance your skills and make yourself more appealing to employers.
- Practice virtual interviewing. In the wake of COVID-19, many companies have changed recruiting strategies to reduce or eliminate in-person interactions.
- Cultivate your professional network. Social distancing doesn’t mean that you must put networking on hold. In fact, this might be an ideal time to cultivate professional relationships.
- Use email or LinkedIn to reach out to professionals in industries and roles of interest.
- Request a virtual meeting or phone call to learn more about their experiences and seek advice.
- Embrace a sense of community by participating in an online forum or a webinar.
- Get help from UNC’s career services advisors. University Career Services staff is available to support you directly or connect you to other UNC campus career advisors, online resources, virtual appointments, workshops, and digital networking opportunities. Whether you’re exploring academic majors, looking for a micro-internship, or getting ready for life after graduation—your career center is here to help and can provide guidance specific to your goals during this trying time.
University Career Services Resources
University Career Services offers a range of virtual support options and resources. Please email UCS if you have any questions or an individual need.
- Handshake. Student resumes and contact information will be provided to all recruiters that planned to attend employment fairs. Additionally, students will receive a customized spreadsheet of recruiters’ email and LinkedIn contact details to request more information or arrange informational interviews via Zoom.
- Virtual Career Counseling and Appointments
- Instagram Live Q&A Sessions
- Virtual Career and Graduate School Fairs
- COVID19 Job Search
- Who is Hiring?
- Micro-Internships
- Virtual Industry Information and Online Resources
May 2020 Graduating Seniors
- If you are looking for employment or post-graduation opportunities, you have full access to all of UCS’s virtual services for an entire year after graduation.