HMRCoE COVID Recruiting Strategies
HMRCoE COVID Recruiting Strategies
Career and Internship Strategies during COVID 19
Although the hiring process has changed and may feel discouraging right now, keep applying! As things change on a daily basis, perseverance will ensure that you are considered for current positions as well as those that will surface in the future. Remain flexible, search opportunties that may not directly align with your career goals but will give you experience or at least networking opportunities. Also consider volunteer opportunities for valuable experience and networking.
Employment Opportunities
Though COVID-19 may have slowed hiring, many organizations have posted more employment opportunities. During these dynamic times, keep checking as many sites as possible and as often as possible.
Federal Govt Jobs and Internships
Individual company websites such as L3Harris, Lockheed and Amazon
YOUR favorite job searching website
Employers' Advice
Employers were asked, “What is one piece of advice you would offer to students who are applying for jobs/internships during this unprecedented time?” Here’s what they said:
- Be persistent and stay engaged. Get in the pipeline now so that when active hiring resumes, you are already engaged. Keep applying and searching opportunities
- Be patient. Even though there may not currently be many opportunities, be patient. Companies want/need employees but it may take time as they are also adjusting to this temporary environment.
- Develop your virtual proficiency. Be prepared to participate in online interviewing. Practice your skills for remote competency.
- Be flexible and adaptable. Be open to opportunities that currently do not align precisely with your goal or major. Widen your search location and job title.
- Network remotely. Use LinkedIn.
- Stay positive. This is just a temporary obstacle. Try to remain positive and take this opportunity to remotely learn new skills.
- More tips here
Source: Survey conducted by Rowan University’s Office of Career Advancement, in collaboration with the Rutgers University-Camden Career Center.
Networking
Social distancing does not mean you should slow down your professional networking efforts. Network with friends, relatives, Rowan faculty/staff or at your volunteer organization or part-time job. Networking is the most effective way to secure an engineering job or internship.
Check out Virtual Professional Networking resources such as:
- MeetUp
- Community Forums
- Twitter Threads
- Facbook Groups
- more
Use Informational Interviews to find out more about a career from a person working in that career and possibly, tap into that person's professional network
Rowan Career Services
Rowan University Office of Career Advancement
Use the Office of Career Advancement's Career Course Guide Book as a resource for career exploration, resume and cover letter development, interviewing tips and overall professional development. Or, enroll in 2020 summer two credit Career & Professional Development course for a more in-depth professional development experience.
Rowan ProfLink
Career and Internship Webinars and Virtual Sessions such as "Virtual Interviewing Tips" specifically for Rowan University students. Check out the various online resources offered by Rowan only for you.
Engineering Resumes
10 Steps to Building a Resume and other tips from Indeed.com
Resume and Cover letter guidance is provided in the Office of Career Advancement's Career Course Guide Book. Use this as a resource for resumes and cover letters as well as interviewing protocol.
Virtual Interview preparation
Preparing for your virtual interview:
If necessary, charge device(s) and ensure internet connectivity is stable
Test audio and video paying particular attention to visual background as well as background noise
Turn off Pop-Ups/Blockers
Organize materials such as resume, project list, portfolio, etc. in front of you for easy reference but outside of camera's view
Practice!
LinkedIn - Profile
- Fill out your online LinkedIn profiles: 80% of students who fill out location preferences, job role preferences, and job type preferences receive a message from an employer? It’s a simple step that many students choose to ignore, but a really effective way to start engaging with potential employers online.
- Follow employers you’re interested in: By following an employer, you’ll be alerted when they post an upcoming online event. Many employers will be offering virtual sessions to meet with you and share information about their company and recruiting processes.