Hopeless Job Search
I am set to graduate in May with a masters in public administration and I am struggling to find employment anywhere! The search is starting to feel hopeless. I am very open to many different types of work but even that is not helping. With the Covid19 pandemic going on, it is even more challenging to find employment because everyone is working from home! Does anyone have any advice or suggestions to help me?
Anonymous
03/31/20 at 8:59PM UTC
Thanks so much for sharing and you're definitely not alone! I’d love to invite you to our new professional profile (which is different than your current community profile) and quick apply feature –– which gives you closer access to recruiters who are actively looking to hire more women.
These features helps you avoid the job application black hole by receiving updates on your application status in real-time and the option to message the company directly after submitting your profile (link below).
Please let me know if you have any questions, best of luck with your search and please keep us posted!
https://fairygodboss.com/users/job-profile?LAC=UGC&LAT=JSP
Lynne Cogan
Career Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
871
03/22/20 at 9:41PM UTC
I'm going to tell you something that you might think is counterproductive. It is not.
The best way to find a job is not by being willing to take anything (except when it comes to a bridge job to pay the bills temporarily); the best way to find a job is to be extremely clear on what you want and go after it.
What kind of work do you want to do come May? Now, develop your entire job-search campaign around that. Select the companies you want to work for. Research them thoroughly.
Talk with people who are associated with these employers to learn more. Connect with the via LinkedIn. Have virtual coffees (informational interviews) with them on FaceTime or Skype or my current favorite, Zoom.
Now with all that information, determine how you can solve their problems, achieve their goals, improve their bottom line by helping them make or save money. Know how you can be of unique service to them during this challenging time.
Create your resume and cover letter to reflect that. Apply online, if you must but see if someone will refer you for the position. If there is no one, send an email (or snail mail) to the manager of the department or, better yet, the CEO. CEO's hold the vision for the company, they frequently can see behind what a manager can. So, go to the top.
Now, you very well may graduate without a job lined up. Then, go for the low-hanging bridge jobs to keep a roof over your head, food on the table, and a little money in your pocket. Things are changing so rapidly, I'm not sure what those will be in two months, but today the organizations/groups that are hiring in massive numbers are: Amazon (needs people to fulfill their increasing orders), the Census Bureau, grocers (they desperately need people to restock the shelves). I presume there is also work (contract not employee) with DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, etc. because so many people are getting meals delivered.
Once you have money coming in, get back to looking for what you really want to do.
If that doesn't work, post again or message me so we can discuss other strategies--some that haven't been developed yet because we are all learning as we go.
Rebecca Lee VCredentialing Specialist
3.44k
03/21/20 at 12:55PM UTC
Keep applying and keep networking. Things are slow right now but that doesn't mean they will stay that way. Companies aren't hiring now but when they do they will need people who can start immediately. Many companies will slow their process, local the people they need, maybe even start the on-boarding so once the all clear is given you can start.
Anita IskenderianAdministrative Assistant
112
03/20/20 at 7:32PM UTC
I agree. Keep up the job search as you normally would and interject other things to do. Staying at home gets to be a drag!
Leslie WassonStrategy, Insight & Operations
241
03/19/20 at 10:05PM UTC
Yes, job searches, the higher you go, the slower they get, even at the best of times. Tell us a little about what you've tried already and we'll pitch in whatever we can suggest that might broaden your options. It's much nicer with the support of a community!
AlexandriaAlexandra
670
03/19/20 at 6:37PM UTC
Searching for a job can feel hopeless at times -- even before covid19. But you have plenty of time and I'm hopeful things will get better! What kind of role within public administrations are you looking for?
