VCU news

By Dina Weinstein

With millions filing for unemployment and many sectors of the economy hard hit because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a tough time to look for work. As graduates start scrolling through job boards and sending out resumes, Krystle Dorsey, assistant director for education and human services at Virginia Commonwealth University Career Services, offers advice and resources to help students during the application process.

What are some job search tips for graduating students who are keeping socially distant?

We recommend students make sure that their job search is targeted, which means they're clear on what type of jobs they're looking for in terms of the positions, where they would like to work and the specific industry.

We have a variety of resources through VCU Career Services website. Handshake helps students conduct an effective job search, research what type of positions are out there for their major or sign up for workshops and events like career fairs. The Advising section of our website has career resources. Career and Industry Pathways has a job search resources section with information related to their industry. We encourage students to make an online appointment with us. We are currently providing remote advising by phone, Zoom, email. And the undergraduate section of our website gives specific resources around interviewing, as well as preparing for grad school.

What are some tips for students trying to figure out how best to position themselves in their job search, and to make themselves an attractive candidate?

Students should really put effort into aligning their career documents, meaning their resume or CV, and their cover letter, with the job announcements. Many times, especially with online applications, job documents are reviewed by computer or an applicant tracking system. By using the same key words, as well as the skills being referred to in job announcements, and making sure those are appropriately worded, it’s going to make them look like the best candidate.

Also important is drafting a cover letter as a narrative, rather than copying and pasting their resume. With the cover letter, employers are looking for who you are in terms of understanding your personality and why you would be interested in that type of work. Students should be writing the content part of the letter about their skills and qualifications as a story, explaining key experiences that prepared them and what is meaningful for them about that type of work.

What are some things students can do now to represent themselves online?

Students definitely want to maximize or develop their LinkedIn profile, which is basically your professional identity online. It can distinguish you from other candidates because it puts pretty much all of the job search in one place. You have your headline, which states your goal or specialty. The “About” section can be used as a generalized cover letter. The various experience sections are similar to a resume and should be drafted or developed similarly, meaning in bullet-point format where you list the job, the tasks and responsibilities and the accomplishments of each role.

LinkedIn also allows students to receive recommendations, which is similar to a references portion of a job search. Students can list skills and organization and association memberships. They can create a link to social media or to files with any projects, or possibly artwork that might be relevant for art students, like a professional portfolio. If students need guidance on how to develop their profile, we encourage them to make an appointment with us and we will be happy to help.

What are other resources students can tap into through VCU Career Services, or elsewhere?

Eighty percent of the job search is networking. A lot of people are misinformed that in a job search they're just going to figure out what job they want to apply for, then send off their resume and cover letter. That’s only tapping into a narrow job search potential, which puts you at a significant disadvantage.

You need to maximize your networking potential. That means networking with friends, family, job supervisors, faculty, advisers, classmates and alumni as well as any foundations, associations and professional organizations. It's advantageous for students to join professional organizations now because they may get either reduced or free rates. This is prime job search real estate for students to connect with people in their fields. It’s a huge resource. Many professional organizations also have job search sites.

You should always be networking. There are networking tips on our website. VCU Link, a networking platform provided by the alumni office, allows students to identify people they may want to have informational interviews with during their job search. That's a really important tool. I encourage students to join the VCU Alumni Association group in LinkedIn to help kick off that networking process.

What special challenges are the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic downturn presenting?

COVID-19 is definitely affecting budgets in certain industries. The hospitality industry, food service, restaurants and certain industries that require groups of people to congregate are experiencing either layoffs or they have to restructure to some type of delivery methods. So what this may present is that positions that were initially in person and in an office may transition to remote opportunities. It might just be temporary. The job hiring processes may be delayed. A job search process, traditionally between 30 and 90 days, could be extended. Students should be patient. Don't stop applying. Be flexible and compassionate with employers. Communicate and follow up. We anticipate an increase in remote positions and remote onboarding processes.

Is there growth in different fields? Should graduates think about other areas that are hiring and short-term solutions if industries have gone away or shut down?

Employers who are hiring are those that are essential services, such as grocery stores, online stores, the health care industry, including pharmacies. Students might consider the concept of a short-term plan versus an ideal job. I encourage people to never give up on their dreams and career goals because of temporary circumstances, but I do encourage students to be flexible and adaptable.