Resources from OCP to Help Restart a Job Search

eeling stuck with your job search?  Does the economy and news of what is going on in the workplace have you feeling uncertain about what you can do now?  Even though we have seen a disruption in the workplace there are strategies that you can put into place now to progress toward your career goals.

Incorporate these strategies into your process to take action and move forward:

• Continue your plans while managing expectations. This pandemic will pass, and when it does, organizations will need employees. Think broadly about your skills and how they can be applied. COVID-19 is fueling the gig work economy. You may wish to consider gig work – temporary or part-time roles in your field of interest. There are jobs out there, they just may not be what you expected.
• Engage virtually. Employers have very little bandwidth right now; you can make it easy for them to find you online.  This is a perfect time to improve and complete your Handshake and LinkedIn profiles.
• Seek targeted resources.  The OCP team has compiled a digestible resource to navigate everything career-related in a remote and virtual world, which is available on Handshake. Networking will continue to be the most effective tool for job seeking. Think about three specific relationships you can build and/or renew right now.
• When searching for jobs and internships LinkedIn is your friend! 
  • Use LinkedIn to connect with employers: make sure to follow up after events, career fairs, or networking sessions to stay in touch with the recruiters you meet.
  • Engage on LinkedIn: this doesn’t mean you have to post all the time or actively message individuals — stay connected by liking, commenting on, and re-sharing posts from your connections.
  • Follow organizations: stay up-to-date on what’s new with organizations that interest you. This is also a great way to learn more about the culture of the organization
  • Want to learn more? Check out OCP’s LinkedIn module here and OCP’s Strengths Based Networking webinar!

Looking for ways to stay motivated when your search gets tough?  Try these ideas:

• Use the power of positivity: Incorporate words of affirmation especially during these times. Write down 1-2 ways that you have grown so that you can see your progress in a tangible way.
• Rely on your network: reach out to people you have connected with in the past. They can be your greatest resource and advocate.

Connect with the Office of Career Planning  at meredith.edu/career-planning | career@meredith.edu | meredith.joinhandshake.com/login