Looking for job opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic

If you’re feeling worried about your job prospects during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re not alone.  The reality today is that not all businesses are operating as usual and circumstances are constantly changing and evolving. At Career Services, our job is to direct you to resources and information and help you identify action steps to reach your career goals – to give you hope to move forward, even in uncertain times. 

Whether you are a new grad looking for your first job after graduation or a current student looking for part-time or summer work, it’s important to look for the opportunities and possibilities. 

Before you start your search, please ensure your safety by following federal and provincial public health directives.

Here are a few ideas of ways to work toward your employment goals:

1. Explore Opportunities: Some employers desperately need to hire to keep up with the new demand that the pandemic has created. “Essential services” such as pharmacies, grocery stores and food delivery have boosted recruitment.  Online learning providers, digital entertainment and streaming service companies, tech companies and companies that provide products or that support remote work capabilities and are uniquely set up to succeed in today’s environment.  These employers are using job boards, social media and have help wanted signs posted on their doors to attract applicants so keep your eyes and ears open.  
2. Adjust your expectations: Consider a different role or industry than you had initially planned for. Explore how different jobs will help you build transferrable skills that are highly sought after by employers across all industries. 
3. Network: Update your LinkedIn profile, and consider using social media such as Instagram and LinkedIn or Twitter to connect with employers or learn more about opportunities. Attend a job search or LinkedIn workshop to learn how. Note of caution: Be mindful that everyone has different demands and priorities, so be sure to respect people’s time and boundaries.
4. Polish your resumé, cover letter writing and interview skills: Become a pro at writing tailored resumés and cover letters and know the skills required to be successful when you land that interview. Attend a Career Services online workshop or take advantage of our virtual resume learning centre. 
5. Continue to apply and interview for jobs: If you don’t apply for the job, you have zero chance of getting it! Be sure you think critically about opportunities you find online.  If you have concerns about the validity of a posting, please refer to our job search workbook resource for some common signs of employment scams or contact Career Services for help. Don’t forget to look on careerCONNECT, we are approving about 20 new job postings per day. 
6. Stay organized and record your progress: Keep a record of all the work you do, continue to update your resume with new skills and experiences, and save all the job postings you find. This will help you to be prepared when you finally land that interview and see what you have accomplished along the way.

Job search is hard work, there’s no denying it, especially right now.  Career Services can help.  Check out our website to learn more about the resources we offer to support you.  Career Services is working remotely to serve students by email, phone, tele-conference as well as through virtual workshops. Contact our office at 204-474-9456 or cs [dot] receptionist [at] umanitoba [dot] ca to make an appointment. 

Lindsey Hiebert, Maria Dielmann and Trevor Lehmann | Career Consultants, Career Services