Careers during times of covid

Some have wondered if what I wrote previously regarding careers still applies while we are all experiencing the pandemic (reference here); and I think that for the most part the questions and general advice can still be considered as guidance for what career path best suits a person.  In this post, I'm sharing some new direction and warnings to heed especially for those about to graduate and enter jobs for the first time or for those seeking new careers during these unpredictable times. While higher learning institutions may be alerting their students, I felt the need to share more information to readers of my blog.
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First, a word of caution

Unscrupulous people often try to take advantage of populations who are vulnerable in times of crisis. With the pandemic, a slow-down in the economy has forced many employers to lay off staff on top of implementing recruiting and hiring freezes.  Unemployment numbers have skyrocketed to levels not seen since the great depression, which makes it a particularly difficult time for recent or soon-to-be college graduates to find jobs.  I've heard of an uptick in email phishing attempts targeting college students eager to find internships and jobs.   Senders of these kinds of emails are posing as potential employers, even claiming to have received their contact information from the school they are attending.  They may also be asking for personal information and offering jobs without conducting any official interviews.  

If you or someone you care about has received such an email, it would be best to delete them immediately without opening any links or responding.  To take it a step further, if the recipient is a student, report it to school officials to help prevent others from being scammed.  Also, look into your school to find additional resources to assist with online safety.

Legitimate Job Sources

• Will never ask for personal information such as bank account numbers, birth-dates, SSN
  
• Will schedule interviews via phone or Zoom or other videoconferencing means
• May ask for and actually contact references

Being Flexible in your Job Search

• Look for those that are considered Essential Business--some examples include, but not limited to:
• health care
• grocery stores
• pharmacies
• restaurant delivery services
• Government jobs are found here
• To those in the Los Angeles County, try this website

Red Flags

• When you are  initially contacted via phone or email without ever having applied to position 
• Receiving an offer without ever meeting any individuals or visiting office space
• Asking for money transfers or requesting gift cards/office supplies
  
• No in-person or phone interviews

On the other hand, if you find a legitimate job source and land an interview and are curious about how to prepare, you may consult with your school's career experts.  Once you go through their recommendations, you may or may not wish to supplement with my life experience tips.  They can be taken into consideration whether or not we are facing a crisis.

Life Experience Tips

In my earlier years, I remember how preparation for interviews included "tips" like making eye-contact when spoken to, smiling when appropriate, and rehearsing some solid responses to commonly asked questions.  However, following certain scripts or giving "perfect" responses may back-fire for both the job seeker and the employer.  Giving the answer that the interviewer wants to hear may land you the job, but if your response isn't true to your heart, you may find yourself with a job that isn't fulfilling nor make you happy.

For example, if the interviewer asks, "How do you feel about data entry," and you respond "I love doing data entry!" without being truthful, you may be setting yourself up to fail, having to perform tasks you're less than enamored with if you land the job.  Being honest with yourself, as well as asking questions about the position back to the interviewer will give you a better sense of the work you will be doing and the company's culture.  If you don't ask the questions (more on this below), you could find that the position and environment isn't exactly how it was advertised.  For example if a position's advertisement indicated "provide customer service" one may find out too late that the actual conditions upon employment is dealing with a high number of unsatisfied clients.  

More Preparation Tools

For career seekers, I would highly encourage preparing questions to your prospective employers that give you background to what you could possibly be signing yourself up for.  If a post is not too specific as in the one given earlier about what kind of customer service you would need to provide, you may want to ask, "Please give me 1 or 2 examples of the kinds of customer service you need." Because every position varies, applicants should think about listing similar questions--even  some 'tough' questions that will assist in determining on whether or not you will end up taking a job offer.

Example:

General job posting -- Supervisor wanted to help organize employees. Duties include being in charge of communication, payroll, and leading day to day operations.

Possible questions to ask:

1) What is the general disposition of the employees?  Are they receptive to new management?

2) Why is this position open?

3) What kind of support will I have as supervisor?

4) What kinds of systems will I be working with to support this role?

The possible questions are not an exhaustive list, as there are other factors one can think about asking before an actual interview.  It's in your best interest to be selective about your careers, especially if it's full-time because another component to keep in mind is that you will be spending 40 hours or more of your time at this workplace and with your team of individuals. 

Another tip on how to best prepare for an upcoming interview includes having someone ask you potential interview questions so you could practice out loud and respond honestly to possible questions.  This method can help with that feeling of being 'stuck' when nervousness start to surface.  If you can, try envisioning the upcoming interview as having a conversation with people to find out more about the position versus stressing about whether or not you will be chosen.

General Advice

I have found that the best jobs I've had in my lifetime were ones where during an interview, I was being my genuine self. In being who we truly are without having to 'try' to be who we think we ought to be can yield the best possible positions which will allow us to grow professionally.   Being our true selves actually make the eye-contact, head nods, and smiles come more naturally.  When one resorts to telling people what they want to hear and perfunctory decisions are made, an organization or the person selected may end up unhappy, especially to career seekers and management that may be in a rush. 

If a company or organization doesn't hire you despite being authentic, please try not to let it deter you from the process.  Continue to do your research or even network with a company you can picture yourself being in. 

I do believe that when we are being our true self without an offer, these kind of outcomes only will lead applying to other suitable jobs.  With enough perseverance, patience, and time, an organization who values your potential and authenticity will extend the offer.   [Sometimes people will think that something is wrong with them if they do not get an offer, but I hope for the future's sake that this outlook is not where the focus will stay.  Human nature may cause feelings of disappointment, however my best advice is to take steps towards letting such feelings pass if possible within 24 hours.  In addition, I'd like to offer this quote: "The fruits of success are a lot sweeter when you've tasted the bitterness of defeat." --unknown]  You may find yourself overjoyed once you are in a position you love to wake up to every morning!

Overall, let it be known that it's possible for one to face a couple of rejections before an offer is received.   To close, my message to those trying to change career paths, whether it's during these times or any other time--is to do your research, follow your inspiration & intuition versus any feelings of desperation.  As always these posts are open for discussion.