ADAPTING TO A CHANGING WORLD
JOB HUNTING DURING A RECESSION Does the recession have you down about your job prospects? Take it as a chance to get your head in the game and get ahead once you graduate.
T
he coronavirus has hit the job economy hard. Really hard. Companies have had to get creative in order to stay afloat, and the hiring landscape is beginning to resemble a desolate wasteland. If this looks like something out of your worst (hiring) nightmare, you are not alone. No one could have predicted what was going to happen. As a matter of fact, before COVID-19 hit and a recession settled over the economy, a survey done in 2019 forecast 2020 as “upbeat”. But in this time, one of the most important things to do is to gain some perspectives about the job search process and manage your expectations accordingly.
Research, research, research Before you start making plans about your career, research on which industries are the hardiest in tough times and find relevant jobs accordingly. Keep in mind that job satisfaction should still be a priority though! Liking what you do matters more in the long run than a short-term recession, so do not switch industries just because it offers more prospects.
If you still have some doubts to clear up, ask. Speak to a career coach or simply strike up a conversation with someone wiser and more experienced – they might be able to give better insight into what you should expect from the job market or specific industry once you graduate.
Start early Even if there is no recession, the job market in Singapore is generally pretty competitive for fresh grads. As such, the best course of action is to prepare ahead: Start working on your network, call up possible leads and expand your resume with relevant work experience.
Do not stop (applying) Even if you do not hear back from firms you have applied to, keep your momentum going and continue to send out applications. These companies may be dealing with some questions that may affect you if they bring you on, such as online training and working remotely. Set a daily goal and reward yourself whenever you reach it, whether with a delicious mug of coffee, or sitting down to play your favourite video game. But one of the most important
things to remember when you are applying for jobs is to manage your expectations of what you will actually land straight out of school. Try and keep an open mind throughout the job search process, as you never know where an unchartered path will bring you further in your career.
Be patient Interview processes are long and tedious enough as they are, but add in social distancing, and you have a whole different ball game. Keep in mind that most company hiring processes are not designed to be remote and there are new logistics to be addressed.
Polish your resume and cover letter This is something we have all heard before: Make your resume and cover letter look professional. Tailor them to every employer you apply to. Matching your skills to job descriptions in order to impress recruiters is especially crucial right now, so make sure you send the best version of your resume to the employer you are applying to.
Remember: Tough times do not last. Tough grads do.
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THE SMU CAREER GUIDE 2021 29
