So, you’re trying to find a job during a pandemic. This has been the story for most college students and young adults in 2020 so far. Well, the year is almost over, but the pandemic is just as persistent as ever. The world is slowly opening back up and closing again over and over, but the jobs and shifts stay heavily limited as small businesses continue to close and store hours remain restricted. Here’s what to do when desperate times call for desperate measures.
- Apply Everywhere!
No job is too good or too beneath you when you need money. DO NOT let your pride get in the way of your bag. There’s nothing wrong with working fast food or at a grocery store. You don’t need to be a barista at the niche, local coffee shop or a waiter at a high-end restaurant. If you’re worried that your friends will think less of you because you work at a Walmart, then you’re keeping bad company.
- Don’t be Modest on Your resume!
If you volunteered at a soup kitchen for a week or simply helped out a family friend by babysitting for a few hours, then you are that much more qualified to work at a restaurant or even a daycare. It’s all about wording! You have to know how to exploit your skills! Whatever you don’t already know, tell your possible future employer that you are eager to learn.
- Don’t hold back!
As I said prior, employers are looking for people who are attentive and excited to be a part of the team. This is not the time to get caught slacking off! You really have to show them, whether during your first interview or your third month on the job, that you want that position. People know everyone is looking for work, and I’ve seen my friends get let go because their boss knew they could find someone who wanted it more.
I hope these little notes lend a little helping hand to anyone that needs it right now. We seem to all be stuck between a rock and an unrelenting national pandemic with no end in sight, so let’s hope we can make some money to buy more cute masks (or at least put gas in the car)! Don’t be shy and feel free to turn to the HC Money and Career section to help answer any more questions about how to get the job you need!