The world is changing in the face of COVID-19, and with it, the landscape of the workplace, how we connect, and the hiring process.

A recent Vault article said it best… “Every day, every hour, every moment you have a choice. You can choose to constantly watch and wait for the news. Or you can choose to direct your focus on things that will benefit you and others. When we’re on the other side of this, what do you want to have achieved? A lot of people will not have anything to show for it. What will you have to show for this time? How will you rise to this challenge?”

Here are a few resources to help you prepare for the unique professional challenges that lay ahead.

If you’re in the middle of your job search

It’s no secret, the economy is shifting. The type of jobs in-demand are changing, and the way we work is transforming. No one can be completely certain of how COVID-19 will affect your job search in 2020. For now, your job search may be harder, but continuing your search with patience and persistence is crucial. This is not the time to lose momentum. No matter what the news says, don’t stop applying.

The good news? Yes, there are companies still hiring. Yes, there is remote work available – here are a few leads of where to look.

Many major job search sites are featuring Covid-friendly lists:

Even before COVID-19, many job search sites existed that specialize in flexible, remote, and freelance work. Here are some of the top sites to explore:

Of course, being prepared to apply to the right jobs, and to apply confidently with the right application package in-hand, is another story. Remember, as an alum, you have free access to full-service career support, including private career coaching and a wide variety of resources, all accessible on Chapman’s Career Portal, Handshake.

Prefer group settings? We’ve got you covered. Chapman’s Career team recently launched a series of live Virtual Career Workshops throughout April (and more to come!) Topics include:

Additionally, Project Activate, a subsidiary of executive recruiting and coaching firm McDermott + Bull specializing in young professional growth, is hosting bi-weekly web meetups lead by CEO Rod McDermott (Panther Dad!) and Mindset Business Coach Zach Smith. Take a lunch break with the pair and tackle some of the most pressing professional development challenges of the time.

If you’re working remotely

The boss may be out – but self-discipline is in. 

In a fragile economy and sensitive time, showing up, delivering, and continuing to demonstrate your value in the workplace is more important than ever. Do not use this newfound freedom as an ‘opportunity’ or excuse to jeopardize your reputation or derail your track record. HR probably already said it, but here it comes again: remote working is a privilege, not a right.

We know you’ve seen countless articles about making a tidy space, keeping a schedule, dressing up, taking regular breaks… so we won’t bore you with that. But here’s something you may not have considered: There’ a silver lining to being ‘stuck’ inside.

With less time being spent at extracurriculars, we each have a unique opportunity to invest time in ourselves. If you’ve been putting off continued education, certifications, training, or learning new tools, now could be the perfect time to dive in.

Enhancing your resume and showing new skills at work is another great way to evidence your commitment to your professional role and add value to your company during this challenging time. Investing in your education/professional development is always a quality use of time.

Don’t know where to start? LinkedIn Learning is offered by many companies for free, and is included with a LinkedIn Premium Account. They even have a remote working training! You’d also be surprised by the expert-level training and guides found on Youtube and provided for free by professional associations. Get searching!

If you’re getting ready for a video interview

For the foreseeable future, most interviews will be conducted remotely – that is, phone or video. Now is the time to get comfortable with the new normal.

Video interviews serve the same purpose as in-person interviews; the company is hoping to find a good candidate for their open position and the candidate is hoping to find an employer that meets their needs. Many of the fundamentals to an in-person interview  (timeliness, body language, professionalism, focus, and responsiveness) will also help make a good impression in a virtual interview.

So what’s the difference? Technology. To the tech-savvy rolling their eyes: We are mere mortals, our computers can go on the fritz, companies can choose unfamiliar software, and Murphy’s law chooses to rule in the most inopportune times… so do yourself a huge favor and practice first. A recent article by Balance Careers states “the key to a successful video interview is to practice beforehand so that you avoid technical problems and feel confident with the process.”

More good news for you here! As a Chapman alum, you have free access to the most-used video interviewing platform in over 120 countries, InterviewStream. The platform is loaded with mock interview questions that you can record yourself answering, watch back, and share with others – whether that be a colleague, professor, mentor or friend – for feedback.

If you’ve been laid off

Unfortunately, some companies are starting to lay people off or putting teams on furlough. If this happens to you, know that this is not your fault. Many Americans are in your same shoes.

Time for a deep breath.

Now, tackle your immediate financial health first. If you’re eligible for unemployment, consider filing to mitigate loss of income. Look at ways to save money; cut your budget, call your mortgage, loan, and credit card companies and see if there’s anything they can do to help you during this time. Consult an expert and take advantage of all available resources. For instance, did you know that as a Chapman alum you have free access to financial literacy and planning platform, iGrad?

Then, take a few days to strategize and set up an appointment with your Chapman Career Team. We’ll get you ready to hit the pavement…virtually, of course!