Job Searching, COVID-19 Edition: It doesn’t need to be that different

Networking and finding a job after graduation is no easy task. COVID-19 poses obvious challenges regarding face-to-face communication and job availability. Indeed, the unemployment rate in Canada has increased from 5.6 to 9.0% over the last year. This likely does not come as a surprise to most people given the closing of businesses and the restrictions that are in place. However, at the end of the day, we trainees need jobs when we finish school. So, what do we do? To find out, I spoke with two former UHN trainees who successfully obtained positions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With many companies switching to ‘work from home’ models, obtaining the best insights into prospective job opportunities can be difficult. Jacqueline Nestico, once a trainee at KITE-UHN, told me that although she “was very eager to network and meet people in person, and perhaps have some office tours, COVID-19 made those aspects of networking difficult.”

What can we do to overcome these physical restrictions? Unfortunately, gaining physical access to facilities might not be possible depending on current company policies. But that does not mean you cannot network virtually. As put by Dr. Jason De Melo, the previous Education Lead for the Office of Research Trainees, “Use your network!” Specifically let your friends and colleagues know you are looking for work. Jason adds, “If no one knows you are looking for a job, no one can help you…You've met with, worked with, and made friends, colleagues and connections throughout your academic lives. These people can share advice and guidance, but more importantly they know you, know your skillset, and can effectively refer you for open positions.”

Where do we start the job search? While job boards are still the most common location for job postings, social media is becoming more frequently used. Some job opportunities may not be posted online at all: consider engaging with your friends and professional networks to explore opportunities. Jacqueline found this approach particularly beneficial for her, “Always reach out and ask people to facilitate introductions. Most people are more than happy to help out.” She found success by finding mutual connections to help introduce her to individuals in roles she was interested. This breaks down barriers around being unfamiliar with individuals in a particular job field that you are interested in. There is also no harm in reaching out to people you have not previously engaged with. In a previous article, I discuss some of the best methods for ‘cold-calling’ individuals.

Many of us have started to settle into the restrictions that have resulted from COVID-19. Don’t use COVID-19 as a barrier to networking, use it as an advantage. As Jacqueline puts it, “I could schedule more networking meetings because I wasn't doing any in-person coffee chats.” COVID-19 does not need to impact your job search. While networking can always feel uncomfortable, set aside the time for it. You won’t regret it.