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Career Planning during COVID-19

Job and internship searching can be stressful at any time, but the uncertainties of an on-going global pandemic can make this process seem even more daunting. Every aspect of the job search, including networking, interviewing, and negotiating, now takes place online. This page features a collection of the latest advice and resources to help you adapt your efforts for an entirely virtual job search. There are jobs out there and we are here to help you find them.

Your COVID-19 Career Planning “To Do” List

Learn how to focus your job search below and review the resources on this page for the latest advice and resources to help you adapt your efforts for a virtual job search.

Treat job searching as a full-time job. Find a quiet place or time where you can focus on your work with limited interruptions. Develop a routine or schedule based around your most productive time of day. Break down your job search into smaller manageable tasks to reduce your stress and increase your productivity. Keep track of your work and make plans to contact/follow up with people in your network.

You can still work on your “Plan A”, but you should also develop back-up plans (yes, more than one). These plans may not represent your ideal career goals, but they can help develop your skills and eventually find your path back to Plan A. If the organizations or sectors you are interested in are not hiring right now, explore the industries that are.

There are jobs and internships out there, and we are here to help you find and apply to them! Schedule an appointment with a career advisor, stop by express appointments, or attend a virtual drop-in with a Peer Advisor. We are eager to bring you personalized career advice and coaching.

As you search for an internship or job, explore other ways to build your skills and experiences. Consider micro internships and the gig economy. Pursue service learning or volunteer opportunities. Take free online courses through LinkedIn Learning (access through the AU Portal) or external platforms. Take advantage of AU’s free training resources, such as OIT’s Technical Training Workshops and CTRL’s Research Software Workshops.

Learn best practices for virtual interviewing and working remotely, while building your foundational job search skills. Knowing how to network, find jobs, brand yourself, tailor resumes and cover letters, and interview is essential for conducting a successful job search at any time.

In-person networking may be on hold, but you can use virtual platforms to build authentic relationships with working professionals and AU alumni. Identify people who have jobs you want or who work at organizations you are interested in. Contact them to request virtual informational interviews.

Connect with hiring organizations that are actively recruiting AU students through our online Upcoming Events calendar (see below). Attend virtual fairs and information sessions to connect with representatives and demonstrate your interest in their organizations.

Read our Monday Recruiting Newsletter. Regularly check thispage and search Handshake for updates. And follow @AUCareerCenter on , , and .

Virtual Job Search Advice

In addition to the pieces below, check out tas well as LinkedIn's weekly for articles on networking, job searching, remote work, and interviewing during the pandemic.gets updated periodically.

Scammers are always looking for new ways to trick people, and they can be difficult to detect. Review the links below to learn the telltale signs of a fraudulent job post or scam. If you ever have any questions, please consult the Career Center on how to proceed.

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Virtual Job Search Resources

We recommend for weekly insights about the US economy and today’s job outlook, powered by LinkedIn’s unique data resources.

American University Financial Aid's Financial Literacy Resources

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