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 our Virtual Career Planning during COVID-19 page and search Handshake for updates. And follow @AUCareerCenter on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.