Panic and Pandemic Job Searching

Clarence Anthony Jr, PhD, Casey Hampton, M.Ed, and Robbie Ouzts, M.Ed

Introduction 

2020 has presented challenges and changes to our society like never before. Everything has been affected and changed, for better or for worse. Trips to the grocery store, the ability to go out for a bite to eat, seeing/touching loved ones, the way that we work and study, and searching for a job are all different – in some way. The global COVID-19 pandemic has affected our national and world economy, job stability, and job searching in ways we never thought possible. Unemployment is at levels not seen since the Great Depression, and no one knows when things will get back to “normal” in the United States and around the world.  

Job seekers have been in panic mode since March, when the first wave of quarantine swept across the United States of America. With the economy up in the air, and companies’ ability to hire being severely curtailed, or outright stopped, many were left wondering what to do and how to manage the job search. With so much uncertainty around us, we must consider how to move forward intentionally and effectively. We know that many of you are searching for jobs or internships at this time, and that can be both a daunting and scary prospect. You may be doing so in response to losing a job recently, or to gain more experience to build out your career. We have several tidbits for you to think about as you navigate this process, and we hope that they can aid you in your search 

Applying to Jobs is Not Always a “Numbers” Game 

Think back to March or April. You’re scurrying down the aisles of your local supermarket or grocery store. You see others grabbing everything in sight. You probably wondered, “Should I be doing this too?” or “What will be left for me?”. Like many others, you probably engaged in panic shopping, which was a common way to react to the looming announcement of a quarantine. No one knew what lay ahead. In hindsight, did you some of the things that you may have grabbed off of the shelves back then? Did you even want all of that toilet paper? Well, panic shopping and the behaviors that people exhibit when job searching can be similar. 

Often, the students that we work with tend to apply to any, and all, available posted positions as a means of simply trying to “get a job”, and to ultimately feel secure and safe. Yet, this strategy, “panic job searching” is extremely problematic for both job seekers and employers. Panic job searching limits your ability to focus on searching for positions that you are truly interested in and ones that lead to a higher level of job satisfaction. When you don’t selectively and intentionally apply for positions that fit your skills, interests, and values, you lose valuable time and energy that could be diverted elsewhere. Employers are also affected by panic searching because they lose valuable time by having to screen through candidates who are either not truly interested or not qualified in the position that they are hiring for. We recommend thinking smarter, not harder. Be intentional and resist the urge to grab the metaphorical toilet paper that you don’t want or need. Develop a fine-tuned strategy, based on preferred and secondary career options.  Stick to your plan and be confident in your search and your abilities. 

The Job Search Can Be Approached Like a Research Study 

You can think of the job search as a research study. If you’ve ever gone through the process of developing a research topic for a thesis, dissertation, or even a class paper you’ll understand this – especially if you had/have an advisor, or a principal investor, who is hands-off. There will come a point where you don’t know what you’re going to study or focus on. You may feel lost, confused, and wondering how or which way to proceed. However, as you continue to dig into the literature and you continue to talk to others about their studies, your focus will become more focused and clearer to you. The same process sometimes occurs during the job search process. Instead of going through databases to search for articles, you are browsing job postings, volunteering, or interning to gain a more informed opinion of a career or industry. Instead of reaching out to, and talking to, peers in your labs or experts in your field about a research topic, you can do the same when it comes to careers. Both processes are similar. There will be some uncertainty, but you must seek out information and utilize resources to gain a better understanding, which leads us into our next point. 

Networking Has Become Even More Important 

Usually in the Fall, the calendars of job seekers and employers would be littered with career fairs, information sessions, on-campus interviews, and networking events. Well... now everything is virtual and the ability to add a personal touch to search for a job is more difficult. Utilizing the 4 “F’s is even more important now than ever before. Asking Friends, Family, Friends of Family, and Family of Friends can provide insight about the key skills needed for jobs and industries, and how to get hired by presenting yourself in the more effective manner. People who are comprised within the 4 F’s may intuitively know what would be a good fit for you, and they may be able to instinctively understand your quirks, passions, and habits. In short, those that are closest to you may be your strongest allies and champions. Some may help you to be aware of things about yourself that you have not realized---especially in times like these that we are living in. Don’t forget that! 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, job searching during both a global pandemic and an economic downturn is not easy---and no one will (or should) say any differently. But if we stop and think, job searching even in the best of times is not easy either, nor is it supposed to be easy. It’s certainly not fun. They will be some bumps in the road along the way, and you will come out of it. The job search can be a journey where one can learn and evolve, create connections, and continue to press forward.  And furthermore, it is a chance for growth, opportunity, and self-realization. 

We also realize that not everyone is able to have a job that they love. For some, a job is a means for survival and the idea of having a job that you’re “passionate” about is a privileged stance. However, if your goal is related to having job satisfaction, then intentionality and thoughtfulness is most likely the best way to move forward. So, think back to March and April of this year. Did you really need all of that toilet paper? And when you find yourself on a job board, ask yourself, “Do I really want this job, or am I just grasping for anything?”. In the end, panic shopping and panic job searching aren’t all that different. We reach for what we believe can lead us toward stability, even if it doesn’t in practice.  We wish you all the best in your search and are rooting for you all the way.