FAQs during COVID-19

I need a job! How can I search for jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Here are some resources to assist you: 

• Continue to monitor Navigator for job postings and employers recruiting Laurier students and alumni.
• If you are a new grad or alumni be sure to sign up for the Alumni Employment Service.
• Monitor large job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.) and also industry-specific job boards.
• Reach out to family, friends and past employers to ask about opportunities.
• Search Canada’s Job Bank for student jobs posted with the 'Canada Summer Jobs' program
• Read about organizations that are actively hiring during COVID-19
• To find work-from-home opportunities, search job boards using the keywords 'remote work' or 'work from home'

For more support tailored to your interests, please book a virtual appointment with a career consultant or register for our online workshops in Navigator.

Which employers are still hiring in these uncertain times?

Various sectors are still actively hiring and posting jobs in Navigator. The Career Centre and employers are working together to deliver virtual employer events, such as recruiting/information sessions. These events offer you the chance to connect directly with employers and expand your professional network. As these events are confirmed, they will be posted on the Navigator Event Calendar. Be sure to check back often for updates.

Despite the uncertainty caused by the outbreak, many industries and organizations are still growing and hiring right now. Here is a list of examples:

• Large tech organizations (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Organizations offering products that support remote work (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
• Online learning organizations
• Food delivery services and online grocery platforms (HelloFresh, Make Good Food, Instacart)
• Essential services (hospitals, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants with takeout/delivery)
• Digital entertainment and streaming services/video games
• Healthcare (data specialists, researchers and scientists, communications specialists)

What else can I do to help my career development during this time?

Good question! Many students and professionals might find that they now have some additional time to focus on career reflection, networking, virtual volunteering and skill development.

• Career reflection: this might be a good time to stop and think intentionally about your skills, personality, values and interests. What is important to you and what are you looking for in a career or a career pivot? What information do you need about careers of interest? These are all questions that you can bring to a career consultant. The Career Centre is physically closed but our team is here to help you!
• Virtual networking: You can still utilize your networking skills and engage with other professionals online. See below for virtual networking strategies.
• Virtual volunteering: Volunteering can help build additional skillsets, provide supports to the community and connect with others. Read below for great ideas and tips.
• Skill development: Are you unable to work but looking to build your skills strategically? Read below and take action!

How can I network virtually?

Building and maintaining relationships is always important. During this time of social distancing, it continues to be important and possible! Here are some practical virtual networking actions you can start today:

• Attend virtual job fairs and networking events to network with potential employers.
• Update your LinkedIn profile and engage with your network. The Career Centre offers individual LinkedIn profile critique appointments to help you maximize your reach and increase your profile’s visibility. The Career Centre offers numerous LinkedIn workshops. If you would like to learn some tips on how to build your profile or networking effectively. Sign up for both on Navigator.
• Create a Ten Thousand Coffees profile and connect with alumni in the Laurier hub. You will be paired based on your career interests, so take this opportunity to learn about possible fields that interest you and grow your professional network.
• Conduct informational interviews with Laurier alumni or career professionals. Check out our informational interviews resources on Navigator under ‘Resources and Handouts’.
• Subscribe to association/network e-newsletters to stay informed about employment prospects such as Communitech or the Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce (or search for the chamber of commerce in the geographical location that you want to work).

What can I do to enhance my skills during COVID-19?

If you find that you have free time, it could be a chance to build your skills and enhance your learning. There is no best learning opportunity for everyone. Think about your career focus and dig into these activities:

• Take a free online course available through providers like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera or edX
• Develop an independent project to work on during the summer
• Improve your language skills with an online app such as Duolingo
• Create a website or online portfolio
• Think like an entrepreneur, so much is changing. Where are these new needs and opportunities? Can you find ways to fill them?