Reflect on all of your experience since high school: your classes, projects, on-campus involvement, internships, employment, research, conferences / workshops attended, athletics, and community service. Think about the skills you developed, and how they can be applied in your next role. Think about the skills you would like to learn.
 
Identify companies that typically hire for positions that would fit your interests, education and skills. You may choose to apply for positions that specifically require your major, or you may focus your job search on opportunities that would use your skills.

• Start by researching job postings on HireJayhawks, Indeed, and LinkedIn job search:
  • HireJayhawks (job database for KU students and alumni, search positions by job functions) 
  • Indeed (premier job search platform)
  • LinkedIn Job Search
• Research industries that are currently hiring (see a separate section below).
• Expand your research using the following resources to identify companies of interest; then visit the company career webpages to view jobs and apply, and follow the companies on LinkedIn or Twitter:
  • LinkedIn Alumni Tool (research KU alumni by locations, majors, keywords, skills, or type of work; connect with KU alumni)
  • KU Careers and Majors (view skills, popular career paths, jobs to consider, places to seek employment, employment strategies, and job and internship resources for KU majors)
  • FlexJobs Company Guide (directory of companies hiring for remote jobs; do not pay for a subscription, research the companies and apply on employer websites)
  • Business Journals' "Book of Lists" (requires access through KU Library, lists top organizations according to industries in 40 cities around the U.S.) 
  • Chamber of Commerce sites (view directories of employer members) -
    • KC Chamber 
    • Overland Park Chamber of Commerce 
    • Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
    • Topeka Chamber of Commerce 
  • Employer listings from previous career fairs
  • Vault Company Research (lists of best companies according to industries)

Be open and flexible. You might have an ideal job in mind, but you might not be able to get it right away.  Think of different ways to get there: take a role that would utilize similar skills in a different industry - the experience will be transferable, take a different role within your target organization or industry - you can prove yourself and move up, or take a position to learn new skills - you might discover a rewarding career you have not considered.

Companies are hiring for jobs in industries such as health care, software, shipping and delivery, e-commerce, online education and training, grocery retail, and customer service.
 
Here are some lists of employers that are currently hiring:

• TeamKC's KCCN Special Edition COVID-19 Response (list of hiring employers in the KC Metro Area) 
• LinkedIn Who's Hiring
• COVID 19: Job Market Insights and Job search strategies from experts
• HireJayhawks (job database for KU students and graduates)
• USA Jobs (federal government jobs)
• Indeed (premier job search platform)

Research the following platforms:

• Working Nomads (job search site for remote development, design, customer service, and marketing roles) 
• We Work Remotely (job search site for remote copywriting, marketing, customer support, design and management positions)

To find remote positions on other platforms, use keywords "remote", "anywhere", "telecommute", "work from home", or "virtual".
 
FlexJobs, a platform for work from home and flexible jobs with fee-based access, has a free company guide. Do no pay for a subscription, research the free directory of companies hiring for remote jobs, and apply on individual company sites.

Review tips for creating a great LinkedIn account, and take time to make updates to you LinkedIn profile.

• LinkedIn for Students

Networking is always the best way to find employment. Think of networking as developing and maintaining relationships, getting to know people, and sharing information and resources. Check in with your existing contacts, and reach out to KU alumni without asking for a job. Conduct informational interviews - show interest and ask for advice.
 
Connect with KU alumni through the following sites: 

• KU Mentoring (KU Alumni Association's platform to connect with KU alumni mentors) 
• KU Alumni on LinkedIn (research KU alumni by locations, majors, keywords, skills, or type of work; connect with KU alumni)

Here's an article on how to conduct networking online: 

• Networking is still important. Here’s how to do it while you’re stuck inside (LinkedIn article) 

FlexJobs, The Ladders, and The Muse mention these major soft skills for remote workers: ability to work independently, organization, self-motivation, discipline, balance, strong written communication, technical aptitude, and teamwork. Read closely job descriptions and make sure to provide examples of relevant skills in your application materials. Highlight any remote work experience.
 
For more information, visit: 

• 6 Must-Have Skills for Remote Job Seekers, FlexJobs 
• 7 Skills You'll Need to Land a Work-From-Home Job, The Muse
• The 5 non-negotiable skills you need to land a remote worker job, Ladders

Effective resumes address employer needs. Read job descriptions carefully, highlight words and phrases in the descriptions that describe skills, tasks and qualities. Make sure to include these words and phrases in your job search documents, if you have these qualifications, and provide specific examples. For more tips, visit the following websites:

• Resume 101: How to use keywords, Monster.com
• 13 Must-Have Words to Include In Your Resume, Glassdoor

You can make an appointment with the University Career Center for resume building and other career coaching services. Graduating students continue to have FREE access to KU UCC services for 6 months after they graduate. To schedule an appointment, please call 785-864-3624, or schedule online at http://hirejayhawks.ku.edu.

Before the Interview--

• Test your technology - your Internet connection, your camera, and your microphone.
• Research the company, write questions to ask the employer, and print out your resume to have it in front of you during the interview.
• Practice your answering techniques, focusing on examples and stories on your own, and schedule a practice Skype or Zoom interview with a UCC career coach before the actual interview date. Request an appointment through HireJayhawks or by calling 785-864-3624.
• Set up your computer so that the camera is as close to eye-level as possible. Try to be near a window, brighten your computer screen, or turn on a lamp, so that your face is well-lit. Make sure the room is quiet and your background is not distracting - position yourself in front of a blank wall (preferred), a bookcase, or a neutral picture.
• Minimize distractions - put phone on silent, move the pets to a different room, and let your family or roommates know the time of your interview.
• Dress as you would for an in-person interview.

During the Interview--

• Be aware of your body language. Communicate your enthusiasm through intonation and expressions.
• Deliver thoughtful relevant responses that emphasize results.

After the Interview--

• Send a thoughtful thank you email within 24 hours of the interview to reiterate your skills and interest.