Expert Advice Shared in the Job Search Forum

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives on many levels, leaving many uncertain on how to approach the changing market and job search.

To address these concerns, over the past three weeks, we welcomed members of the CSSW community and other experts in the field to provide insight on how to tackle the search process during these challenging times.

Below are some of the strategies that were shared:

  • Make sure you’re taking care of yourself first and going at your own pace. This pandemic is already emotionally and physically taxing, so don’t feel like you must be going at full speed during the job search. You don’t want to overwork yourself, as we must be able to take care of ourselves to be able to help others.
  • Be flexible and open to opportunities that may seem out of the norm. Take into consideration positions that at first glance may not be your first choice (title, salary, location, etc.), but could lead to better opportunities. Remember, every experience is a learning experience.
  • Be innovative. Build and market your brand to the current needs. Think thoughtfully and strategically about these needs and how you can offer a solution. Think outside of the traditional social work box.
  • Network! Network! Network! Keep in contact with your CSSW community and connect with those throughout the social impact space. Virtual networking platforms like LinkedIn are an easy way to stay connected and build new connections.***Continuing and graduating students currently have access to 1:1 career mentoring with an alum every Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM until May 28. For more information, check your email or review this program overview (UNI login required).***

If you missed the series or any of the individual sessions, feel free to refer to our notes and handouts from the sessions (UNI login required).

Thank you to the Office of Field Education for collaborating with us on this event, to all our guest speakers, including last week’s guests, Andrez Carberry, Head of Global Talent Supply and Diversity and Inclusion at John Deere, Cassandra Walker, Human Resources Recruiter at Henry Street Settlement, and Iris Groen, Talent Acquisition Manager at the Jewish Board, students who attended the series, and Pam Picon for providing the comprehensive synopsis and notes!

Collaborative Care Information Session Recap with Concert Health

 

Last week, we welcomed Concert Health to present on the core principles of the Collaborative Care model and to share their experiences on providing behavioral health care remotely.

If you are interested in telehealth or opportunities at Concert Health, here are some steps you can take to be marketable for these roles:

    • Learn how to engage in all kinds of clinical interactions. Telephonic care requires a different set of skills for rapport building and demonstrating that you are present and listening.
    • Develop communication and facilitation strategies that make up for the inability to assess non-verbals in person, such as asking clients to describe their body language and how they are feeling.
    • Be flexible and open to using technology and varied modes of communication.
    • Get exposure to different populations to diversify your clinical expertise.

Thanks to Allison Kean, Virna Little, and Kathryn Sacks-Colon for their insightful presentation!

If you missed the event, you can review the presentation slides and audio recording are posted in Career Connect within our Document Library under the Presentation/Workshop folder.

Private Practice Job Search Workshop Recap

We are thankful to Jovanni Guzman and Jennifer Grossman, LCSW from Park Avenue Psychotherapy for hosting their workshop on Navigating the Private Practice Job Search last Thursday!

Highlights from the session included job search tips for private practice opportunities, a review of fee-for-service versus full-time work, and insights on assessing the legalities of clinical employment and supervision.

If you missed the event, you can view the recording here or review the presentation slides posted in our Document Library within Career Connect.

Job Seeker Resources

Are you looking for ways to improve your job search? LinkedIn has compiled a number of FREE self-paced online courses to help you navigate your job search, network virtually, and cultivate resilience in the process. Additional resources from LinkedIn are available on their Student Portal.

You can also find a compilation of other information and resources shared over the last few weeks, as well as newly added ones in this COVID-19 Resources Folder (UNI log-in required).

Resources to Support Your Job Search

We know that the job search process can feel even more stressful as we cope with the uncertainty that comes with the impact of COVID-19.

While many organizations are focusing on their own operations, needs, and services during this time, one thing to remember is that the fundamentals of job searching are still relevant.

This includes actively searching for opportunities, particularly through your existing network, engaging in virtual community forums or social media platforms like LinkedIn to increase your visibility, and proactively seeking advice from professionals in the space on how to best position yourself for target roles.

There are also employers that are still actively hiring, including those focused on addressing current public health needs.

For additional insights on strategizing your search, check out the following articles.

Job Search Tips

As many of you begin, or in some cases continue your job and internship search over spring break, keep the following tips in mind:

    • Anticipate delays in employers responding back. The COVID-19 situation is still evolving and many organizations are changing the way they conduct business and deliver their services. The safety of their employees is also a priority, so the hiring process may be delayed. This does not mean abandoning the search. It just means managing your expectations and timeline with getting hired.
    • Be prepared to interview via phone and videoconference. While neither can replace in-person interactions, these opportunities can allow you to review and/or take notes during your conversation and help you stay focused while you are speaking. Check out additional virtual interview tips here.
    • In conveying your strengths, highlight your ability to adapt to changing needs and expectations and/or your experiences working virtually (if relevant to the organization). Flexibility and technical skills are often cited among top attributes sought by employers.
    • Update and strengthen your profile on LinkedIn, a powerful tool for job searching and networking. Start by adding your recent experiences and accomplishments and composing an eye-catching headline and summary that concisely convey who you are and how you can help support an individual or organization’s needs and goals. Additional resources on leveraging LinkedIn can be found on LinkedIn for Students site.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Federal Job Search Webinars

Did you know that the Recruitment Policy and Outreach (RPO) division of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides in-depth webinars on a range of topics, from Finding and Applying for Federal Jobs using USAJOBS, Interviewing, to Writing Your Federal Resume?

Whether or not you plan to pursue federal opportunities, these webinars can provide valuable tips and tools for navigating your job search. Go to the Events page to see the full list of upcoming events. Spaces are limited and fill up quickly, so plan accordingly.

Job Search Tips for International Students

The job search process can be a challenge for any student, but particularly if you are an international graduate student seeking opportunities outside of academia. With restrictions outside your control, planning early and being strategic in the search process is imperative. Take a look at these tips from Inside Higher Ed to start.

Where ever you are in your career stage, keep in mind that the process begins with you — knowing what drives you, what you excel at, and what options you have. To further explore your skills, interests, and goals, make an appointment with us via Career Connect. To learn more about your employment options based on your status, meet with an advisor from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). ISSO also offers useful information on their site on employment as well as workshops throughout the year. Make sure to review their newsletters so you don’t miss their events!

iRelaunch Return to Work Conference – New York | Thursday, October 3

Thursday, October 3, 2019 – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Columbia University Lerner Hall

The iRelaunch Return to Work Conference is a day of intensive education and networking that will give you the strategy, tools, confidence and connections to help you return to work.

This Conference is for anyone who has the desire to get back to work regardless of your industry or field, the length of your career break, or the reason for your break (child or elder care, health issues, pursuit of a personal interest, etc.).

You Can Expect:

  • Special presentations on strategies, resumes, interviews and networking
  • Employers offering job search advice for Relaunchers
  • Recruiters who want to meet YOU
  • Career specialists sharing information about their services for Relaunchers
  • Hundreds of experienced, educated Relaunchers just like you!
  • A judgment-free zone where employers and peers are NOT concerned about your career gap!

You Will Learn:

    • Top strategies to guide you through your relaunch
    • How to leverage social media for your job search
    • Ways to identify your transferable skills and consider new careers based on them
    • How to build your personal “elevator pitch”
    • What other programs and career services are available for Relaunchers

You Will Have Opportunities To:

  • Ask recruiters anything you’ve ever wanted to know about the job search process
  • Network with recruiters from our employer sponsors
  • Hear inspirational return-to-work success stories that will invigorate your job search

You Will Leave With:

  • The beginnings of a personalized, step-by-step return to work plan
  • Connections with employers interested in hiring Relaunchers
  • Knowledge of the top strategies for your relaunch
  • A network of peers seeking to re-enter the workforce
  • Confidence, energy and optimism!

And much more!

REGISTER ($240)

Additional details can be found in the links below.