Job searching can feel challenging and stressful at any time but especially now with the increased uncertainty and tight job market brought on by COVID-19. You might understandably feel increased pressure to begin applying quickly and furiously to as many jobs as you can. However, we’d like to advise you to complete a very important foundational step first – self-discovery of strengths, interests, skills, and values. 

Much like when you build a tower, you must start with a solid base before you start building upper levels or risk the whole thing crashing to the ground and having to start over. In building a career, this might mean discovering where your passions lie, recognizing what comes easily and naturally to you, acknowledging patterns of strengths that have been present throughout your life, and considering what qualities and aspects of work are most important to you in order to feel satisfied and fulfilled.Taking the time to do this necessary work will allow you to better articulate yourself, market yourself to employers, and successfully navigate the shifting job terrain. 

Not sure how to determine your strengths, interest, skills, and values? The UMBC Career Center offers free assessments such as the FOCUS 2 and MBTI as well as a useful dependable strengths workshop activity here. If you would like to discuss these topics with a career specialist, you can make a 60-minute appointment for major decision making, career decision making, or FOCUS2 and MBTI interpretation here. 

When job searching, it is essential that you first focus on identifying your strengths and skills. Don’t skip this fundamental step. 

Graduation is less than a month away, and as exciting as it is, it can also be kind of scary for many of us. Especially if you don’t already have a job lined up for after school. But that’s okay! Not everyone lands that perfect job right out of college. As for the job search, the UMBC Career Center has your back, even after you graduate.

There are a number of services the Career Center offers to alumni that you can find on the Career Center website. And even though you’ve graduated, you can still attend any workshop or job fair the Career Center offers. Your UMBCworks privileges last for a year after you graduate, and they can be renewed on a per-semester basis for free at any time. You can even make resume and cover letter review appointments among other things.

Some tips for how to make the most out of the Career Center as an alum:

1. Take advantage of the six month grace period! Finding a job is hard, and it may take a while, so make appointments, polish your resume, and narrow down where you want to work and how to find that dream job.

2. Take a Career Assessment! These assessments are available on the Career Center website. These assessments are often promoted to students who are trying to figure out their major, but it can also be used for alumni who are trying to find their career path. These assessments can tell you what kind of work environment you might be most comfortable in, the kinds of jobs you might like, and the different career paths you can take to get to where you want to be.

3. Join the UMBC Alumni Association! This is a great way to network with other UMBC alumni and join a great community of professionals.

Graduation is so close, we’re almost there. This is an exciting time, so don’t sweat it if you don’t already have a job. The Career Center is happy to help you even as an alum.

Picture this: You see a description for a dream job. The title sounds great, the requirements are minimal, and the pay is fantastic. In fact, you can apply quickly via email or through a job board (no cover letter or application required!). Is this too good to be true? Maybe. Maybe not. 

As a Career Center advisor, I’d want to dig a little deeper. Often, scammers will post fraudulent positions on third-party job boards with the hopes of getting applicants. Other times, these scammers will reach out directly to you (usually via email or social media) to invite you to apply or interview for a position. You should ALWAYS do your research, especially if it seems too easy. 

How do I determine if the position/company in question is, in fact, sketchy? Look for the following red flags: 

• A company offers you a position you haven't applied for OR invites you to apply for a position without any previous contact. The latter could be legitimate but requires further investigation–see below.

• The recruiter’s email address does not match the domain of the company website.

• A company is requiring you to put money forward. For example:

• You must provide your credit card, bank account numbers, or other personal financial documentation.

• The position requires an initial investment, such as a payment by wire service or courier.

• You receive an unexpectedly large check (Note: NEVER cash these! These will typically bounce and result in overdraft fees on top of dealing with a scammer having your bank account information.)

• The posting or email outreach includes many spelling and grammatical errors.

• The pay seems way too high for the position’s requirements. The description of the duties may be vague and focus instead on the compensation and benefits.

• You are asked to provide a photo of yourself.

• The employer responds very quickly (within hours of applying). 

• The employer contacts you by phone, but does not provide a number to call them back. 

Ways to proactively avoid job scams:

• Look at the company’s website. Does it have an index that tells you what the site is about; or does it contain information only about the job you are interested in? Scammers often create quick, basic web pages that seem legit at first glance.

• Watch for anonymity. If it is difficult to find an address, actual contact, company name, etc., this is cause to proceed with caution. Fraud postings are illegal, so scammers will try to keep themselves well-hidden.

• Google the employer’s phone number, fax number, address and email address. If it does not appear connected to an actual business organization, this is a red flag. Better Business Bureau, Hoovers, and AT&T’s Anywho can be used to verify organizations.

The Career Center is here to support you. If you encounter a position that you fear may be fraudulent, don’t hesitate to reach out to us (careers@umbc.edu). 

Learn more: 

https://careers.umbc.edu/fraud/ 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2019/06/18/dream-job-or-scam-how-to-know-if-a-job-posting-is-legitimate/#3a917df7477b   

As a result of the pandemic the world is facing, many internships and jobs have been moved to virtual spaces in an effort to encourage social distancing. Don’t worry,it is possible to have a rewarding, meaningful experience while working remotely. If you find yourself in a newly appointed remote situation, consider the tips below to make the most of your experience. This list may also be helpful as you navigate your summer options at companies that are planning to host remote interns.

1. Communicate clearly and often. While communication is a key part of any position, in remote situations you do not have the luxury of being in the same space as everyone else. Dropping by to chat with your co-workers or supervisor whenever you feel like it won't be as easy. Make sure you set up clear lines of communication, or even schedule more frequent check-ins.
   
   

2. Master your technology. While most people have some technological capabilities these days, that does not mean we are experts. You will likely find yourself being challenged to use technology in new ways while working remotely. As you are exposed to new online platforms and programs, take the time to make notes, figure things out, and ask questions. It is okay not to know how something works, and you will benefit from seeking guidance either from manuals or help from co-workers/supervisors.
   
   

3. Consider your work environment. When working remotely, try to find a space where you can comfortably work, but away from where you might conduct leisure activities. This can help break up your day and distinguish between your working hours and your personal time. For those with family or roommates around, consider a discussion on how to share the space and time in your homes to allow everyone to work effectively.
   
   

4. Follow a schedule. Another way to keep on track is to set a daily/weekly schedule for yourself. Especially on days where other items can compete for time and attention, you can set yourself up for success by focusing on work during  times when you are less likely to be interrupted.