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How can graduates make a difference during the Covid-19 pandemic?

• March 26, 2020

The current COVID-19 pandemic has made the job market and economy very fragile, with governments across the world unleashing extreme measures to protect jobs and industries. For workers, the current pandemic obviously presents major difficulties finding employment, as many businesses effectively closing down to weather the storm and laying off thousands of employees. However, COVID-19 also presents unique opportunities for graduates who are willing to grasp them to bulk up their CV and demonstrate a desirable work ethic.

This article seeks to suggest ways for graduates to make the best in what is undeniably a tough time for everyone involved, for the next few months at least.

Volunteer

Recent graduates are by the majority young and not yet financially independent (often relying on their parents), so with employment opportunities currently scarce it is a good idea to explore volunteering opportunities in the community. This is an excellent way to add firepower to your CV by demonstrating good character and a strong work ethic, employers view these attributes very favourably.

The NHS are in dire need of volunteer responders to undertake a variety of roles including collecting shopping, medicine and other supplies for elderly people who are self-isolating, transporting medicine, equipment and PPE between NHS sites and so much more. Hundreds of thousands of people have already signed up and if you are able to do so, employers will absolutely view this favourably when the pandemic passes, giving your credentials an edge in a particularly competitive job market.

You can find more information on NHS volunteering at https://www.goodsamapp.org/nhs

Search smart

Although employment opportunities are scarce at the moment, some businesses are still searching for staff, particularly companies involved in key industries such as waste management, the NHS and logistics. Refining your job search to target these key industries will yield better results, even if your career is not directly related to these industries, they often employ people to fulfil a variety of support roles; companies in these industries all need HR managers, accountants and compliance staff working in the background.

Degrees give you skills that are transferrable, so why not look around and consider an alternative career that you may not have thought about previously, you may be surprised at what you may find and even discover something you enjoy more.

There is help available

Even though our staff are currently working from home, The Graduate Project recruitment consultants are still in need of talented graduates, so in the meantime send your CV to recruitment@thegraduateproject.co.uk and we will do the best we can to support you searching for your ideal role.

You can also register your CV on our website www.thegraduateproject.co.uk.