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What COVID-19 Recruitment Trends Mean for Students

Understand your options in the current job market with data, trends, and insights to help prepare for the move to virtual recruitment.

In order to understand and contribute thoughtful insight during this disorienting time in the job market, Handshake has utilized its position as a three-sided business (students, employers, and universities) to provide helpful nuggets of information to students still searching for jobs.

66% of students surveyed want to know who is still hiring and taking applications. Many popular companies that are still looking for early talent are listed on Handshake’s list of 500 potential employers. We update this list regularly, so there are always “newly added” options for you to check out with every refresh.

In addition to this ongoing list, there’s been a 257% increase in employers directly messaging students like you. Pro-tip: 80% of students who fill out three simple profile fields will get messaged!

A few other helpful tricks for getting contacted by recruiters:

For the 73% of college seniors who are still in search of a full-time job, a shift in strategy and outlook is a positive start.

And the responsibility of finding resources and networking should not solely rest on your shoulders. As students already stressed about classes, graduation, and living situations, the friendly crutch of a career center should also be considered.

99% of students reported that they wanted their university’s career services to help aid them during this time. It’s not easy being away from campus where things are centralized for your convenience.

Some questions to ask your career center (as suggested by students):

  • Can I schedule a virtual career advising session with you?
  • Can you tell me what employers are still hiring at my school?
  • Can you provide me with feedback on my Handshake profile/resume?
  • Will there be any virtual career fairs that I can engage with employers at?

In addition to asking for help from your university, you can also seek advice from fellow students and alumni using Handshake’s reviews and peer messaging features.

The shift to a digital presence is key in networking and applying to jobs now. Everything now takes place online, and your fellow students are making moves! 51% of students have already made plans to update their online profiles, and 41% plan to network online soon.

And while you learn to navigate these new waters, so are the employers that want great students like you. To make valuable connections with candidates, many companies are shifting their focus to digital. 89% of employers are adopting or increasing their virtual interviews–hopeful that you’ll apply.

Handshake continuously sees growth in students receiving messages from employers.

In March, we saw over one million messages sent to students like you in a single week. This number shows steady growth week by week, proving the worth of an engaged student Handshake profile. Many employers target specific details on your profile, so it’s key to spend some time filling yours out to the max.

After considering the stats and information listed here, you can begin the launch into your virtual career! Jobs and internships are still out there, and students are still being recruited. This landscape was unexpected, but it is still working.

As we collect more data about the job marketplace, this article will be updated.

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.