Career Success Center FAQ’s COVID-19 Edition

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Online job interview. Online conference. Business online.

How is the Career Success Center providing service during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Your Career Success Center at the University of St Francis is ready to assist you virtually. Students and alumni can submit resumes for review to careerservices@stfrancis.edu and can also request virtual appointments via https://stfrancis.joinhandshake.com/  or via email.

We can meet via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Our job board stfrancis.myhandshake.com is also available for Job search, use the same credentials you use to sign in to your classes with us. If you are considering a change in major, we offer career conversations and assessments too.

Reach out today and let us know how we can help. It is a great time to dust off old resumes or get yours started. Our Virtual Coffee and Careers meeting takes place on Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-Noon. Let us know where to send your invite. You can also call our Director, Maribeth Hearn, at 815-740-3384 to talk about services and programs.

What should I do for connection? 

LinkedIn

With much of the nation on a shelter in place order, you can use this time to connect with others online. We recommend reviewing your Linkedin profile, updating old information, adding certifications and keywords, and of course, connecting and building relationships with your network. If you can create useful content, do it. If you can like, comment or reshare a post, do it.

Support your people and stay positive.

If you don’t have a Linkedin profile set up—start one today. There is a free and paid version. Start with FREE and use it.

Zoom

If you haven’t already set up a Zoom account, you can connect with friends, family, and coworkers via the video chat service.

The quality is excellent, and you will feel more connected than just on a conference call or phone call.

Microsoft Teams

Similar to Zoom, Microsoft Teams has a video chat where you can stay connected and hold meetings online. It works very well and even allows you to blur your backgrounds (for those working from home settings). If you are managing a team remotely- this service can keep everyone in the loop and provide face to face virtual connection.

How Can I Use This Time to Make Me a Better Job Candidate?

It is a great time to update resumes, connect with new and existing contacts online, and learn.

If you have always been meaning to learn a new skill, this is the time. Interesting in learning a new language, download Duolingo. Between sites like YouTube, libraries with audiobooks, and online books and apps, you will find a plethora of ways to gain a competitive edge and use those new skills.

 Where Should I Look For Jobs?

The Career Success Center recommends that you use the Handshake job board at https://stfrancis.joinhandshake.com/ for jobs and internships.

Workforce Services Division of Will County has a job board too: http://www.jobs4people.org/job-seekers/job-board/

Whom Can I Talk To About Internship Questions?

Betty Kohl is the Career Success Center’s Employer & Internship Support Specialist. You can email at bkohl@stfrancis.edu   Her phone number is 815-740-4295.

The Center is in the process of updating the forms and how students will go about obtaining the 6 signatures that are required to start an internship.

You can search for Internships on the USF Handshake Job board at www.stfrancis.joinhandshake.com log in with your USF credentials.  You can choose connect with the Career Center and appointments to schedule one online.

Can I Drop Into the Office for Services?

The Career Success Center is working remotely to serve your needs and abide by the Shelter in Place directive. You can email careerservices@stfrancis.edu to schedule a one to one virtual appointment or call our Director, Maribeth Hearn 815-740-3384.  You can go to stfrancis.joinhandshake.com to schedule appointments too. Choose the service and it will show you availability.

Working from Home

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WFH is a new experience for many employees due to COVID 19.  WFH can be a rewarding and positive experience. It can also be challenging and difficult to not only keep up with your work but to continue creating quality work too.

These five tips should help you establish some ground rules for yourself when working in your environment:

  • Be Disciplined – Create a schedule

Working from home means far more distractions and temptations than usual. There is no traffic to beat, no train to catch. It can be extremely easy to get distracted by household chores, family members and a full refrigerator.

Creating a schedule allows you to know exactly what time you should be awake and working, when your breaks are for your coffee etc. and when lunch is. You may think that you are disciplined enough to not need a schedule, but keeping to it keeps your mind sharp and will allow for an easier transition back to normal working life when things return to normal once more.

  • Location, Location, Location

Choosing the right place to complete your work is crucial. Work typically has less distractions than home; there is always something that you will find at home to do instead if you are in the wrong location. Do not use your bed as your workspace; make sure you are somewhere quiet, with good lighting if possible and away from any other distractions such as a television.

  • Set Priorities

Similar to working life at the office, some tasks are more important than others. Yet without the hierarchical framework of a traditional office, it can be difficult to prioritize tasks and organize your workflow. To-do lists, checklists, etc. are great ways of establishing a list of jobs to complete for the day or for a certain time-frame. Staying in touch with your team or superior is also important. Structuring your day around objectives set by yourself, fellow workers and your boss is crucial to success when working at home.

Just as important is knowing when to stop working for the day. It is dangerously easy to take work home with you when you are working from the kitchen or the living room. Once your allotted work hours are over or your to-do list is complete – stop.

  • Select the proper tools

Work from Home means using your furniture or creating your own desk space. You may not have the spinning, comfy office chair at home. But that doesn’t mean you cannot invest in one and any other equipment you may need that will make work-life just that little bit easier. A comfortable chair that allows your eyes to be at the computer screen level is important. You do not want to be slouched over or craning your neck to see your work. Finally, make sure you have the necessary tools and software at home to allow you to do your work. Without WIFI at home, most employees will not be able to accomplish much. Communicating with your work and supervisor often will allow you to keep updated on what software you need.

  • Practice Self – Care

Working from home tends to lead to fewer sick days and working through illnesses you normally would take off. Staying in tune with your energy levels and your well-being is of great importance, especially in current circumstances.