Calling 2020 a “rough year” is an understatement. In a period marked by the advent of COVID-19, and underscored by sweeping societal change, many students found their post-graduation plans put on hold or canceled altogether. In fact, the labor participation rate for recent grads fell from 86% in 2019 to 78% in 2020.

As we emerge from the pandemic, there are signs of hope, especially for the state of Hawaii. Below is a general outlook on the current state of Hawaii’s job market, as well as five key things recent college grads should be aware of in this economic climate.

Hawaii’s 2021 Job Outlook for Recent Grads

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the labor market hard in 2020 and Hawaii was no exception. Despite higher than average unemployment numbers, receding government jobs, and a severely crippled tourism industry, the state’s future already looks brighter in 2021.

Hawaii’s GDP tumbled by 7.5% last year. Now, the state will begin the slow process of rebuilding its economy. According to second-quarter estimates, the Hawaiian economy is expected to grow 2.7% this year, reaching its previous level of economic vivacity sometime in 2025. It is a mixed bag for sure, but the needle is moving in the right direction. So what can recent college graduates do to harness the coming wave of economic growth?

What Recent Grads Need to Know in 2021

Recent grads who emerged into the working world mid-pandemic were met with harsh reality. 2021 is a different story. According to Forbes, employers nationwide expect to hire 7.2% more recent grads this year than last. Here’s how you can leverage that to your advantage.

1. Understand That Competition Is Fierce

Competition for young college graduates has always been incredibly fierce. In the post-COVID world, however, things have gotten vastly more complicated. You are no longer competing against local and regional candidates only. Given rolling quarantines, social distancing, and communication solutions like Zoom, the range of job applicants for any given position has expanded exponentially.

That doesn’t mean things are hopeless. Being aware of your competition is the first step in overcoming it.

2. The Interview Process Has Changed

Video conferencing software has also given rise to a new kind of interview process: the remote job interview. More than just an interview using conferencing tools, it represents a new way of conducting the entire process. Some employers are opting to provide selected candidates with a list of questions ahead of time, letting them pre-record their answers. This then gives the applicant time to construct the most flattering picture of their skills and qualities possible. Use it to your advantage.

3. Demonstrate Your Adaptability

COVID-19 interrupted a lot of students’ plans. Seniors and recent grads gave up dream jobs and key internships in the process. This year, employers are looking for candidates to be able to address how they coped with the pandemic. Did you learn a new skill, volunteer, or seek to stay abreast of current trends in your industry? Now is the time to leverage your adaptability to land the job.

4. Employ the Stepping Stone Method

Not everyone lands their dream job straight out of college. For some, it takes years to work up to that position. Despite the country’s economic strength pre-pandemic, recent grads in 2021 are finding that they may have to employ a stepping stone method for career advancement. It can pay to look outside your field, at least in the short term. That way, you gain new skills and competencies while searching for a better opportunity down the road.

5. Don’t Forget the Local Search

While technological advancement serves as the great equalizer, not every job opportunity is found online. With the school year concluded and summer here, look for local job fairs to begin popping up in the coming months. Face-to-face prospecting is a great way to build professional relationships and network with potential employers.

Job Search for Recent Grads With Bishop and Company

The economy is improving. There is light at the end of the tunnel in terms of COVID-19. Tourism is returning to Hawaii, and there are once again employment opportunities for recent grads. Bishop and Company can help you land the ideal job for your skillset. Send us your resume, or contact us directly to get started.