The switch to online recruitment

Online recruitment has never been more popular. While some of you may have found in-person interviews challenging in the past, the fact that interviews are taking place online does not make for plain sailing. You could even make the case that online interviews give your employer a wider access to your personal life than ever before. Consider for a moment that the interview process will take place in an online meeting room, or platform, such as Zoom. This will typically take place in your own home, which means you have a greater number of things to consider when you’re trying to make a winning first impression.

Check your technology

Nothing makes a bad impression like technology that doesn’t work. As soon as you schedule that interview, make sure you check your internet speed, that your headset works (if you need one), and that your required account to join the meeting is fully functional. Ensure you check the name of the video platform they will be using, so you can get up to speed with it in advance. Make sure the username you are using is professional and that the profile attached to your account has a professional-looking headshot. If you have to give a presentation, it is critical that you do a test run, preferably with a friend watching it. The great thing about online meeting platforms is that they give you the ability to film the entire event. Take advantage of this! It is the perfect opportunity for you to look back on your presentation to see where you can make improvements.

Professional appearance

While it shouldn’t be a factor, appearance is important. Make sure you appear clean and professional, that there isn’t anything distracting in the background, or on your face. Test out various spaces in your home to find optimal lighting. The best lighting is natural lighting, so try to position yourself facing towards a window, but not too close or you will look illuminated. Again, test out various filming locations, with a friend present in a meeting, and they will be able to give you feedback on what works for you. Be sure to dress in a professional outfit from head to toe, do your hair just as you would for an in-person interview, and remember to smile!

Eliminate distractions

Do you have a work phone that is constantly ringing or a doorbell with a loud chime? Consider muting or disabling these devices until your interview is over. If you’re in a location where family members are required to work from home or you have young children, ask them for a little bit of quiet time. You could even put a little sign on the door reminding your family that you have an important meeting!

Engage with the interviewers

The nature of online interviewing means you’re going to have to try harder to establish an engaging connection with those doing the interviewing. While this is a challenge, it is not impossible. Look into the camera, prepare questions, try to enjoy yourself albeit in a professional way. Plenty of interviewees make the mistake of looking at themselves in their computer screen while interviewing, but it can give a distracted impression, as your eyes will be off to the side of their screen. If you struggle with this, consider taping a note over the portion of the screen that shows your face, and remind yourself to look directly into the camera attentively, as you would while speaking to a real interviewer.

On-site job interview

If you are going to a job interview on-site you should always wear a mask. This shows that you care about keeping them safe as well as yourself.
In this situation, eye contact, posture, and body language are especially important and play a significant role in the interview process.

You can also expect to be seated at least 2 meters from the interviewer.

During normal conditions, we would recommend shaking hands with the interviewer before beginning the interview. However, during COVID-19 you should skip the handshake.

Speak with relevance

It’s hard to find a job that hasn’t been impacted by the pandemic. Consider how are you dealing with Covid-19 and whether this could be a positive talking point in your interview. Do you possess any additional skills in this area that could help your future employer? Consider how you help solve your potential employer’s problems? Are you fully knowledgeable when it comes to Zoom? Do you have ideas on how to serve clients or customers in a safer manner? Update your cover letter, resume, and LinkedIn profile to highlight the ways you are keeping up with the ways the pandemic is impacting your industry, and you’ll be a step ahead of the other candidates.

The new first day

Congratulations, you’ve been hired! But how are you going to navigate your first day on the job once you’ve accepted it?

Make no mistake, it is going to be unlike any first day you’ve ever had in your career. Where once people were happy to meet you and shake your hand, people are relatively invisible and avoid meeting new people. While the feeling of being alone on the first day in a new job is unsettling, remember to go into the opportunity with fresh eyes. This is the new normal. You’re going to have to adapt in order to make the transition to your new job. You most likely won’t have someone available at all hours to answer your queries, so you’re going to have to be smarter when it comes to obtaining information. Digital communications will be your new best friend, as will getting to know those who can help you navigate your new role in the company. Network as much as possible, as safely as possible!

Make a great impression

The new workplace comes with a new set of rules. Do you wear a mask or not? How do you collaborate in meetings if you are still working on-site? Do you shake a client’s hand? The answer will depend on where you are and what your government is currently recommending. If you respect other people’s physical boundaries, keep an appropriate distance from others, ask questions when you’re not sure about the protocols, remember to wash your hands, then you’ll be well on your way to making a great impression in your new workplace.

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Although the total number of job vacancies has fallen, there are still plenty of jobs available in a range of industries that are essential services. Your next position could be in a company where the majority of tasks are completed in a work-from-home arrangement, or you could be on the front lines directly supporting the government.

It is expected that job openings in certain industries, such as government, biotechnology, health, and essential services will remain positive or even increase. Some industries, such as retail, travel, tourism, and other businesses that have been closed across the board, will simply vanish until they’re cleared to open to trade again. If you’re employed in one of these industries, don’t stress. There are plenty of things you can do to find work even though the country is entering a period of unemployment not seen for 40 years.

Prepare to land a job right now

Whether you are in the middle of a job hunt or have just been laid off, there is certainly hope that your next role, regardless of whether it is big or small, is just around the corner. Here is a list of ways you can increase your chances of landing a new job during this challenging time.

1. Keep your brain sharp by reading widely and playing brain games
This could mean reading free E-books online, following a new source that challenges your ideas or gives you new ways to think, or taking up a mental game such as online Scrabble or Sudoku. The worst part about job hunting is being stuck at home, feeling like your skills are going to waste. This is only exacerbated during times of crisis. Find something satisfying and stay prepared to ace that interview!

2. Do a thorough review of your CV and cover letter
If you’re like most people, your CV could always be improved. Does the way you describe your most recent role truly reflect the skills and abilities? Does your cover letter truly convey your skills and abilities? Look at your CV and cover letter with a critical eye, take a look at some expert advice, or have a friend review your application to see whether it reflects the person they know you are. Sometimes, the people who know you best are more capable of seeing your strengths than you are.

3. Perform a career audit
The job you take now doesn’t have to be the job you will have forever. It could be something that just sees you through this challenging time. Make a list of all the jobs you’ve held and the tasks you’ve done, and then see where you can apply these skills in an industry that is currently accepting applications. You may just have the skills and experience you need to break into an essential service role.

4. Do your best to stay in good physical shape
First impressions count, and while it is not essential to be the fittest person in the room, a bit of exercise will give you that extra energy you may need during what will most likely be a challenging interview. If you’re able to take a walk, why not incorporate a daily stroll or run into your routine. If that’s not possible, consider one of the many free workouts available online.

5. Get networking
The power of networking still applies even in these challenging times. Why not make a profile on a career site such as LinkedIn? Spend time connecting with people you know and people you’ve worked with, but also make sure you spend time talking to them about any potential offerings. If you see something that fits, apply for the job.

6. Prepare to ace an aptitude test
Aptitude tests are used in most jobs, which tend to frighten many candidates, but this shouldn’t be daunting. In fact, with a little practice each day you can turn this weakness into your greatest strength. There are plenty of companies offering innovative ways to improve your aptitude test-taking ability online. Give yourself a head start and incorporate relevant aptitude test practice into your daily routine. Why not try a free practice aptitude test today?

7. Get a mentor
Mentorship doesn’t have to fall apart during times of crisis; it becomes more important. Is there someone you know who works in your goal industry or company to talk to discuss your employment goals and how to best prepare to interview for the role? Don’t feel guilty about reaching out for help during a challenging time. A great employee would welcome queries from a potential employee in a time when capable employees are needed most of all.

8. Talk to someone about it
This is a time of unprecedented stress, change, sadness, and uncertainty. No doubt you are feeling a little bit more stressed than you would have during a normal interview, which is stressful in itself. Consider talking to a friend about what you’re going through and while you’re at it, be a listening ear for them as well. You’ll come through it stronger and with greater confidence. If that’s not your thing, consider talking through your challenges with a free online emotional support service.

9. Prepare for a video interview
Video interviews are very different from standard interviews; a delay in communication can result in an awkward experience or a decreased sense of connection. The situation can feel detached or unnatural, and you might find yourself fumbling, especially if you rely on body language or gestures that don’t communicate well online. Overcome this by signing up with a video conferencing software and practice mock interviews with a friend or family member.

10. Consider a volunteer position
While you are job hunting, why not consider taking on an online volunteer role for a couple of hours a week? An online volunteer position will help you gain additional skills, will enable you to contribute to your community in a meaningful way, boost your self-esteem, and will look great on your CV.

Although it may take time, don’t give up on your goal of finding a new job. While a challenge, it is not unreasonable to land a job of some description during this time. All you can do in a difficult time is to make choices your future self will thank you for. Remember to be kind to yourself, but think smart; the right job is out there just waiting to be found. Practice, prepare, and the job will be yours!

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