The past few months have had a profound impact on many companies and the way that we do business. Tens of millions of Americans have filed for unemployment. Now it seems that things are starting to turn around. While it will still be months (or longer) before we return to business as usual, the good news is that many companies are hiring for full-time positions. This is especially true of certain industries – including the construction industry – for which many projects have been deemed “essential.”
But what is it like to interview for a new job right now? There are a few things that you will want to keep in mind.
Prepare for Your Digital Meeting
Before any interview, you always want to make sure that you are preparing for absolutely anything that could go wrong. For example, having extra copies of your resume or arriving early in case public transit is down. In the age of coronavirus, however, there is an entirely new set of things that you should be prepared for.
- Check your internet connection, video, and microphone to ensure they are working properly
- Make sure that your surrounding environment is clean, and that the lighting and/or background is not distracting
- Preview your camera beforehand to make sure that the angle is flattering
- Try to keep noise to a minimum, having people and/or pets stay in another room
Treat the Interview as an In-Person
As much as the troubleshooting may be different for a remote interview, in many ways you should still be approaching it as you would any other interview. The questions that you will be asked are likely to be the same (except for maybe there is a greater focus on your digital skills and ability to work remotely).
You should dress professionally – an online interview is no excuse to wear your pajama pants and slippers. You should also plan to send a follow-up note, thanking the interviewer for his or her time.
Anticipate Bumps Along the Way
The global pandemic and subsequent economic crash were not things that anyone was really anticipating. Just as you may feel as though you were flung into the job market, companies are trying to navigate this new environment as well. HR departments may be trying to figure out how to best run interviews, and it is likely that the hiring process will take longer than usual. It pays to be patient. While it is still appropriate to follow up, know that there will probably be delays.
