29 Jul Interviewing best practices (in the time of covid-19) – be a star

Whether you were looking for work before lockdown, or during and as a direct result of this pandemic, you will already know that securing a role is different than you have experienced before, but the main aspects [of applying and securing a role] are for the most part the same.

There are few tried and trusted career management tips to focus on when looking for, and applying for a new role:

1. Send out updated and tailored CVs
2. Continue networking on professional social network platforms such as LinkedIn.
3. Clean up ‘other’ social media (anything you do not want a potential employer to see)
4. Gather relevant references and add these to a LinkedIn profile if possible
5. Research the company you are applying to and ensure that initial contact is personalised
6. Focus on companies who are hiring and actively looking for team members

Source:  CNBC

However, there is one area that has changed when it comes to finding a career during the covid-19 pandemic and that is in the way interviews are being held. If you have been able to secure an interview with a company, you are more than likely going to meet via video. This may lead to a few unforeseen issues which can diminish your opportunity of being hired.

Below you will find a list of important aspects to be mindful of when attending a video interview:

1. Dress appropriately – no one would like to see you in pyjamas or dressed down. your potential employer will be looking for someone who takes pride in how they represent themselves (and by extension, the company)
2. Ensure that you are undisturbed during your interview. Yes, life happens but there are things that are within your control. Where you can, try to mitigate disturbances as your potential employer could question your ability to perform the task at hand if there is an array of background noise.
3. respond and ask questions with appropriate time for both you and the interviewer to both be heard
4. Set up and test your connection beforehand– if you are unable to get the connection to work or suddenly have microphone or sound problems this will look very unprofessional
5. If you have not been given a choice for the platform for the interview, ensure that you download the appropriate software beforehand and test it with a friend or family member
6. When in the interview, be sure to ask appropriate questions regarding what your duties would be as a remote worker, and how this would change when life returns to normal (this is important to avoid surprises later)
7. Ask how the company views remote working, and how they have changed their day-to-day processes to keep up with the demands of their industry during this pandemic – this will give you insight into company’s values, and how they uphold these in times of high pressure

Finally, be prepared to answer situational and behavioural type questions. These are as important in the new world of work as they were in the previous. If you are concerned about these types of questions, we have put together a tool to assist you in getting ready for you interview – download it here.