How to Handle a Job Interview in a Changing COVID World
Many organizations and their employees struggled when the global pandemic forced businesses to immediately shift their day-to-day operations from a traditional office setting to a new remote work method. While many professionals and business owners adapted quickly, others found it difficult to adjust to this new way of working.
These new remote work policies and procedures also proved difficult for job seekers who were thrown into the remote interview waters without swimming lessons. Candidates had to quickly figure out how to make a good impression via their laptops and tablets all on their own.
Thankfully, over time many of the challenges of remote interviews and onboarding have been successfully met. What once seemed daunting has become standard practice as professionals gained more experience and confidence with these practices. Yet, as some businesses begin to open their doors to onsite work, job seekers are faced with a new challenge: how to prepare for onsite interviews during a pandemic that’s still active.
Using the job interview tips below, you’ll be prepared for both remote and onsite interviews in the evolving world of COVID.
Tips for Remote/Virtual Interviews
Be Prepared
Preparation and punctuality are key for any interview - even when they’re remote. Although you don’t have to plan your route to the interview site, you still have to be ready and on time. Follow these steps to make sure you are prepared:
Be sure the room you’ll be using for the interview is quiet, clean and free of any clutter.
Before you join the interview, test your headphones or speakers and microphone to make sure everything is properly functioning. If the interview begins with you fumbling with uncooperative technology, it may have a negative effect on the interviewer’s first impression of you.
Make sure you login a few minutes early. You don’t want to be late or appear to be rushed when you hit the “Join the Meeting” button.
Dress Appropriately
Even though you’re at home and not in an office with the interviewer, you still want to dress appropriately. This makes a strong impression with the interviewer by demonstrating that you don’t view remote interviews or remote work as less than onsite work, and it also puts you in a better mindset than your “lounge around the house” clothes.
Don’t Forget Eye Contact
Making eye contact is key for connecting with the interviewer. This can be easy to accomplish during onsite interviews, but it is more difficult in remote situations. Although you may feel more comfortable looking at the images on the screen, doing so will make it seem like you’re looking down at the table or desk, which may lead the interviewer to believe you’re distracted or disinterested. Instead of looking at the images on the screen, focus your attention directly on the webcam (usually the little red or green light in the center of your screen). This will make it appear that you’re looking directly at the interviewer and you’ll be perceived as more attentive and engaged with the conversation.
Tips for In-Person Interviews
As many companies welcome staff back to the office, you may be asked to participate in an in-person interview. In-person interviewing during a pandemic, or even post-pandemic, is new territory for candidates, so the following steps will help you be better prepared.
Safety for yourself, the interviewer and the other employees is still important:
Mask Up: Even if you are fully vaccinated, it’s best to wear a mask while you’re in the office. As masks may be a part of everyday office attire for the foreseeable future, it’s best to wear one that is workplace appropriate. Stick with solid colors and avoid masks with patterns, characters or slogans.
You can certainly feel comfortable using discretion if the interviewer isn’t wearing a mask or offers you the choice of doing so or not. Masking is changing so rapidly that follow the cues of the interviewer is probably best.
Watch Your Distance: Social distancing is still in practice, especially if the interview is conducted indoors. If the interviewer asks for you to sit further away than the recommended distance, do not take offense. Everyone has different comfort levels, and we must respect them.
If you are wearing a mask, it’s extremely important that you speak clearly and slowly. Speaking at a slightly higher volume may be required since masks can muffle normal volumes. If you cannot hear the interviewer clearly, politely inform them of this matter, and don’t become agitated if the interviewer asks you to repeat your statements. Your answers are important to them and they want to make sure they understand them completely. Using appropriate body language and eye contact to punctuate your answers not only helps the interviewer better understand your responses, it also adds a bit of your confident personality to the proceedings.
In addition to asking traditional interview questions about the position you’re applying for, be sure to ask the interviewer about their company’s current COVID-19 safety protocols and how they plan to respond and communicate with employees if an emergency occurs. Ensuring onsite staff safety is imperative during a pandemic, and if the company seems unprepared for an emergency, that is a issue to consider if offered the position.
If you do not feel comfortable or safe at any time during the in-person interview, please let the interviewer know immediately so they can take the necessary steps to correct the situation.
By following these job interview tips, you’ll be more confident, better prepared and ready to make a strong impression during your upcoming remote or in-person interviews.
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