COVID-19

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Interviewing during COVID-19 has been a smooth process for most. You can expect that almost all of our clients are conducting interviews, extending offers, and onboarding all virtually. The clients that we have that are in-office are taking proper procautions to ensure everyone is comfortable and safe. Our team will help answer any questions that you may have about what to expect throughout the process and how to make it as smooth as possible. 

Things to consider when interviewing: 

• Dress Business Professional. They may not be, but you should dress to impress. Take one last look in the mirror before you log in.
• Test the video technology in advance.
• Make sure that your computer is fully charged or plugged in ahead of time.
• If you plan to use headphones, call a friend or family member to test how it sounds. You don't want to sound muffled during your interview. Make sure your headphones are charged ahead of time if they are Bluetooth.
• All other applications on your computer should be closed out. You don't want a "ding" notification interrupting your call because you received an email, text, or calendar invite. Sound on your cell phone should be turned off as well.
• Find a spot with good lighting (watch for sunshine glares through the window) and with minimal distractions, both in the interviewer's line of sight and in the room.
• Log in 1-2 minutes early, fully prepared in case they are already in the room.
• Engage with the interviewer as if you are face to face; this is their first "live" impression of you after all. Take advantage of small talk to warm up to the interview. Have a few things you can share, however, make sure to keep things positive. Without knowing how the interviewer or their families have been affected by COVID-19, please be careful of what you are saying, even if it is well-intended. This isn't the platform to complain about boredom or the inconvenience it has been.
• Have a copy of your resume, the job description, and your prepared questions in front of you along with paper and pen for any notes. Do not use your computer for notes, in case the typing is a noise distraction on the other end.
• Keep energy high (even higher than what you may feel). If you're tired, comfortable, a little down... put it away and make sure you bring good, optimistic, positive energy to this call. Everyone likes people that make them feel good.
• If something unexpected does happen (dog barking, doorbell ring, siren, etc.), roll with it. Don't let it distract you. 
• Make sure you are completely logged off and exited out of the chat and/or that your phone is hung up (if you are using it) before talking or moving after the interview.

The vacancy on your team doesn't need to remain open because of COVID-19. Zoom, BlueJeans, and MicrosoftTeams are great tools to conduct your interviews, and laptops can be shipped. What is most important for you to do is to put yourself in the shoes of a candidate who is considering the move without having walked in your office or met you or the rest of your team in person. We can help with ways to overcome this so that they have the best candidate experience possible and remain interested in your opportunity.  

Things to consider: 

• It is now more challenging for professionals to take time off because everyone is working from home. There are less "excuses" like doctors appointments, vacations, my "washer and dryer are being replaced", etc. Breaking up interviews in to smaller chunks tends to be more manageable for candidates who don't want to raise red flags with their employer. 
• Building a relationship and getting an understanding of what it feels like to work on your team is much harder through virtual interviewing. Make sure to be very forthcoming with that information so it doesn't go unappreciated by the prospective teammate. 
• Onboarding looks much different when done virtually. Overcommunication is key in the weeks leading up to their start as well as once they are onboarded officially. 
• Once they start, they aren't going to be meeting teammates at the watercooler or company outings. Be thoughtful about how to help them build connections and become integrated with their teammates as quickly as possible. 

Our team has been working virtually since March with no plan to return to the office. The show must go on, and we are more excited than ever to be working with you! 

Things to consider: 

• We are all using our cell phone numbers now instead of our office numbers. Please update our contact info so we get your calls. 
• We are unable to forward calls to teammates, but can take your information and have the correct person call you. 
• We have pets, babies, roommates and partners in addition to deliveries, sirens, etc. in the background. Thank you for being understanding with the possible background noise on our calls.