JOB HUNTING IN A COVID ENVIRONMENT

Covid has changed the employment landscape – for now. Where previously job hunters were competing with up to 50 other potential candidates, many of our clients have reported over the last 9 months that employers advised them they received upwards of 300 applications. Now is perhaps not the time to go for your ‘ideal’ or ‘dream’ job, depending on your circumstances. If you are able to wait, then go for it. But if you need a job sooner, then there are some keys to making this happen.

If you are not currently working, then make looking for a new role your full time job.  Set your alarm at the same time that you did when you had to get up each morning to go to work.  Make a plan, set realistic goals and do some Internet research.  Regardless of what may have led you to desperately needing work, you are faced with two choices: let the situation dictate your outcome or take the reins of your life back and create a path through for yourself. We have been advised that employers are currently receiving applications from candidates with higher levels of experience and qualifications than their advertised role requires, so it is very important to meet the criteria of a role you are applying for as closely as possible. For example, if you live in Wellington and are applying for roles in Auckland, your chances may be slim, as the employer will be receiving many highly qualified applications from job hunters in Auckland who don’t have to go through the hassle of relocating. 

Understand that this situation is temporary. Taking a job that may not be what you really want to do during this time does not mean you cannot return to the career pathway you were building towards when things settle down. Doing work that is not aligned with your long-term goals can be an opportunity to diversify your skill base and gain knowledge and experience that you would not have otherwise been able to attain.

Being willing to do the hard yards and applying for anything and everything that might get you back to earning a living is your best strategy to finding work as quickly as possible. Use all available resources. Some industries are booming at this time – why not go fruit picking? Add remote-friendly keywords to your CV, letters and LinkedIn profile and if possible, be willing to work from home and prepared to demonstrate that you can be as productive as working in an office environment.

Create job-hunting systems for success – monitor social media for prospective job opportunities – LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram are often used to promote brands and connect with talent. Leave no stone unturned – along with searching job boards such as Trade Me and seek.co.nz, talk to people – everywhere you go, in as many conversations as possible, let people know you are looking for a job. A high percentage of roles are filled by this kind of networking. Perhaps most importantly, maintain a positive attitude and mindset. Take any rejections as a prompt to move you on to the next opportunity. We advise that you do not wait for responses to particular job applications, as in New Zealand that process can take a long time, but keep putting the applications out there until you have secured a new role.

HOW TO ACE AN ONLINE VIDEO INTERVIEW

Online video interviews were becoming more common prior to the onset of Covid-19, but during our level 4 lockdown they became almost the normal way of interviewing candidates for jobs, and that practice has continued to be quite popular after lockdown ended. One of the most common methods of conducting these interviews is Zoom, but FaceTime and Skype are also extensively used.

While it can seem daunting to those not used to this medium of communication, there are some simple ways to prepare that will help you succeed in this kind of interview format.  First of all, consider the surroundings in which you will conduct the interview.  What does your background look like from the interviewer’s perspective?  If they are looking at your great Star Wars collectibles or posters of horror movies, it may not give the impression that you are a professional! Make sure your background looks like an office, but there should not be a window behind you, as that could be too bright for the interviewer.

Dress as if you are doing the interview in person. Our Business Consultant conducted a survey of 200 employers in New Zealand as to why candidates were not successful in securing a role – the number one reason was unprofessional appearance. This has more impact than you may think, so dress as a professional for an online interview. Your preparation should be the same as though you were attending an in-person interview.  

While theory is helpful, the best way to gain confidence is to practice an interview scenario in a real-time situation. Find a willing friend or family member and have them ask you a few interview questions, then provide feedback on how you come across.  Gain familiarity with the technology and get comfortable with being on the screen. Get feedback on whether you keep looking at the floor or ceiling and not at the person in the interview, etc. 

Print out your CV, details of the company and a list of questions. Have some paper and a pen by your computer for taking notes.  Do not put them on your screen, as this will help you focus on the interviewer. Be formal but relaxed, friendly and polite.  Do not act nervous or let them know that you are new to video conferencing. Project confidence and that will make you feel confident!

Find a quiet place free from interruptions by pets, children or external noise. Test your equipment and be ready 10 minutes prior to the interview, to make sure everything is working properly and to become comfortable in the environment.  Be self-aware – maintain eye contact, don’t slouch in your chair and stay engaged with the interviewer.  Practice active listening and be careful not to give long, drawn out explanations.  Keep your responses short and to the point.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your own, but don’t lead off with salary levels.

Perhaps most importantly, be yourself. Even if you feel you did not have a very good interview, it is not a wasted experience. People who succeed are people who learn from their mistakes.