Right now, in large part due to COVID-19, work environments are changing at a rapid pace. For job seekers, the application process is shifting and becoming more reliant on digital and video communications. Companies and organizations are also adjusting; working from home is quickly becoming the new norm, with many looking to make the shift permanent.
For some, these changes may offer increased flexibility; for others, this presents a new set of challenges. But it all boils down to finding solutions that work for you.
Job Seeking
The fundamentals haven’t changed and our Launch Modules are relevant as ever. You’ll still need a strong resume, practiced interview skills, a network to support you, a willingness to do some self-reflection, and an organized plan to stay on track.
But the mediums of communication, and the market itself are certainly evolving. If you thrive with in-person interviews and networking one-on-ones, now is the time to think about how those skills can translate to digital and video communications. If written and/or online communication has been your forté, you now have much more room to leverage your expertise!
Jobs themselves are also fluctuating. Certain industries are suddenly in decline, while others are skyrocketing. It’s up to you to stay current with the market changes, and to be nimble in the wake of uncertainty. You might be flying by the seat of your pants more than usual, but if you stick to the building blocks we’ve laid out, we think you’ll land on your feet.
Virtual Interviewing
Interviewing in the Time of Coronavirus- (apologies to Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
With the onset of this contagion,remote interviewing has become common and we assume it will remain a standard practice long after the pandemic has passed. Here are our simple steps to make the process most effective for audio and video interviews:
1. Dress as if the call were in person 2. Visit the bathroom before the call 3. Have a glass of water handy 4. Have available your resume and the job description 5. Find a quiet place from which to dial in 6. Know an alternate number in case you lose the connection 7. Have a blank wall behind you during a video call 8. Speak slowly and clearly. Often, audio/ video are out of sync. 9. Ask for feedback on call transmission and answer clarity
Working from Home
If you’re working right now, there’s a good chance you’re working from home. And for most of us, it’s a pretty big adjustment. But there are simple things you can do to make that adjustment just a little easier.
Develop a routine.
Your days may have lost some of the built-in structure that comes with daily commuting and working alongside your colleagues. Try and find a way to emulate some that structure and build a routine that works for you. There’s no set formula, but the best routines are the ones you will actually stick to, so don’t shoot the moon here.
Find a space that enables you to do your best work.
Your dining room table might become your desk and that’s ok! You don’t need a fancy set-up, you just need a space where you can get your work done. You know your habits best, so try and set-up a space that plays to your strengths.
Tune out the noise and get creative.
Even with a good work space set-up, your surroundings might not always be as accommodating. You might have roommates who are also trying to carve out work space, a partner on a different schedule, kids or pets who never miss an opportunity to make a guest appearance on your Zoom calls. It won’t always be easy, but clear communication with your “co-workers”, a willingness to roll with the punches, and even a good sense of humor will help. And noise cancelling headphones never hurt!
Push yourself to engage.
Shifting from an energized work environment to a home office may feel isolating at times. Push yourself to stay engaged with your coworkers as much as you can. Go into your days and meetings alert and eager to learn. Ask for feedback. Take the opportunities to slow down as they come, just don’t let yourself drift too far away.
Set clear boundaries.
It can be easy to blur the boundary between working and off-hours when you’re working from home, so try your best to set clear and solid boundaries for yourself. Burn-out is real, so make sure you’re taking the time you need to rejuvenate. Your work and your well-being will be better for it.
