Virtual Recruiting is Here to Stay
Tips to Help You Thrive in Your Virtual Job Search
By: Andrea Wogoman, Employer Relations Coordinator
Jane Matthews, Associate Director, Employer Relations
Dana Sumner, Director, Office of Career Planning
Kristen Pribanich, Assistant Director, Career Development
Virtual Recruiting is Here to Stay
Tips to Help You Thrive in Your Virtual Job Search
By: Andrea Wogoman, Employer Relations Coordinator | Jane Matthews, Associate Director, Employer Relations | Dana Sumner, Director, Office of Career Planning | Kristen Pribanich, Assistant Director, Career Development
Many employers have noted cost savings, more efficient use of personnel, and the ability to recruit a more diverse pool of candidates as reasons to stick with virtual recruiting. As you prepare to navigate the job search process in the current environment, consider these best practices for job searching, interviewing, and negotiating in the virtual space.
JOB SEARCHING IN THE VIRTUAL SPACE
Do your research.
You can learn a lot from exploring an organization’s online presence. What do they list on their website and social media? What are employees posting on LinkedIn? Understanding company culture can help you see where to find your best fit.
Tap into your network.
Around 60% of your job search should be focused on making connections and networking. Identify individuals in your industry of interest and don’t be afraid to reach out for a conversation!
Express your adaptability.
Employers have been adapting to high levels of change, and they want to know that you can, too. Consider how you would like to communicate strategies that helped you manage changes and transitions that came about because of COVID-19.
VIRTUAL INTERVIEWING
Bring your enthusiasm.
Even if you are not in the same room as your interviewer, you should still bring the same energy and enthusiasm to a virtual interview as you would an in-person interview. Show your excitement about the opportunity through a warm smile and confident body language.
Always test your technology ahead of time.
Is software up-to-date? Will devices be adequately charged? Have you tested your mic or synced your headphones to your device? It may help to do a quick practice run with a friend or family member a day or two before the interview.
Honor your commitments.
Don’t forget to actually show up to your interview/meeting! Just because it’s in a virtual format doesn’t mean it’s any less important than an in-person interview. Employers are expecting you to follow through on your commitment. Show that you value the employer’s time by being on time, present, and engaged.
Say thank you!
After meeting with an employer, even in the virtual space, it’s still imperative to send a thank you note! Employers are busy and receive a lot of messages – one or two paragraphs is perfect.
NEGOTIATING THE JOB OFFER
Be well-prepared.
Research similar roles in your industry so that you have a realistic expectation of current market rates and salary averages. Know your value and determine realistic salary requirements.
Consider the benefits of remote work.
Working remotely has its benefits; workers are saving an average of 40-90 minutes per day in commute time! If working remotely or having a flexible schedule is important to you, consider negotiating these options as part of your job offer.
Share your why.
“I want to achieve this goal and this request will help me do that.” Think about how your ask relates to what you care about most, and how your contributions help your team be successful. This demonstrates that you are ambitious, forward-thinking, and that you care about the organization as a whole.
Be on the lookout for Spring 2022 events hosted by the Office of Career Planning! Alumnae have full access to Handshake, our premier recruiting platform, which includes a calendar of upcoming events. Opportunities to engage and network with employers this spring include Mock Interview Week, Employer Resume Blitz, and a variety of employer panel discussions.
Material referenced from Handshake and from Ruchi Sinha’s 3 steps to getting what you want in a negotiation | The Way We Work, a TED series, Nov 2021.