The COVID 19 outbreak has certainly impacted the way we operate in almost all areas of our lives. As Haslam students, this includes not only how you are learning but also how you will seek employment after graduation. We have reached out to several employers who recruit at Haslam and we have good news to share!
Employers still have crucial business needs and as a result, remain very much focused on recruiting our graduates to continue providing strong business outcomes and value. According to Dell Technologies recruiting manger Megan Evangelista, “We are still hiring for our full-time positions that start in June and September 2020.”
Two thirds of employers report already using video software such as Zoom, WebEx and GoToMeeting in their hiring process. “At E&J Gallo, we are using WebEx to remotely interview candidates,” said Kristi Bowen, Area Manager of Recruiting; “We made the decision to move our in-person recruiting to virtual recruiting for the health of our candidates and employees.”
Gartner's Stephanie Shull adds, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gartner is supporting students' classroom learning in creative ways and engaging with students virtually throughout our interview process. Gartner is working to transition events to occur virtually so that we can continue to work with students while keeping health and safety a top priority. We look forward to continuing to work with our partner schools in new and different ways while engaging with top sales students around the country.”
This is uncharted territory, and while some businesses have a clear game plan, many don’t and our corporate recruiters are all asking for your patience and continued engagement as we all lean into this new normal together.
Here are some practical tips for you to consider:
How to nail the online interview:
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Test your Tech - make sure both your internet connect and video conferencing are both working well prior to your interview.
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Remove Distractions - conduct interview in private area free of distractions like TVs, cellphones, and other people in your living space.
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Dress Appropriately
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Be Prepared - do your homework as you would for in-person interview.
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Be Personable - smile often, engage to show enthusiasm.
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Make Eye Contact - pay attention to where you’re looking. Looking at the interviewer’s face on your computer screen means you’re not actually looking into the camera and making eye contact.
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Consider Your Body Language - 80% of communication is non-verbal. Don’t let being at home lure you into a false sense of informality. Place both feet on the ground, avoid slouching or holding your head up with your hands, always try to keep your hands in your lap to avoid distracting gestures or fidgeting.
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Be Patient and Follow Up - not all companies have a clear game plan for managing processes during COVID 19, so don’t be surprised or concerned if you haven’t heard back. It’s perfectly OK, in fact it shows good follow through, for you to send follow up emails.
Steps you can take TODAY to improve your job search:
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Keep Networking/Build Your Network! - engage with potential employers and mentors online via email, LinkedIn, online job boards, etc.
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Practice Your Video Presentation Skills- make it a goal to build your network by using video technology (Zoom, etc.) to engage with mentors and target employers.
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Stay Current- Follow target employers’ social media and websites.
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Fine Tune Your Job Search Toolkit - resume, cover letter, list of accomplishments.
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Demonstrate Your Adaptability - Be prepared to articulate how you can work remotely, independently and with teams using technology. Tip: your online classes are excellent examples of your adaptability!
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Be Patient and Take Care of Yourself! It can be hard to remember to take time for yourself during a job search, especially when you don’t have the option of leaving the house. Be sure to schedule time for exercise, hobbies, meditating, connecting with support or anything else that helps you feel relaxed.
Tom Van Dorselaer, MBA
Lecturer
Department of Marketing
