For recruiters and job seekers alike, virtual career events are now attaining greater importance due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. You can attend these hiring events from the comfort of your room and even land up with the job offer that you dreamt of!
Studies have found that virtual career events come with their share of pros and cons. However, the possibility of these events becoming an integral part of the recruitment process remains strong.
But this process can be nerve-wracking for some. As per the results of a survey by Handshake, around 52% of students face challenges in communicating effectively online. But we can easily overcome these with proper preparation. So let’s get started without further ado.
Tips For Preparation
1. Make Sure Your Resume Is Up-to-date
An updated resume is your most important asset when applying for a job interview. Also, it should match the key requirements for the jobs you’re going to apply for in the virtual career event.
Highlight all your relevant skills or prior experience that make you a good fit for the role. It is also a good idea to customize your resume for each position you are applying for instead of sticking with a general resume for all the roles.
Also, keep your resume and all other documents ready and within reach during the interview.
2. Research The Companies
Researching the companies participating in the virtual hiring process will give you a competitive edge over other candidates. You need to have a good grasp of what the company does, the current vacancies, etc.
The recruiters will be virtually interacting and interviewing multiple candidates, so if you are aware of the company culture and the skills they are looking for, you are sure to stand out!
3. Practice Responses For Common Interview Questions
A virtual interview gives you considerably less time to interact with recruiters when compared to face-to-face interviews. Therefore, you need to make your responses short and to the point.
Preparing your responses to some general questions (such as a summary of your accomplishments) in advance may thus help you appear confident during the actual interview process.
4. Test All Your Tech Equipment
If not all your interviews, most will probably be via a video call. Check the speed of your internet connection before the day of the interview to ensure that the video call runs smoothly.
Moreover, check your computer, microphone, and webcam thoroughly in advance. Make sure to fix any issues beforehand.
5. Dress To Impress
And lastly, although you are not physically attending an interview, you need to dress like you are. Don professional attire and make sure the background of the room is clutter-free.
A well-groomed look is essential for a positive first impression on the recruiters.
Summing Up
While virtual career events did take place in the past, too, for hiring new employees, the pandemic has changed it into the ‘new normal.’ Therefore, being prepared in advance can give you an advantage over other candidates.
Make sure you ask each recruiter for their contact information (preferably email id) during the interview. Follow up with a personalized ‘Thank you’ message or email – this will make you stand out in the sea of other eligible candidates.
About the Author
Simon Chou is the Vice President of Operations and Growth at BCjobs.ca. Over the course of his career, he carved a niche in brand development, marketing strategy, and online presence for startups. Prior to joining BCJobs.ca, Simon was an advisor for several global blockchain projects including Litecoin, NEM, and Ripple. In the past, he also worked with Fortune 500 companies in the healthcare space through SM Digital—a global marketing agency.
