How COVID-19 Will Change the Job Interview Process

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking hold in the United States with New York, California and Washington being impacted first. Americans are taking shelter in their homes and emerging only for essentials if they don’t have to go to work. Many organizations are doing their best to mitigate the spread of this disease and to protect both customers and employees. Cancelling conferences, company travel, and asking all who are able to work from home has now become the norm.  

The multitude of layoffs and furloughs across the nation are epic. Some companies have delayed or halted any and all recruitment practices waiting to see how long the pandemic lasts and how the company survives financially after the outbreak is over.  If this virus lasts very long the country could fall into a recession negatively impacting hiring. On the other hand, the disease could also run its course over a few short months allowing business to happily begin in earnest again.The massive impact on the economy will be felt for a while, but what happens during this COVID-19 outbreak for organizations who are still hiring? In order to protect both the company and the prospective employee, job interviews will take on a different look.

It’s a common sense “given” that the first thing organizations will stop is the in-person, face-to-face interview.  Too many risk factors are involved in this method for both the organization as well as the prospective candidate. No one knows who is infected or carrying the coronavirus, so safety must come first. 

If by some chance (perhaps in a medical facility), you are asked to come to the office for a face-to-face interview, be prepared to answer a few questions before entering the interview environment. These questions will be similar to those asked before entering most places of business that we are all familiar with such as ‘have you had a fever’, ‘been out of the country’ etc. Granted, these personal questions normally may not be legal in the job interview but the protection of all involved in the interview process is paramount and an exception must be made.  You also may be asked to wash your hands and submit to having your temperature taken.

As technology has advanced in the past several years, the video job interview has become much more popular.  Now video conferencing or similar platforms will become the dominant method for conducting an interview. This includes job interviews for a company just down the street.  It makes no sense to take any chances of transmitting the virus to an office when a Skype or Zoom interview can easily be conducted. In the past few weeks, Google and LinkedIn now conduct all interviews via video conference calls.  Some companies aren’t comfortable making a final offer during a video call. You may be told that the actual face to face final interview will occur when the crisis is over and the company can open up again. It is imperative to brush up on your video conferencing techniques before you are asked to participate in a call.  This will ensure you are conversational and present yourself in a memorable, positive manner.

The asynchronous interview may take on a heavier value to organizations than it previously had.  The asynchronous job interview is a form of screening interview in which the applicant is guided through a structured interview process on their own.  The candidate accepts an invitation from the company and responds at their convenience by a specified date. Although the questions asked are usually for screening purposes, it makes sense that with the social distancing we are enacting, more depth may be introduced into this method of interview to identify and draw out the  complex skills and abilities of the applicants.

Here is a link to an article on our website that can assist you with this type of interview.

Be sure to keep your computer or mobile device at arms length and to try to look at the camera on your device when speaking. This will make the experience more conversational for the person who will be reviewing the video.

Using online applications is a very popular method of applying for a position.  It’s easy, although in some cases time consuming to complete these applications.  In the post Covid19 reality, there will be many people applying for jobs that have been lost or dissolved.   The keywords you use in your application are now even more important. You want the keywords you use to be attractive to the software being utilized in the company’s applicant tracking systems algorithms.  The more matching keywords used, the better chance your application will be sorted for viewing by a hiring manager or recruiter.

Here is another helpful resource that addresses the importance of keywords. 

Networking will be vital to finding a position as so many will be seeking employment.  Connecting to the right people post pandemic is key. Genuine effort needs to be made to purposefully seek out and nurture mutually beneficial relationships. Exposing yourself to a variety of networking experiences assists with keeping you up to date in your industry as well as introducing you to other industries where your work skills are easily transferred.  Contact those close to you and ask if they are aware of companies that are hiring and share information that you have learned. It’s about helping each other. If you have never been to a local networking event, it’s time to start now. Most are currently held on virtual platforms.

Click here for some great tips on networking.

Communication and absolute transparency is critical for both companies and candidates during this most pivotal period in our history.  Covid19 virus is unpredictable and has caused disruption in all aspects of life. There can be disruptions in daily business flow. As revenues go down, what may have been an open position could suddenly disappear.  Companies and candidates have to be understanding of these facts. We all need to be flexible. It may take longer to hear from prospective hiring managers as things evolve. Americans for the most part are being remarkably flexible during this crisis.   Over communication on both parts can only help to answer questions and alleviate stress involved during this new hiring reality. Patience is needed by all.

COVID-19 will bring about innovation in how the business world works!  Organizations will realize that many positions can indeed be performed remotely while reaping the benefits of employing remote workers.  If you have been fortunate enough to keep your job and are enjoying your work-at-home routine, maybe it’s time to find a position that will keep you working remotely when this crisis is over.  

Let’s all remember to be patient and kind to one another during this unprecedented time.

I offer a completely free 30 minute introductory job interview coaching session. Contact me today to prepare for your tomorrow!