Tips for Job Seekers: The 2021 Edition

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There are new considerations for handling phases of the job search—post-pandemic, or at least post-vaccine

COVID-19 changed the world of work in ways we are still discovering. Companies have had their cultures upended and their fortunes altered, and many employees and job seekers are still struggling to adjust. 

Here are some updated tips for navigating the job market in this environment. Some are timeworn best practices, while others are new considerations since the pandemic:

1. Familiarize yourself with virtual interviewing best practices

One effect of the pandemic was the normalization of online transactions for everything from ordering groceries to conducting team meetings. There is now little excuse for inferior virtual meeting skills.

Since companies will still conduct all or some phases of the hiring process online, you must be able to present your best self virtually, from initial introductions through post-offer negotiations. If your Zoom game is not up to par, practice. Never forget a “dress rehearsal” before an interview, and fine-tune all your tech well before the meeting.

Luckily, the internet abounds with advice for maximizing personal online appeal. A recent study of successful online interviewees yielded these proven, practical tips:

  • Be focused on your interviewer. A common critique of unsuccessful applicants is that they appeared distracted in the interview. Try to maintain eye contact. 

  • Make it easier for your interviewer to focus on you by streamlining your visual space. You want your interviewer to be paying attention to you, not your wall hangings.

  • Strive to make a “meaningful” personal connection. Don’t appear “canned.” Bring up a relevant detail related to the interviewer’s background or position.

  • Exhibit confidence and communicate clearly by paying attention to verbal cues and body language. And don’t speak over your interviewer or bore them with a lengthy monologue.

2. Conduct next-level research 

A way to distinguish yourself from other applicants is with preparedness. Prepping some responses to the usual expected questions and doing basic research on the company may not suffice. Instead, you should use all the resources at your disposal to create a company dossier.

Comb sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn for profiles of the organization and its employees. Do a deep dive into available sources of information about a company or firm and its leaders, including your interviewer. Check local news sources for mentions of their outside activities and community involvement. Look into what charities they support and causes they defend.

Virtual interactions deprive a candidate of the opportunity to pick up clues about workplace culture that would be revealed in an on-site visit. You’ll have to find other ways to learn about your potential employer and its cultural norms. Online platforms that are not categorized as “professional” (Reddit, for example) could be good sources for “insider” information. Just remember to maintain a healthy skepticism for reviews that are too negative or too positive. This research should also guide your list of questions for the interviewer. 

When researching potential employers, be sure to check your own online footprint. Many employers are actively screening applicants for any inappropriate postings. The bar for disqualification is extremely low.

3. Make reasonable demands when negotiating 

Keep in mind that the likelihood of success when negotiating the terms of a job offer will depend on your perceived value to the company and the level of competition for a position. Your leverage will increase if you bring distinct and specialized skills to the bargaining table.

If you feel the organization’s interest in you is secure, you could negotiate some COVID-related assurances. For example, both a guarantee of compensation and a potential bonus can offer some cushion in case they experience economic difficulties after you’ve been hired. You might also ask for a performance-based bonus, which will tie the opportunity for increased earnings to your contributions to results. Many employers may be more open to such requests now. 

4. The economy is in flux but showing signs of picking up steam

When job seeking, it’s essential to plan for an uncertain future. Although the economy is stabilizing and growing—and the job market along with it—no one can predict with complete confidence how it will fare in the longer term. Some economists are concerned about repeating the bubble-to-bust scenario of 2008. Others feel hopeful that we are on the precipice of a robust job market for years to come.

If you have been unemployed or are otherwise transitioning back to the workplace after a pandemic-related hiatus, don’t be afraid to get back out there. You are not alone!

Carrington Legal Search is celebrating 20 years in business: we were in the trenches with our clients during 9/11 and 2008. We partner with our clients to identify leaders and mission-critical talent to shore up and grow companies even during the most challenging times. We are here for you! To make our nationwide network work for you, get in touch at 512-627-7467 or email carrie@carringtonlegal.com.