Welcome back! It’s still January, so we’ll continue our theme of job search and mistakes to avoid in your modern-day process. While résumés were the focus last week, today’s column turns the glassy eye of the Mistake-o-Meter to interviews in the COVID era. (Mistake-o-Meter? Bet you can guess who’s been binge-watching kitschy sci-fi movies from the ’50s … )
Following are common missteps people make as they meld old practices with new when meeting with potential employers. As a guide, the first four mistakes relate to remote interviews, the second four to in-person interviews, and the final tips concern universal aspects of the interview.
ONLINE
1. Taking virtual meetings for granted. Even though you’ve had way too many Zoom meetings already, pretend you haven’t and treat your next tele-interview as if it’s your first. Check the camera, audio, background, lighting and everything else you can think of to ensure a good presentation.
2. Messing up the eye contact. Guilty. I’m so confused by this my eyes practically go googly during some of my meetings. But I’m committed to figuring it out and you should be too. Good eye contact is fundamental for communication and human bonding, both critical elements of successful interviews.
3. Not using the technology fully. Did you know you can share a document on most video platforms, if the host enables that feature? Consider making that request if you have graphs or other visuals that demonstrate your accomplishments or skills.
4. Not confirming the time zone. Oops. Enough said on that one.
IN PERSON
5. Being shy about safety. If your interview will be in-person, you may have concerns about COVID safety. No need to be overly explicit, but don’t be shy either. For example, if the chairs feel too close together, just ask to move them for better social distancing.
6. Not having a mask strategy. Masking is essential for in-person meetings, whether that request is made clear or not. It demonstrates respect for the other person, while also providing protection for you. But what kind of mask? Whether you choose an N95 or cloth or something in between, be sure it fits and doesn’t bop around while you’re speaking. If you wear glasses, practice with the mask in the mirror so you can see how they go together. Logos and brands? Probably not. Giant hoop earrings? Definitely not, unless you want to spend time disentangling them.
7. Trying to shake hands. Sticking your hand out and not finding a taker is just about as awkward as flailing around with your elbows or fists, looking for something to bump. The best alternative might be a polite nod, accompanied with a hearty, “So glad to meet you.”
8. Not maximizing the in-person opportunity. As long as you’re there, would a tour be possible? Maybe you have duplicate portfolio pieces you can leave behind. Heck, bringing a potted plant or flowers might not be over the top. Just kidding, but not by much. People seem starved for company these days, so it’s smart to maximize this in-person time.
UNVIERAL TIPS
9. Being unprepared for the conversation. This is a boo-boo at any time, but it’s worth remembering for modern-era interviews as well. When the meeting is scheduled, ask who else will be there, whether remote or in-person. Your pre-meeting preparation should include researching the positions held by your interviewers, the products or services of the organization, their position in the industry, and anything else that seems relevant.
10. Assuming too much leverage. Right, right, the Great Resignation. It’s true that employers are anxious to fill jobs, but they can still get stubborn about candidates who seem to want so much more than they’ll give. Stay focused initially on what you can do for them, and then you can turn the conversational tables in later meetings.
11. Over-emphasizing WFH. If working from home isn’t essential to you, then don’t focus there. Learn about the job and the people first, and explore this aspect more fully as you get closer to an offer.
12. Not sending a thank-you note. Can’t believe we’re still teaching this, but … do thank the interviewer! Send by email for remote meetings, and by U.S. Post for in-person conversations.
As a final tip, be kind. Burned out, busy, under-staffed, overwhelmed — at least one of these likely describes your interviewer. Expect responses to be slower than normal, and show compassion about dropped balls. Better yet, maintain contact proactively but continue to explore conversations elsewhere as well. Then you’ll have all the bases covered.
Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com.
