Finding a new job during COVID-19 can seem daunting. With so many businesses temporarily closed, and their operations paused, it can seem like there are much fewer job prospects. However, there is reason to be optimistic with a number of industries in urgent need of workers and remote hiring.
We spoke to three recent candidates placed by Cpl about their experiences of searching for and securing jobs remotely during COVID-19. From changing industries to taking temporary roles, they share their advice on how to prepare for a virtual interview and secure a new job during COVID-19.
Marketing Manager secured a temporary QTC Analyst position with Zendesk
Congratulations on being hired virtually! Were you already looking for a new role pre-COVID-19 or was your job search related to COVID-19?
I handed in my notice at my previous job the day that everyone was asked to work from home! I was due to start a new permanent role, however, this has been postponed until some normality resumes post-COVID-19.
This is when I got in touch with Cpl about finding an interim role and how I landed a temporary job with Zendesk.
Can you tell us about your remote hiring experience with Zendesk?
The remote hiring experience was swift and streamlined. I received a call from my Recruitment Consultant Matthew and had a video interview later that day. I received feedback and was hired that evening. It could not have been simpler.
The remote hiring experience didn’t impede my ability to demonstrate why I would be good at the job. I was still able to discuss why my experience and skills were relevant. In fact, it added an element of comfortability and ease by being able to do it from home.
How did you prepare for your virtual interview differently, what tips would you give to other jobseekers in your sector?
I didn’t have that much time to prepare as you can see! I mostly focused on how I would communicate my suitability for the role. I think virtual interviews and in-person interviews should be quite similar fundamentally. You’re still able to communicate the same things.
However, an emphasis on the clarity and concise nature of your answers is important, because, without face to face visual cues, it’s harder to communicate when you’re finished making your point.
What advice would you give to people in your industry looking for a job in this current environment?
I would advise being more flexible in the jobs you consider. Look at the different aspects of your skillset that you may not have considered previously. Think about how they can be applied in different contexts.
I would also suggest looking at industries that maybe haven’t been as affected by COVID-19 and look at remote working options specifically.
Part Qualified Accountant who has secured a temporary job with Zendesk on their RevOps team
How did you prepare for your virtual interview differently, what tips would you give to other jobseekers in your sector?
It’s important to remember that it is no different from physically sitting in the room with the interviewers. For me, it was even easier knowing I was the only one in my room at home.
I was a lot less nervous than normal. My advice would be to be yourself, make sure you have a good internet connection and make sure you prepare for it the same as any other interview.
How has the remote onboarding process been?
I have had a wonderful remote onboarding experience. All my IT equipment was sent to me to get set up at home. I have been having training via Zoom calls and e-learning platforms.
What advice would you give to people in your industry looking for a job in this current environment?
I would suggest using a recruiter. Most companies usually submit their better roles through recruitment agencies, so chances are even if you go on their websites not the most up to date roles are there.
Find a good recruitment agency and make sure they give you all the necessary preparation throughout the whole process from CV to interview preparation.
Communications and Branding Specialist, Dublin
Congratulations on being hired virtually! Were you already looking for a new role pre-COVID-19 or was your job search-related to COVID-19?
I was looking for a new role pre-COVID-19 but paused my search because I could see no new roles being posted once the country began lockdown. Then, I happened to spot the role I am in now while having a cursory glance over the different job websites.
How did you prepare for your virtual interview differently, what tips would you give to other jobseekers in your sector?
I prepared as normal for the most part but had a few more competency-based answers knowing the conversation wouldn’t flow as naturally as it would in person. I also had the job spec printed and questions I wanted to ask written down.
What would you say were the biggest challenges to being interviewed virtually? How did you overcome these?
The hardest part was probably getting the timing right. Sometimes there is a lag on the stream, or you aren’t sure if the other person has finished talking yet before you begin.
I was also more conscious of my posture and facial expressions as I was aware that I was probably in full size on their screen.
Have you started the remote onboarding process? If so, how has your experience been?
It’s been great so far; the company is very advanced with video and phone conferencing systems, so I feel as though I am having regular face to face meetings. The tech side was all sorted out for me on the first day so I could work from home seamlessly.
It would be ideal to see the office space that I will be working in, but I am getting a good feel for the culture otherwise. The team has been extraordinarily welcoming and very keen for me to feel like one of them and of value right from the start.