How to Navigate Your Job Search Virtually

If you are still job searching during these challenging times, some things have remained the same and while others  have changed.

What has remained the same?  You still need to target your resume to a specific job title.  You must include keywords, relevant accomplishments with measurable results, publications and any awards you may have won.  Omit your references and dates of graduation if you completed university more than ten years ago.

You still need a LinkedIn profile that is up to date, includes keywords, and highlights your skills and accomplishments.  You should get three to four recommendations from previous supervisors, managers, or colleagues who are familiar with your work.  Do use a professional photograph with your smiling face looking at the reader.

What has changed? You need to make a concerted effort to search out job opportunities. Don't be tempted to spend all your time answering ads online through aggregator websites such as Monster, Indeed, Idealist, Zip Recruiter or LinkedIn.  80% of available jobs are not even advertised online.  Therefore, you need to spend more of your time building relationships with people to get visibility.  And you can write directly to prospective hiring managers even when a job is not advertised.

You will be interviewed only by phone or online.  How do you prepare for online interviews?  Four key areas: Your background, your lighting, your gestures, your appearance.  And, you still need to practice answering interview questions.  

Your  background should be neutral or filled with a bookcase or artwork on the wall behind you.  Some people prefer a neutral shoji screen. Keep out ambient noise from barking dogs, sirens, or family members.  Place your computer so that the corner of the room is centered behind you.  Your face and upper body should appear on the screen with little space between the top of your head and the top of your screen.  Lighting should be in front of you pointing up at your face.  When the light is behind you, your face will be in the dark.  Dress appropriately for the industry, the company and job level.  Make sure your hair and makeup are simple and clean.

How to answer interview questions? If you have not been working, the most likely asked question will be, “What have you been doing for the last 6 months or year?”  You need to be prepared to answer this frankly and briefly.  If you have not been working, have you volunteered for a cause or a local non-profit?  Have you been homeschooling your children?  Have you taken an online course to improve your skills or learn a new skill?  Answer the question and then ask a question of the interviewer about the company, its challenges, or projects  in order to move the conversation along.

The three most important questions will be, “Why do you want to work for this company? What can you do for us? And, will you fit into the company culture?”  Do your research on the company online, in trade journals, newspapers and by talking to your network. Look on LinkedIn for the person who will be interviewing you. Find out as much as you can before you go into the interview.

Practice talking about your accomplishments using the rubric P.A.R. -- Problem Action Result.  What was the objective of your assignment, or what were the circumstances under which you wrote the article? What action did you take to complete the assignment?  What was the result?

Remember that you are the manager of your job search. The more time you put in each week, the faster you will see results.

* Amy Geffen, Ph.D. is President of Geffen Careers, a career coaching firm. She has over 30 years of work experience in finance, engineering, nonprofits, colleges, and associations. She holds a BA from Brooklyn College, an MA from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. from New York University. For more information go to www.geffencareers.com or contact Amy at geffena108@gmail.com