Featured Article from Conferencing

Finding a Job Virtually

By Mandi Nowitz
Web Editor

Everything has gone digital, down to job interviews. That was proven when the Indiana Department of Workforce Development set up an in-person job fair, complete with tents, handouts and 32 businesses. The marketing and recruitment staffs were willing and ready to interview candidates but just 15 potential employees arrived to the job fair.

In November 2017, the same department held several job fairs but, this time, they were all virtual. The fairs were accessed via video conferencing methods and the turnout was quite different – over 100 people showed up. Hundreds more could watch the day’s events on-demand, since they were recorded and posted. This “test” proved job seekers want a more relaxed way to look for jobs. But, how does one prepare for a virtual job fair, as opposed to an in-person one? Here are some tips so you are fully prepared to “attend.”

Finding the fairs is a simple Google (News - Alert) search away and, once you have stumbled upon the one(s) you’d like to attend, you must reserve a spot –  spaces are limited. It is an audience forum, so businesses will present the company and job opportunities, so make sure to download the proper video conference app ASAP. Now you can prepare for a virtual interview.

You have the app, now you need a high quality webcam so you can look your absolute best to employers. A lot of the rules that follow are very similar, if not identical, to creating your own video conferencing space. Neutral background and lack of clutter is vital followed by fitting the camera to your face, preferably top of head to waistline.

Clothing should be neutral – no patterns or loud, neon colors taking away from what you are saying. Balancing your face, background, and clothing is the lighting, which should be very soft, but not one-sided. Try out a demo call just to see how it looks before jumping into a virtual job fair.

A resume and cover letter are great leave-behinds for employers; create digital versions to associate with your name. You will be able to meet face-to-face with these employers through the most popular chat forums like Skype (News - Alert), Hangouts, GoToMeeting, and Zoom, which provide screen sharing. This also gives functionalities to display a virtual portfolio if you are sharing videos, media, etc.

Are you ready for the new wave of interviewing and job hunting?