Aug. 11, 2020
Fortunately for job seekers and employers looking to fill a position, the COVID-19 pandemic – although responsible for much of today’s employment insecurity – comes at a time when the use of technology has been able to keep the job search and hiring process moving forward.
Despite most offices being closed, and many in the business aviation industry working from home, video interviews (in addition to the more standard emails and phone calls) are successfully linking those looking for a new position with employers seeking to fill one.
“Many people are being brought on purely on the basis of video interviews,” said Ann Marie Beebout, lead social media coach at ProResource. “It’s often an easier process for the recruiter, and there are advantages for the applicant as well. You can have notes in front of you and tacked to your screen, and you know that when you ‘show up’ for the interview you will look good.”
Beebout and Jenny Showalter, client services manager at Aviation Personnel International (API), agree that strategic preparation can go a long way toward a positive video interview.
Some of their tips include:
- Dress professionally as you would for an in-person interview, from head to toe. This actually helps make interviewees feel more focused. Don’t wear any busy prints.
- Make sure you are front-lit with adequate lighting; don’t have a bright window behind you. Look into the camera lens rather than the video of your face. If you need to, set your computer or webcam at eye level. Don’t forget to check your sound.
- “Be thoughtful about your background,” advises Sheryl Barden, president and CEO of API. “There are so many options that can telegraph information about who you are.” A bookcase, several airplane models, framed certificates or even a plain wall are more professional than a messy kitchen counter or a jumble of kid’s toys on the floor.
- Mute your phone, close down other apps, and above all, make sure there will be no interruptions from barking dogs, screaming children, ringing phones or doorbells.
- Practice in advance by doing some dry runs, especially if you don’t normally use the virtual video app used by the recruiter. “There’s nothing worse than a technical glitch,” notes Showalter.
- Having your resume in front of you as well as other pertinent notes will make you feel more confident.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.