Job Interviewing during the Corona Virus Outbreak in the Construction, Engineering industries.

Conducting a job search is a stressful endeavor for individuals. Conducting a job search when the country is being affected by a pandemic changes the rules temporarily for individuals and employers alike when interviewing for open positions in the construction and engineering industries.

With the outbreak of the novel corona virus (COVID-19) here in the United States organizations and individuals should consider altering their recruiting / interviewing routines to take into consideration how candidates interact with organizations.

How employers interview candidates for jobs by utilizing technological advancements and jobseekers utilizing common sense actions can result in reduction of the transmission of the novel corona virus throughout communities.

Individuals should not stop their job search, but rather take the time to utilize the many opportunities to reach out to employers via responses to job announcements, online networking through social media, LinkedIn, email inquiries and conducting interviews with potential employers via telephone and video meetings. This will allow you to set the ground work needed for future advancements in the interview process as the risk / disease spread slows over time.

Many larger organizations today have already altered their interviewing techniques to take advantage of online video meetings. Limiting the physical contact / face to face interactions through utilization of online meeting applications like zoom.us, gotomeeting.com, etc.. These applications have made it possible for one on one interactions, group meetings that essentially replicate an in-person interview experience from the comfort of your home or office.

Many smaller organization’s today though may have not yet implemented these changes and/or should you find yourself in a situation in which you need to be present for an in-person meeting there are simple actions you can take to make sure you keep yourself and others around you safe.

If you believe you may be sick with the common flu, illness and/or corona virus; stay home, reach out to health professionals for medical attention so you do not infect others. Your health is much more important than a job and advising a potential employer you are not feeling well will most likely garner good will in the long run and allow them to reschedule your interview for a better time for everyone.
The easiest thing you can do to help reduce the spread and possible infection of the novel corona virus is wash your hands. The simple 20 second rule of vigorously washing of your hands with soap and/or hand sanitizer at least a few times a day will reduce your potential of possible infection.

If you are going to have a in-person meeting and/or interview. Wash your hands before the meeting and right after your meeting. As interviews are stressful, try to keep your hands away from touching your face. If you have to use a knuckle, side of your sleeve or tissue.

Travel with the basics; bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer and tissues with you. Should you find yourself in a situation where you may feel like you need to touch an elevator button, pen, desk surface, etc. Having the essentials with you will ease some of the stress of the situation.

When scheduling interviews, typically an employer will provide you with a few times to choose from, try to select one in which will provide you the flexibility to avoid large crowds of people should you be traveling via public transportation or train. Utilizing social distancing will aid greatly in your travels. If you are using an elevator, touching desk surfaces, door handle, etc. try using your elbow, knuckle, elbow, etc.

As it is customary in business when you meet with someone to provide a handshake; in the days of the novel corona virus you should politely introduce yourself and state that at this time it may be best for forego the handshake. The individual you are meeting will most likely be in agreement. Using some humor always helps in these types of situations. Remember the other person is as worried about the transmission of the virus as you are.

As the novel corona virus (COVID-19) situation is changing daily, it is advisable to check in with community health organizations, healthcare providers and/or the CDC websites for important updates related to the spread of the virus and actions you can take to keep safe and healthy.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

A Guide To Video Interviews – Tips For Success!!

What Is Video Interviewing?

Video interviewing is the practice of conducting an employment interview on the internet via video communication software, such as Skype or Facetime. There are two types of video interviews, a one-way video interview, and a video call. For one-way interviews, the employer gives candidates a series of questions and you record your interview video and send it for later review. In a video call type interview, you answer the video call when the interviewer calls and talk to the person over video. The conversation is in real time, unlike the one-way interview; you can see them and they can see you.

Video interviewing is becoming a common new trend among employers in the construction, engineering, and environmental industries. It is very cost and time efficient, and can be used anywhere in the world. Employers can learn everything they need to know, without all the travel and hassles of the interview process. Interviewing in this way can be very different than the face-to-face meetings used in construction, engineering, and environmental industries in the past. Rather than talking to someone in person, you will be talking to someone through a computer screen. It may feel a bit awkward talking to a face on a computer screen, but learning how you can prepare yourself can be a big help.

This blog will explain the pros and cons of video interviewing, as well as everything you need to know to get through your next video interview in the construction, engineering, or environmental industry, with success.

The Pros of Video Interviewing:

Very cost and time efficient for both employers and candidates
Candidate can be interviewed anywhere in the world, closing the gap caused by geographical location.
Great way of screening candidates before calling in for a face-to-face meeting
Interview can be recorded for additional review

The Cons of Video Interviewing:

You must have access to internet to be a candidate
Connectivity problems can happen, and can be very inconvenient and stressful
Talking over computer can be awkward and increase nerves
Some people feel they do not interview as well over video as they do in person

How to Prepare for the Interview:

Make sure your computer’s software, microphone, and webcam are all working properly before the interview.

Make a test call to a friend or family member an hour or so before the interview and familiarize yourself with video calling. Make sure you give yourself enough time to fix any problems that may arise. Check your internet connection to try and avoid any connectivity problems during the call.

Prepare your surroundings

Employers will not only see you, but your surroundings. Make sure the area behind you is neat, clean, and not distracting. Go somewhere quiet and make sure to turn your cell phone ringer off. Make sure the lighting is good and the interviewer can see you clearly.

Dress Nicely

Even though you won’t be seeing the interviewer in person, it is important to still dress nicely, as if you were going to the job interview in person. The construction, engineering, and environmental industries can be a very competitive job market, the interview needs to be taken very seriously, even though it is not what you are used to.

Familiarize Yourself With The Company

Learn about the company you are interviewing for. Know what the company does, what they stand for, and what they look for in an employee. You will stand out as an interviewee if you have taken the time to get to know the company and can make sure you are the employee that they are looking for.

Last and most important, do not be late or miss the video call! This is the same as being late or missing an in-person job interview.

As the internet bridges the gap between nations, video interviewing is becoming a much more common practice in the construction, engineering, and environmental industries. Applying for jobs across the world is now possible with video calling. It eliminates the need for travel and saves time for both parties. It has its pros and cons, but overall is a very useful and reliable option for construction, engineering, and environmental professionals.

Job Interviewing during the Corona Virus Outbreak in the Construction, Engineering industries.

Job Interviewing during the Corona Virus Outbreak in the Construction, Engineering industries.

A Guide To Video Interviews – Tips For Success!!

A Guide To Video Interviews – Tips For Success!!

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