With the COVID-19 pandemic, we鈥檝e all seen a shift from in-person to virtual, whether it be work, school, or career related. Just because the location and structures of these networking, interviewing or career-related events have changed, strategies to impress have remained very much the same.
This week, we鈥檙e sharing some tips for Before, During and After Events, with a virtual twist to help you wow employers.
Before
Do your research: You wouldn鈥檛 show up to an in-person employer event without first doing your research on the company, and you shouldn鈥檛 do that virtually either. Spend some time before the event reading about the company on their website. Search for recent online news articles, plan some questions you want to ask in advance. Virtually, you have the added benefit of being able to have notes that you can refer to if needed, but your main focus should be on the event.
Know where you鈥檙e going: Just as you鈥檇 take steps in advance to make sure you鈥檙e in the right place for an event, you want to do the same thing virtually. Your location is important--are you in a quiet place with good internet access where you can focus? Do your family members know you鈥檙e busy so they won鈥檛 interrupt mid-event? Test out your equipment in advance to be sure it鈥檚 all functioning properly.
During the Event
Be early: You wouldn鈥檛 show up at the last second for an interview, so don鈥檛 do that for a virtual event. Log in early to make sure your equipment is functioning. Silence your mic when you鈥檙e not speaking just like you鈥檇 silencing your phone at a networking event or interview--be sure to minimize distractions for yourself and others participating in the virtual event. Both these tasks will show that you鈥檙e responsible and respectful. You also won鈥檛 be that person that asks questions already covered earlier in a presentation because you鈥檒l be present for the whole event.
Look professional: Sure, pjs and t-shirts are comfortable and standard home attire, but you鈥檒l want to be dressed professionally for employer events. If you wouldn鈥檛 wear it to meet with an employer in person, don鈥檛 wear it to a virtual event. In addition to your attire, your background can also affect your professional look. Find a neutral place (or use a neutral virtual background if you have no other option) so the focus is on you, not what鈥檚 behind you.
Maintain Eye Contact: Eye contact is essential, whether it鈥檚 in person or virtually. Concentrate on the presenters, smiling and nodding just as you would during an in person conversation. Practice looking at the camera when you speak and not at the image of yourself or others on the screen.
Wait for the Right Times: Wait for the host to open the floor for questions. We encourage you to prepare questions in advance or use a notepad to jot down questions, but don鈥檛 ask until you鈥檙e invited to do so. Many questions may be answered during the presentation. Don鈥檛 interrupt to ask something that could likely be addressed on the next slide!
After the Event
Follow Up: If you were provided with any action items during the event, be sure to complete those (a survey, applying for a position, etc). We also encourage you to follow the Employer on LinkedIn or on their Charger Path Employer Account to stay up to date with current news.
Check your emails/messages: Most virtual events require RSVPs in which you鈥檒l share your contact information. Employers are likely to reach out using these methods using the messaging feature through Charger Path or via email. If you receive a message, reply as soon as possible. Use those same skills you鈥檇 use to thank an employer you met in person-thank them for hosting the event and share something you learned or are excited about--this can help you get an interview with the company.