Avoid These Four Mistakes In Your Next Video Interview

Emanating from the onset of COVID-19, thousands of companies continue to operate under the work-from-home order. Unemployment remains at a high volume, and many organizations rely heavily on phone and on-screen meetings for their hiring efforts. If you are active in the job search, you can anticipate the use of Zoom, or another video conferencing platform, for the beginning stages of your interview process. While your content preparation remains unchanged in terms of having examples, answers, and questions readily available, your interview’s virtual aspect brings new challenges you may not expect.

Courtesy of CNBC Contributor John Bowe, we review four of the most annoying mistakes made in video interviews, as revealed by Zoom’s Head of Global Talent Acquisition, Phil Haynes. 

1. Fidgeting and glancing at your phone

Haynes advises: “With an in-person interview, you’d never sneak a look at your phone. It’s simply not a behavior you would exhibit in real life. So, we remind people: a video interview is still a face-to-face interview.” Don’t forget to smile – your face is still taking up most of your interviewer’s screen. 

If you know yourself to be easily distracted by technology and phone applications such as social media, sports updates, or a need to know who texted you, try muting your notifications. If you fear this won’t stop you, turn your device off or keep it in a different room. In the brief 15-45-minute conversation, there is unlikely to be an update worth more than your shot at a new job. 

2. Darting eyes across the screen

In a virtual interview, maintaining steady eye contact is even more critical than the typical in-person interview. Hiring managers often measure your level of eye contact to gauge your interest in joining their organization. Always looking around will make you appear disinterested or inattentive. One great tip you can quickly implement is to hide the ‘self-view’ feature during meetings. Removing the view will ensure you do not get caught staring at yourself and worrying about your appearance rather than actively listening. 

3. Visibly worried and distracted

Every job seeker fears the uncontrollable aspects of their interview, such as a child entering the room and screaming or a pet demanding attention. Since COVID-19 began shutting down offices, Haynes affirms, “the human element is just pouring through.” In many ways, the pandemic has defaulted a more real, human experience for both sides of the webcam.

What can you do to limit your home office-related distractions? Find a private space and request an hour of quiet from your family members or roommates. If this is not plausible for your current situation, consider completing your interview outside your home.

4. Boring, unenthusiastic answers

If you offer weak, lackluster answers, you will leave your interviewer with nothing of note. Be sure to have questions prepared for the end of your interview and answers for these commonly asked questions. What indicates a weak and ‘boring’ answer? You share too many details and focus on what you did in your previous role, rather than why you did it and the impact you had. However, you must not come off as too rehearsed or scripted in your replies. 

Comparable to how you must keep your body language engaged in conversation, your answers must keep your evaluator engaged. Think back to an obstacle you faced in your career and how you overcame it. Practice telling your story and speaking confidently about your qualifications. 

For more great insight and tips to review before your next interview, check out Bowe’s full article here. 

If you join the millions operating under the work-from-home order, check out these essential tips for Setting Up An Effective Workspace at Home.

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When Your Qualifications Are No Longer Enough

If you are not working to improve yourself and your job performance continually, future opportunities and competitors may pass you up. Whether you are an active employee or an active job seeker, there is likely someone working harder than you. Are you content staying stationary in your career while others surpass you? The reality is that there are millions of employees actively seeking a highly coveted promotion and millions of job seekers waiting for an employee to misstep. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but there are some elements you can control to end the cycle.

If you are tired of facing uncertainty, doubt, and the fear of being fired in your career, it’s time to do something about it. Here are three steps you can take to improve as an employee, prove your worth, or even reestablish your career:

Upskilling

Technology is always changing and adapting for the better, and there is no better time for you to follow suit. No matter your industry or job title, there will always be a new methodology readily available to enhance work efficiencies. Make a conscious effort to adapt alongside your industry and train yourself and your team. If you feel you are in a repetitive, vapid cycle, this is the perfect way to shake things up. Do your due diligence in researching new advancements and trialing new techniques. 

A great example of a resource I’ve used in upskilling is The HubSpot Academy. With hundreds of lessons and certifications available in topics varying from Customer Mapping, Inbound Marketing, Sales Strategies, Web Design, to Lead Generation, it is an excellent resource for bettering yourself and your organization. Additionally, adding new certifications and expanding your horizons is an enticing resume booster.

Let’s be realistic – No employer wants to fire their employees – but if you choose to remain stagnant for your career, you are only forcing their hand. A recent study by Employee Benefit News (EBN) revealed that the average cost of replacing an employee is 33% of their salary. For a $50,000 annual salary, this would amount to $16,500. That’s not a chunk of change management teams will comfortably be willing to relinquish.

Ask for More Responsibility 

Asking for increased responsibilities will offer the opportunity to put your new skills to the test and to learn even more. If you believe you can take a larger role with greater responsibility, communicate it with your boss. But keep in mind that if you are not 100% confident in your work’s quality, chances are he/she won’t be either. Reaching this step may require some upskilling and critical thinking. 

Although your qualifications may not yet be worthy of a salary bump and new job title, taking on a new assignment is the best step to getting there. Don’t let employers speculate on what you are capable of in a more significant role. Instead, show your aptitude for the work before you consider a promotion or new job. Not only will this provide a chance to show you are trustworthy and competent, but it shows initiative as well.

When making your ‘ask’ for increased responsibility, come prepared with an example. If your boss is on board, he/she will likely ask what you had in mind. Do you want your shot at running a project or managing others? Explain why you have what it takes. Did you identify a new problem that needs addressing? Have the beginning stages of a new solution ready. Lastly, don’t demand an immediate answer, but rather encourage your boss to think it over for the week. 

Revamp Your Networking Efforts

Update your social networks – everything from LinkedIn to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This includes contact information, location, biographies/career summaries, and adding work history, descriptions, and examples of your expertise to your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is always a great tool to make new connections in various industries and locations, but each of these platforms can help build name recognition. Don’t be afraid to reach out to interesting individuals and make an introduction. Do you think you could desire a career change soon? Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters and hiring managers, and toggle your ‘Career Interests’ to ‘On’ in the profile section.

Create or enhance your elevator pitch. Don’t simply share your work history and assignment you completed. Tell a story (using the STAR Approach) that demonstrates your critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and creative abilities.

“Your elevator pitch should consist of what you’ve done, what you’re doing, and where you’re going.” – Jason Patel

Studies show that 85% of all jobs are filled through networking. For more on this and additional steps to building and maintaining a strong network, check out these six tips from our friends at Northeastern University. 

Wrap Up

There is never a bad time to learn a new skill or improve on a workplace procedure. Keeping your mind fresh and avoiding career burnout starts with intentionality. Quit procrastinating and start today!

If your conversation for increased responsibility doesn’t go as planned, don’t lose hope. Asking your boss what goals can be placed to expand on your role is a great step to reigniting your motivation. In addition to setting goals for yourself, your boss will likely jump at the chance to throw new weekly or monthly objectives your way. When you surpass them, maybe it can be time for the ‘increased responsibility’ conversation again. 

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Setting Up An Effective Remote Workspace

Are you one of the many individuals drastically impacted by COVID-19 and all its complications? According to SHRM’s COVID-19 Business Index, 64% of U.S. employees are currently working remotely. With the massive shift to the virtual working world, it’s not easy to maintain productivity and passion for your work. 

Are you struggling to maintain focus throughout your workdays? Although being forced to work from home was beyond your control, there are still elements you CAN control for a productive workday. 

Clear the Clutter

First and foremost, identify your needs. Sort through your essentials and remove the unnecessary items, papers, or trash. If possible, now is the time to move on from the kitchen table or living room coffee table. Do you have room for a desk area containing your computer, monitors, and notepads? If you are a part of the 41% of Americans wishing to return to the office, explore the option of recreating your workspace. Find a time to retrieve elements from your in-office setup, i.e., your monitor, decor, chair, or even desk.

Additionally, your organizational capabilities are not limited to your physical surroundings, but the data on your computer as well. Chances are, many of the folders and documents saved to your desktop can be removed. You can designate time to rid yourself of your ‘digital trash’ and create more space on your computer.

Create a Schedule and Stick to It

Identify your biggest hurdles and set a game plan to overcome them. When possible, maintain your regular business hours, set your alarm and get up early. This medium is your best shot at staying productive while maintaining a work-life balance. Working remotely is not an excuse for allowing your level of communication to dip. Clear, honest, and consistent communication within your team and company is critical to staying productive. For example, if your team held weekly meetings every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m., emphasize getting them back up and running.

For an example of what it looks like to map out an entire day in advance, check out this article from The Muse’s Susie Moore, who has over six years of work-from-home experience.

“Our estimate is that 25-30% of the workforce will be working-from-home multiple days a week by the end of 2021.” -Kate Lister, President of Global Workplace Analytics

Block out the Distractions

Establish boundaries sooner rather than later. While it is encouraged to create time for coffee or lunch hangouts, it needs to dissolve at just that. Make it clear to your friends and family that despite being at home, you are at work. However, don’t allow your workload to push you into the evening too often. After your shift, be sure to dedicate time to see them elsewhere. Skipping out too many times can result in feelings of career burnout and ‘bottled up’ thoughts. 

If you know yourself to be easily distracted by phone applications such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, or ESPN, shut off these notifications on your phone during the workday.

High-Speed Internet

Are you content with the speed and efficiency of your internet connection? Are you the only one using it during the workday? No matter what your role may be, a speedy and stable connection is critical to staying productive and efficient in your daily routine. If you are sharing usage with a roommate or your spouse/children and have experienced moments of lagging, it may be time for an upgrade. If you are required to work from home and feel your broadband connection is lackluster, reach out to your manager/boss to help accommodate. After all, your employer wants to set you up with the best chance to perform your best and remain efficient.

Self-Care

When taking care of your mind and body, it is crucial to dedicate time to physical and mental exercises. Step outside, stay limber and give your mind a break during the workday. For myself, this looks like dedicating a block of time to morning stretches and light, in-home workouts. Are you taking advantage of your employer’s resources to combat mental stress or fatigue? If you have not received any, reach out to a superior to make this happen.

Further, finding a new hobby or developing a new skill can help fill the gaps in your daily routine before COVID-19. Courtesy of the Miami Herald, here are some of the most popular across the country: Reading, online games, sewing, crocheting, puzzles, card games, instruments, DIY projects, and at-home workouts.

Another great way to give your mind a break is to make plans outside your home for lunch. Whether it is alone, with a loved one, or catching up with a friend, eating lunch away from the desk can renew your energy and creativity after the busy morning. If you are unable to find the time and location to meet up, utilize video chatting services such as Zoom, FaceTime, or Facebook Messenger.

Wrap Up

Setting yourself up for success in your ‘home office’ begins with intentionality. Remove the non-essentials from your workspace and follow a consistent schedule. Establishing boundaries with your friends and family is vital, but setting blocks of time to ‘check-in’ is critical to your mental health. Courtesy of a recent global study by Qualtrics, over 40% of employees said their mental health has declined since the COVID-19 outbreak began. For more great tips and resources to alleviate stress/anxiety and improve your overall well-being, click here.

Remote Working Statistics

  • “56% of the U.S. workforce holds a job that is compatible (at least partially) with remote work.” (Global Workplace Analytics)
  • “Before the crisis, surveys repeatedly showed that 80% of employees want to work from home at least some of the time.” (Global Workplace Analytics)
  • “Work-at-home will save U.S. employers over $30 Billion a day in what would have otherwise been lost productivity during office closures due to COVID-19” (Global Workplace Analytics)
  • “88% of organizations have encouraged or required their employees to work from home”.” (Gartner, Coronavirus in Mind: Make Remote Work Successful)

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NexGoal Places Kelsey L. Stuhler in New Career

At NexGoal, we take the placing of our athlete-candidates in their new careers very seriously—which is why our project coordinators spend so much time working with each candidate to put them in the best position to succeed. Once our candidates are placed, we do like to take the time to share that athlete-candidate’s experience with all of you.Kelsey

Recently, our project coordinator Mike Kordel worked with Kelsey L. Stuhler to help her land a job as an Account Manager with one of our Medical Sales clients. A former Varsity swimmer, tennis player, softball player and cross country runner, Stuhler showed her determination and drive to find her new career to Kordel throughout the entire process. She also displayed these traits to her new employer, which was a big reason why she was hired.

When asked about the NexGoal process and working with her project coordinator, Stuhler had great things to say.

“I was contacted in a professional manner over LinkedIn. Mike was very professional, knowledgeable and helpful through the whole process. Mike’s follow-up and willingness to help me was beyond what I could have asked for. My experience was awesome and I would recommend Mike to anyone!”

When asked why others should work with NexGoal in the future, the reasoning was simple. Stuhler said, “They make the annoying process of job search so much easier. They do all the work and do whatever it takes to help you land the job that you’re looking for.”

The team here at NexGoal would like to thank Kelsey for her kind words, and we wish her the best of luck in her new career!

If you are looking to change jobs and would like the team here at NexGoal to help you like we did Kelsey, you can start by filling out our athlete-candidate application here! We look forward to placing you in your next career just like we did Kelsey.

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5 Ways to Win Opening Day at Your New Job

It’s Opening Day for Major League Baseball. Being from Cleveland, this is probably the most optimistic day of the year. Winter is (usually) coming to a close, and we’ve heard nothing but positive things from Spring Training about the Cleveland Indians. Unfortunately, this optimism and excitement is usually temporary, as reality sets in and many realize they may have set expectations a little too high.

Regardless, this optimism and excitement is important for fans to have. Opening Day is a chance for a new beginning. The slate is clean for the year, and there is nowhere to go but up. As fans, we only get to experience this feeling of a new beginning once. It’s important that you cherish it and enjoy the moment for what it is.

Like Opening Day, your first day on the job is a moment and feeling you can only experience once. You begin with a clean slate and it’s up to you to decide how you will experience it. Like any MLB team, you want to set the tone early in your new position.

Featured Job Opening: Territory Medical Sales Representative – Harrisburg, PA. Apply Here

On you opening day on the job, you will experience a lot of emotions and have a lot of new information thrown your way. It is important to be able to navigate this roller coaster of a day as effectively as possible. Follow these five tips on your opening day and you will be able to get of to a strong start on your new job.

Show Up Early

Being late for the first day on the job is a surefire way to set a negative tone for your new position. Not only will it leave a bad impression on your superiors and peers, but it will also provide unnecessary stress on your mind throughout the day. You should to be focused on acclimating to your new environment, and not focused on what you could have done to get to work earlier.

The best way to make sure you show up to work early on the first day is to practice your routine. Before you start your new job, find a day where you can go through your full morning routine and commute. Time yourself on how long it takes and then set your alarm 15-30 minutes before that time. Yes 30 minutes might sound like a lot, but knowing you will be at work on time is one less stress that you do not have to deal with on what will be a hectic day.

Get Organized

Showing up early for your first day is the perfect time to begin organizing your working situation. Humans naturally like to procrastinate menial tasks like organizing a desk or setting up an email account. However, getting this done on your first day will give you one less task to get done when you actually start to get busy.

Getting organized first thing when you show up will also demonstrate initiative on your part. It shows that time is valuable to you and that you want to set a positive tone. Your superiors and peers will love to see you are ready to go from day one.

Listen

Of all the things to do on the first day, this is probably the most important thing. More than likely you will be hit with more new information than you can handle on your opening day. Make it your goal to take in as much of it as you can. Superiors usually do not like to repeat themselves, and they will be thrilled to see you remembered what they told you.

To help your memory, take a lot of notes. It is always a plus to able to consult your notes for answers to questions rather than waste someone else’s valuable time. Also stay off your cell phone, you will be too busy on your first day to have any time to check text messages or Facebook. All your focus needs to be on acclimating to your new position.

Prepare and Ask Questions

Ask Questions

Asking questions is a big part of day one at a job.

When you are listening, you should be practicing what is called active listening. Active listening involves providing feedback to the speaker when they are speaking to you. One of the best ways to be a good active listener is to ask questions.

Asking questions tells a person you are engaged and interested in the subject matter. It is important you ask the most questions you can on your first day. Chances are you will receive a lot of attention on your first day that you will not get down the line. While you have all this attention, it is the perfect time to get any questions you might have answered before people’s attention shift.

Talk to Peers

If you are going to be working with your team for the foreseeable future, you might as well start to get to know them on the first day. By talking to your peers you will be able to gain valuable insight on company culture and how people operate on a day to day basis. You will also be able to begin to establish positive working relationships that could prove to be valuable in the future.

Always be friendly when approaching new peers. Having a good first impression is a very powerful tool when establishing trust among co-workers. Perhaps the best way to leave a good first impression is to find a commonality with your new peer. People are naturally drawn to others with similar interests and backgrounds and it is a good way to establish an immediate bond.

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