Avoid These Virtual Meeting Mistakes

Virtual interviews and meetings were becoming more common even before the pandemic but are now a common part of life, especially if you work remotely. Zoom and its sister programs make working and collaborating from a long distance easy.

While most of us have adjusted to the quirks of virtual meeting technology, there are still common mistakes to avoid! Whether you’re prepping for a virtual interview or just getting ready for your next Zoom meeting, do a little self-scouting to make sure you’re avoiding these common blunders.

Your camera is off

It’s important to be visible in online meetings, and oftentimes that means showing yourself on camera. While it may not always be mandatory, it’s generally good etiquette to have your camera on if everyone else does.

Liv McConnell says that the expectation nowadays is to have your camera on in order to create a sense of community and continuity, especially if your team only meets online. This extra step can go a long way toward building a good rapport with your team.

“This makes you invisible, and that’s not a good look if you seek to impact, influence and impress. Plus, people in the meeting think you’re hiding something—or worse, goofing off.” –William Arruda

You aren’t making eye contact

With your camera on, your team can see your face. With that in mind, you’ll want to make sure you’re providing good body language cues like maintaining eye contact.

According to LinkedIn’s Hank Boyer, participants look at faces two-and-a-half times more in virtual meetings compared to in-person meetings. There isn’t much else to look at on the screen, This means you need to be even more aware of how you’re presenting yourself. Make sure your face is properly framed in your webcam and that you’re able to make eye contact.

Indeed also says to make sure not to appear distracted. If you have wandering eyes, it’s a clue that something on the other end might be distracting you. Consider setting up a “do not disturb” setting on your devices and make sure your eyes aren’t darting toward your phone.

Distractions are abundant

Minimizing distractions in general is good etiquette for your meeting. While working remotely offers additional freedom, it’s important to treat your coworkers with respect. Keep any pets or family members out of the room, put your devices on “do not disturb mode,” and focus on the meeting.

Alison DeNisco Rayome says that you never want to be the obnoxious person on the call that forgot to mute their microphone. If your coworkers can hear you typing, making food, or dealing with other problems, you’ll be disrespecting whoever is speaking and creating additional distractions.

Your background is distracting

Going even further, you’ll want to make sure you don’t offer any additional distractions on screen when the camera shifts your way. Finding the right, neutral background is crucial.

If the room you’re working in is messy, it will be very distracting and shift focus away from you. We’re all human and often need to put messes aside to work on other things, but if you know you have a meeting, take the time to make sure the room is clean.

Or, better yet, find a neutral backdrop behind you, whether a virtual option or some sort of backdrop directly behind you, writes Amanda Augustine. Sitting in front of a blank wall, a bookcase, a door, or some sort of curtain creates a neutral backdrop and lets your face and your words be the focus.

While not always appropriate, sometimes a virtual background can hide a messy room or create an air of professionalism. Just make sure it’s an appropriate one. A background where you’re on Mars or in the bleachers of Lambeau Field is probably distracting, even though it would be pretty neat.

Your screen is messy

Even if your room is clean and you have an inoffensive background, you may need to share your screen. You’ll want to make sure your computer is just as clean as your background.

At the bare minimum, Kenneth Terrell says to get rid of any distracting tabs or open programs. Your team doesn’t need to see your fantasy football team, or perhaps something not safe for work. Likewise, keep your desktop clear of any inappropriate files or of having too many cluttered on the screen.

“Play it safe by closing all windows and applications on your laptop and muting any default notifications on all nearby devices so your interview is uninterrupted by random pings or inappropriate ads popping up on open tabs.” – Amanda Augustine

Finally, Forbes’ William Arruda says to make sure that what you’re sharing can actually be read by human eyes. Create any items meant to be shared in a font big enough to be read and don’t overload the reader will too many words.

Wrap up

Even if you use virtual meeting apps daily, it can still be easy to fall for one of these classic blunders. Make time to brush up on your meeting etiquette and clear your screen (and workspace) of any distracting elements. Then, you’ll be ready to attack your next virtual conversation with a renewed sense of clarity.

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Don’t Make These Costly First Interview Mistakes!

You can never take a first impression for granted, especially in an interview! When you’re being judged compared to your peers, every little fact can make or break your chances of getting the job. Even the smallest mistake can be costly.

You always want to stand out in an interview—just make sure it’s for a good reason! We’ll analyze some of the most frequent mistakes job seekers make in the quest for a new career. Commit these penalties at your own peril!

Arriving late

This is an obvious one, but you should make sure you’re able to be on time for your interview. Outside circumstances obviously happen, but account for potential hiccups by making extra time. It’s the best practice to arrive a few minutes early anyway. Make sure to research the proper route to the physical location, or make sure all distractions are accounted for if it’s a phone or video interview. Appearing unprepared is a great way to not get the job.

Not researching the organization

Speaking of a lack of preparation, if your early questions for your interviewer consist of “what does this company do?” or “what do you do here?” you’ve just shown your hand that you didn’t do prior research.

PushFar states “what do you know about our company?” as one of the most common questions you’ll be asked by an interviewer. While they may have their own spiel to give you about their organization, they’ll expect you to have done some research. Going into the interview blind gives an impression of a lack of interest and drive, and they may think you don’t care about the position.

We always recommend doing your prior research before getting to your interview, in fact, you should do this research before even applying to see if it’s a place you want to work for. Sophia Bernazzani says you can prove you’ve done your homework by asking questions related to the interviewer and their accomplishments.

“”I read that you helped launch a new product last year. How was that experience?”

Ask a question that shows you’ve done your research – and starts an interesting discussion.” -Sophia Bernazzani

In a similar vein, avoid saying “I don’t know” to any questions you’re asked. This shows not only a lack of preparation but creativity as well. Even if the question is tough, ask for a moment to gather your thoughts and at least try to come up with something.

Saying “It’s on my resume.”

When applying for jobs, needing to retype information easily found on your resume is a chore, and not every website has adapted to a modern job search. But when an interviewer asks about your past experiences, don’t refer them to your resume in a tiff. There’s a reason they are asking, and it doesn’t have to do with them not doing their research!

“If a recruiter is asking you about a certain skill, don’t reference your resume, and instead use it as your moment to shine.” –Nando Rodriguez, Ogilvy & Mather

Forbes’ Jack Kelly discusses that many job seekers will get offended and assume the interviewer isn’t prepared, but this isn’t the case. The interviewer wants to hear you communicate your skills and accomplishments and ideally relate them to how you’ll use them in this new position. They want to gauge your social skills and see how you articulate your abilities in person.

Letting the conversation become too casual

We’ve said that when an interview turns conversational, that’s usually a good time. Being able to connect with the hiring manager and prove you’ll be a good cultural fit is great, but recall that you’re still in an interview. Don’t mistake of letting things become too casual.

It’s never good to start dropping swears in an interview setting, even if the hiring manager does, reminds Sophia Bernazzani. Stay alert even when things take a personal turn, and make sure you won’t say anything you’ll regret just because you feel comfortable in the moment.

“You are less likely to use unprofessional language during an interview when you slow down, take your time to think about your response and focus on speaking clearly.” –Indeed

Badmouthing previous employers

This is a point we stress often, but it’s never a good idea to bash your previous employer, even if your last job was the actual worst. Think of it like dating—no one ever wants to hear their date talk about their ex the entire time.

The Muse says to at least focus on something you learned at your previous job while keeping a neutral or positive tone. While the interviewer will definitely ask about your previous job, they care most about what you can do for them. Focus on the future, not the past!

Wrap up

Even if some of these tips seem obvious, it can be easy to let a mistake slip in the heat of the moment. The more preparation you accomplish, the less likely you are to commit one of these errors. Self-awareness is at the heart of a good interview, and understanding the pitfalls other job seekers commonly make can help you avoid their unfortunate path.

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Don’t Ask These Questions During Your Next Job Interview

When you are eager to begin your next journey with a new company, there is not much more exhilarating and nerve-racking than the job interview season. Meeting new potential employers during an interview is an exciting occasion because it acknowledges mutual interest in a likely long-term relationship.

To this point, you have dedicated hours preparing what to say, what to expect, and how to showcase your skills in a manner that convinces your interviewer you are best suited for the job. However, it is essential to remember that the interview is a two-way street, and you will be expected to ask questions. This can be a tricky line to walk as you balance 1) uncovering the unknowns surrounding the job while 2) staying appropriate and professional as not to deter your interviewer.

Your closing questions should not be a deep dive into specific company issues, nor should they be overly basic questions. Don’t tarnish any rapport you’ve built with your interviewer and spoil your shot at the job through incompetence. Here are a few questions you would be best suited to AVOID bringing up during your first-round interviews:

“What Does This Job Entail?”

At this point, you should have a decent understanding of the role you applied for and should avoid this generalized question. Instead, focus on specific aspects of the job, such as your daily responsibilities, who you will manage, or who you will be managed by. Ask about what future goals or projects they have in place and what you should prioritize within the role.

In a broader light, you can inquire about the work culture and work environment you will be joining. 

*Pro-Tip* Look back on the notes you’ve taken throughout the interview and pose a question based on your interviewer’s own words. Seeking further insight on a topic they covered will not only show you are a good listener but reiterates your interest in the job as well.

“What Is The Salary For This Position?”

The subject of salary and bonus potential is not deemed appropriate for you to bring up as the candidate. Leave this topic for the employer to reveal in a second or third-round interview or, to ask you directly: “What are your salary demands?” To answer this question, offer a specific range based on the research you have conducted for the position, location, industry, and experience level. Providing this range will leave room for compromise and negotiation. 

“What Exactly Does Your Company Do?”

Again, posing basic questions like this reveals a lack of preparation and a lack of interest to your interviewer. Either you failed to review the job description thoroughly, or you failed to conduct fundamental research into their website. Both will be seen as a red flag to any hiring manager or recruiter. As a general rule, you should never ask any question that you could have quickly answered for yourself online.

While you are expected to bring a blank notepad to track the information you receive during the interview, there is a similar expectation that you arrive with notes as well. From insight on the company’s mission statement, core values, target audience, provided resources, current challenges, and top competitors, speaking to these topics rather than asking about them will show you did your homework and are invested in making the most of your interview and interviewer’s time.

“What Is Your Policy On PTO & Health Benefits?”

Details surrounding paid vacation, 401k contributions, and provided health benefits can often weigh into your decision-making, but requiring this information early on will have your interviewer questioning your priorities. The more conventional approach is to evaluate these features in a later round of interviews or when weighing multiple job offers. Additionally, your immediate inquiry into paid time off will have employers questioning your commitment. If the details are not already revealed in the job description, it’s safe to assume the benefits will not surpass the industry standard.

“When Will I Be Up For A Promotion?”

While giving the impression that you are eager to grow and take more responsibility is admirable, your interviewer may not be keen to hear you are already looking beyond the job for which you are applying. Basic interview etiquette suggests that you should not be looking ahead to a new salary and job description before you’ve even been offered the job at hand.

Instead, ask your interviewer to define success within the role and provide an example of growth within the company. Turn your focus toward how you can impact the company rather than how it can best serve you. As the candidate being evaluated, you want to show you are ready to work hard and grow within the company rather than quick to pursue the next best opportunity.

Other Questions To Avoid (Which Shouldn’t Need Explaining)

– “Do I need to pass a drug test?”

– “Do your employees get breaks and if so, how long?”

– “Can I do this job from home?”

– “Will I be asked to work weekends or stay late?”

– “Will you be checking my references?”

– “Do you like your job?”

– “Do you have other openings I can apply for?”

Stay tuned for next week when I break down the meaningful, thought-provoking questions you should be asking during your interview.

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Six Resume Mistakes To Avoid in 2021

Whether you are looking to get started on your first job search out of college or looking to change careers and reopen your search, having an up-to-date resume is imperative. Recently, our friends at Nexxt revealed six of the most commonly overlooked mistakes made by job-seekers on their resumes. With the help of our friends at Nexxt, we breakdown the key examples here: 

Too Many Soft Skills

With an average of 30 seconds or less to capture a hiring manager’s attention, it’s best not to waste time with self-proclamations of being a team player, good communicator, or a sound multi-tasker, etc. There is no easy way to prove these characteristics through words on a resume, so it is best to leave the comments to be shared by your professional references or to be portrayed naturally during your interview. Place an emphasis on your applicable experience and relevant ‘hard skills.’

Overlooking Your Accomplishments

If you are dead set on an industry and have proven experience to compliment your acquired skill-set, you should jump straight into your career accomplishments as the highlight of your resume and elevator pitch. Don’t waste precious space uncovering the basic details of your previous job, but rather provide perspective as to why you succeeded. Present your accomplishments effectively to hiring managers through the CAR approach (Challenge-Actions-Results): 

  • Challenge – What was the existing problem, need, or situation?
  • Actions – What did you do about the challenge?
  • Results – What outcomes did you produce? Quantify it!

*Pro-Tip: Utilize strong action verbs to begin your statements

Grammar & Spelling

Grammatical and spelling mistakes are the first in the book and easiest to occur, but they continue to surface. If you are not confident in your grammatical capabilities, run your text through a resource like Grammarly. There is no worse feeling as a job-seeker than losing out on a job opportunity due to one typo or one forgotten punctuation.

Failing to Adjust Your Resume

Whether you are locked in on pursuing a specific industry or job title or are broadening your horizon, each job is unique and requires your resume to be unique as well. If you are not tailoring your resume to each job posting you apply to, you are spoiling your chances before you even received a phone call. For example, pursuing an Inside Sales position with a telecommunications firm will vastly differ in qualifications or required skills from that of a Content Writer opportunity for the same firm. Likewise, submitting the same resume for sales positions with two different companies implies you failed to research the company, and that will not go unnoticed.

Nearly 75% say they believe finding a job has become more challenging in 2020. (Jobvite)

Not Providing Timelines

It may seem like a solid strategy to keeping your resume with a ‘neat and clean’ appearance, but checking for dates is a vital part of a hiring manager’s review. Without a clear timeline, you are implying you have an employment gap or a history of short stints with employers you want to keep secret. If you are fortunate enough to receive the benefit of the doubt, you can undoubtedly expect clarification to be desired on your first phone call with the hiring manager. 

Using an Objective Statement

Arguably the most outdated feature on 2019 resumes, this section often takes up valuable space atop job-seekers’ resumes. Focused on general aspirations and ‘fluff’ statements, most hiring managers will skip over the paragraph or, worse, mark it as an immediate red flag. Courtesy of your submitted job application, employers are already aware you are “motivated” and “looking for your next opportunity.” Instead, utilize this space to provide a career summary, or dive straight into your work experience with concise summaries under each position.

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Eradicate These Flaws in Your Leadership

The best leaders are working to build strong units and empower their employees. This can be achieved in many different forms. However, there are countless mistakes that even the most highly touted leaders would confess. The difference between them and today’s lowly leaders? They were intentional in recognizing their mistakes, eradicating them, and researching ways to develop new habits. 

With the help of career coach Lolly Daskal and her blog ‘Lead From Within’, we’ve identified three critical flaws you MUST abolish. If made, these mistakes will lead to a poorly structured work environment and toxic culture. 

Selfish Tendencies

No one likes a manager with narcissistic tendencies. Your success is the benefit of a quality team of individuals. It is your responsibility to let that be known and share the spotlight.

Despite being in charge, you must never let go of your willingness and openness to learning. You may be the expert on a few particular subject manners, but being a great leader consists of knowing when you are not and entrusting those who are. Relying on your team members will keep morale high and build a positive workflow. 

Be powerful yet humble. Research would argue that leaders are more powerful when they are humble. Why? True humility is “when someone has an accurate assessment of both his/her strengths and weakness and sees all this in the context of the larger whole.” 

Causing Conflict & Avoiding It

When you know that you are a vital part of your company and its success, it is easy to gradually become arrogant and compassionless without even realizing it. You begin to disvalue your team’s opinions and close yourself off from the culture, all while demanding respect in the process. Your style of leadership may be the cause of conflict within your organization. 

When conflict arises, a poor leader’s response is to shut the door and deflect responsibility. Linking back to the topic of humility, studies show that those low in humility tend to overreact during conflict, refuse to apologize, and often plot revenge. Be efficient in your decision-making, but don’t lose sight of the big picture in determining what is best for everyone.

“Both arrogance and humility are contagious. Both can be taught and caught.” -Unknown.

Lack of Accountability

When things are not working out to expectation, weak leaders will look to pass blame and create excuses. Take consistent responsibility for your choices and encourage others to do the same. Without accountability, your company’s aspirations to carry out a specific strategy becomes wasted time. Productivity is destined to ‘take a hit’ as your rogue mentality will set the standard for employee performance. Sure, this mentality may not overtake every employee, but by that fact, it will only lead to ‘Me vs. You’ implication. Taking ownership of your actions or the mistakes made by your delegates will go along way in garnering respect and getting your employees to work harder. 

In a recent article from Partners In Leadership, they revealed six warning signs of a lack of accountability in the workplace:

  1. Low Morale
  2. Unclear Priorities
  3. Declining Engagement
  4. Ineffective Execution
  5. Low Levels of Trust
  6. High Turnover

Wrap Up

Anyone who lacks sound character is often incapable of quality leadership. As a result, your company may experience high turnover and displeased employees. Best-selling author and keynote speaker Bernard Marr knows the character traits that set true leaders apart from followers. In his recent article, he reveals eight signs that a person might not be ready for a position of leadership.
Examples: Lack of empathy; Fear of change; Wishy-washy; Too bossy. 

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