The war for talent is fierce. As recruiters work to attract the life sciences’ best and brightest minds, how can you stand out from the rest?
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us that anyone can work from anywhere, creating even more job competition, especially for those just entering the workforce. The process enables employers to expand their talent pool, while also cutting down on travel expenses. Virtual interviewing has become a standard part of the hiring process, and learning to sell yourself on camera is a skill that will pay off now and in a post-Covid economy.
Career experts claim 80% of recruiting will be virtual for the foreseeable future. As such, virtual job fairs are becoming increasingly popular options for many job seekers and employers. While virtual career fairs existed prior to the pandemic, the coronavirus has been a critical factor for accelerating the use of virtual recruiting as a primary resource for employers. A virtual job fair lets you connect with multiple employers without leaving your home. It allows you to target people specifically, rather than standing behind a table wondering who you are going to meet.
For job seekers, the key to acing a virtual interview is proper preparation. From ensuring your technology is working to conducting research before the meeting, sitting down at your computer poised and ready for any and all questions will help set you apart from other applicants. Studying up on the participating companies’ backgrounds and demonstrating excellent communication skills are ideal traits for landing a job virtually. Other top points to note are:
- Ensuring that you are in a quiet, controlled, indoor space, preferably backed by a blank wall with proper lighting.
- Attire should be the same as you would wear to a face-to-face interview.
- The best place you can look, especially when speaking, is directly at your web camera. If you look elsewhere, it could seem that you are distracted or not excited about the job opportunity.
- Take notes, but use pen and paper. Although convenient, typing notes directly on your laptop can be distracting.
- Know where the mute button is, and ensure you unmute yourself when speaking.
- Test your internet before, to make sure you have a stable connection. A video glitch or small technicality could be a reason a hiring manager rules you out. Fumbling around with your audio or lighting during the call, could give the hiring manager a reason to question whether you’re the right candidate for the job.
If you are looking for a new opportunity in the life sciences field, make sure to check out MassBio’s Virtual Career Fair in partnership with MassBioEd on May 26th from 3-6 pm. The fair will feature 40 industry-leading companies, so do your research, get your resume together, and register here!