Onboarding Virtually
Like many others, I was laid off about a month after the pandemic hit. After only a couple of months of unemployment I found I needed to work. I mean I really needed to work. I had quickly caught up on all my Netflix shows, cleaned every square inch of the house, and made it to some impressive levels on games I had on my phone. Now what?!
After searching the web and finding a few positions that sparked my interest I decided to start the arduous process of finding a new job. Global pandemic or not, the usual first step starts with a phone interview. It’s after that where things can get tricky. As I got further into the interviewing process with Ngage Management, I thought it was a creative idea for them to request that applicants show off their design skills by giving them an assignment to complete.
The next step in the interview process was an online interview through Zoom. I wanted to be prepared, as I had never done an interview online. I did some research on the web and found a few helpful tips and I also learned a few things on my own.
1. Dress like you are going to an in-person interview.
Seriously, dress all the way up! I did my hair, my make-up and yes, I even wore dress pants when I did the virtual interview. This made me feel more professional and confident as well as showed the interviewers I was serious about the position.
I’ve heard people say that they can get away with just looking good from the waist up, but you’ve got to feel good and professional all over, especially for a big interview. When you feel good, people take notice – even through the eye of a camera.
2. Test Your Technology
A day or two before the interview make sure that the camera, the sound, and the platform on which you are going to conduct the interview (Zoom, Skype, etc.) are working well. I tested all of this ahead of time through the Zoom app, (there is a link where you can test your image quality and the sound quality before the interview).
3. Choose the best background
While the interviewer will hopefully be more focused on your answers to their questions, it is always a plus to have a good-looking background. Now, this does not mean that you need to go out and purchase wall décor or re-decorate a whole room.
Find the spot you are going to conduct your interview, sit in front of your device, turn the camera on and look at the background. There are two options from here; you can either make sure the actual background looks just how you’d like it, or you can choose from a virtual background within the application.
For my interview I placed myself in front of a window for good lighting. I then realized that you could see the collection of wedding materials and hunting clothes that were piled on the love seat behind me! While I said you wouldn’t have to redecorate, I didn’t say that you wouldn’t have to rearrange some objects. After cleaning up that portion of the room, the background was ready to go.
After those steps in the interview, hopefully, you’ll start your new job, like I did. I was the first person hired to begin the brand new process of virtual onboarding.
This was a big step for me, as I had never started a job virtually. Here are some of my tips while your onboarding virtually and some insights on working from home.
Find the Best Place to Work
When I first started my new job, I didn’t have a desk. I was working from the dining room table. While this was convenient for snacks, it wasn’t always the best for concentrating on work. To solve this issue, I borrowed an old desk and put it in the spare room. Now I have my own office!
Get Moving
I am very driven and sometimes get into a zone where I want to complete everything before I take a break from my computer. I had to teach myself to walk away occasionally. This could be as simple as walking to another room, going to get the mail or even taking a walk around the neighborhood. Make a little time to get away from the computer and out of your chair for a little bit. It’s good ergonomically for your body and will keep you feeling fresh.
Always take a lunch. As a person who has to be very creative, I sometimes get burnt out and run down. Taking a lunch, even if it’s small, helps me come back with a different attitude, a renewed outlook and a full belly.
Communication
Whether it’s a text or an email as a society we have become spoiled by technology and always expect a quick response back. While working remote don’t panic if you don’t hear back from a coworker right away. Even though everyone is working virtually, remember that coworkers (especially managers) have a long list of other obligations as well. Some might be juggling three to five Zoom meetings a day, working on last minute projects and may even have a spouse or children working from home too.
Ask Questions
Everyone is there to help you and they are learning along the way too. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Happy Hours/Social Fun/Lunch Dates
In the first two weeks of working virtually I was really missing the personal relationships that I would have created in a traditional workplace environment. I attended a Happy Hour event around the third week of my employment with Ngage and it felt like a more comfortable and organic way to start relationships with my new coworkers. I recommend attending those fun social meetings when you can. I learned more about who my coworkers were outside of work, their personalities and why the Ngage culture is so positive.
While finding and starting a new job during a pandemic is a unique challenge, it can also be a great learning experience. After reading about some of my tips and tricks, I hope that it doesn’t seem so scary and that you find a successful way to find an opportunity, nail the interview and then be successful working remotely. One day (fingers-crossed) we’ll all be back in the office and we’ll appreciate more than ever that cheerful hello from coworkers and the buzz of a happy and productive workplace.
