The phrase “a new normal” has become a staple in employers’ and employees’ vocabularies, as both sides grapple with major changes to the world of work. Some of those changes may be temporary responses to current challenges, while others are likely to be more permanent. Either way, employees and companies can expect several things from this “new normal” working environment for the foreseeable future.
An Increase in Phone/Video Conferences and Interviews
With social-distancing measures a top health and safety concern, and travel sensitivity high throughout the country (and the world), more and more companies are relying on phone and video interviews in place of in-person meetings. These types of interviews may cover most of the same information as traditional meetings, but they also require different skill sets to present well on camera and communicate effectively over the phone. Candidates should plan to practice these skills so they can behave naturally on camera and show their best attributes to potential employers, including confidence, preparedness and interpersonal skills.
On the other hand, hiring managers should understand that this is still a brand-new skill set to many people, so patience should be extended to candidates who may appear awkward or uncomfortable on camera. Examples of video etiquette include dressing professionally even when the interview takes place at home; finding a neutral, distraction-free room where the meeting can take place; limiting background noise that can distract from the focus of the meeting; and troubleshooting any software issues before the actual interview.
The Need for Flexibility in Scheduling Meetings and Interviews
For many workers, a typical day now includes hours of back-to-back phone and video meetings. Hiring managers with hectic schedules often expect that when they find space in their schedule to interview a potential new hire, that time slot will be guaranteed. However, many strong candidates are still comfortably employed, so they also have demanding work hours and scheduling conflicts. When multiple decision-makers are involved in a hiring process, things can get even more difficult.
To help everyone move through this process as efficiently as possible, it is critical that when an interview time is agreed on, both parties do everything in their power to keep to that schedule. When rescheduling or cancelling an interview becomes necessary, everyone must remember that this is a fluid and ever-changing environment for employers and job seekers, so mutual flexibility is more important than ever.
A Learning Curve and Logistical Challenges With New Technology
In many ways, new technology has been a life-saver during this critical period of social distancing. But that doesn’t mean it’s all been smooth sailing. There are many different video conferencing apps on the market, and while there is a lot of overlap in their functionality, there are also many differences that can create a learning curve when users switch from one platform to another. This can affect the confidence level of interviewees and interviewers and negatively impact first impressions. In addition, some users who are working from home might face connectivity issues. It can be frustrating when connectivity or video quality issues interfere with an important interview, but it’s very important that all parties keep these challenges in mind and approach interviews with patience and understanding.
A Longer Interview and Hiring Process
Phone and video conferencing technology has allowed for the continuation of safe, effective interviews when in-person meetings are not possible, and that is a great thing. However, the simple truth is that meeting with someone virtually does not create the same sense of trust, connection and camaraderie that a face-to-face meeting does. Building an authentic connection takes more time via phone or video, so for many companies, the number of meetings required before a manager can confidently make someone an offer is higher than ever before. Candidates also tend to need more time and more engagement before accepting a new offer of employment, especially when relocation is a factor. While both parties should understand that time is of the essence and no one likes wasted time, they should also be willing to accept that during this adjustment period, the hiring process is likely to take longer than usual.
Employers and employees alike are still learning how to navigate the strange new world of work that has developed in the past year, from developing new communication skills to setting new expectations for interview schedules and hiring timelines. The “new normal” is an adjustment for everyone. The best tools anyone can use during this period are flexibility, patience and understanding as candidates and hiring managers do their best to move forward safely and efficiently.
