How to nail virtual recruiting 1o1

Job search in one capacity or another is top of mind right now. MoneyGirls received so many questions this month about how to stand out in virtual recruiting that we thought — what better way to test-drive our tips and scripts than to attend a few virtual recruiting sessions ourselves? So we did. Read on for our first hand advice…

1. Turn on your video

Yes, it’s easier to keep your sweatsuit on and your video off. But it makes an impression if the recruiters can see you. It signals you are polished and professional. The people who have their video on are much more memorable.

 

2. Log on early

Zoom is a snitch for late comers with that loud audible “DING” when people are admitted late into a meeting. Don’t be that person because the host will see your name.

 

3. Engage

In the sessions we attended, a few names stuck in our heads. They were the ones who engaged. Some examples on how to engage virtually:

• When the presenter asks “Can you see my screen?” be the person to respond with an affirmative in chat. Human connection matters.
• Speaking of that chat function, use it! Something interesting to you? Give a reaction. Something confusing? Ask for clarification. It increases the chance the recruiter remembers your name when they see your resume.
• But — do not ask questions to which a Google search can give you the answers, and do not ask questions that aren’t beneficial to the whole group. Be thoughtful.

💡Pro-Tip to up your question-asking game:

Ask questions that show your genuine interest in the role. Generic questions will not help your case.

"I'm interested in the area of XYZ. Can you tell me more about the work you do there?” 

This question:

✔ Shows specificity and your interests, and is not boilerplate.
✔ Gives you a chance to see which of the company's representatives answered your question so you can follow up with the person individually later.

4. Follow up email

There’s an art to this and here’s the tip: During the session, listen to the individuals that spoke. Find something someone said that is meaningful to you and you can have a conversation about. Note her/his name and follow up with THAT PERSON, referencing the specific comment she made during the discussion. 

“I would love to learn more about what you said and would be happy to do so over email or schedule 1:1 Zoom to talk with you.” 

What does it show? Your initiative, desire and thoughtfulness that relate back to the person. Also doesn’t hurt to add your pithy elevator pitch of why you’re awesome.

Yes, you can guess their email address:
If the session didn’t provide it, you can make some VERY educated guesses. Try different combinations.

Example: first.last@company.com, last.first@company.com, or swap dot for underscore.

Use their website to see if their generic “contact us” email gives you a hint on aliases. To check if you have the right email use an email checker online!

Take it from us, these virtual sessions go by in a FLASH. Our game plan gets you solidly prepared beforehand so you can focus on taking in what the presenter has to say. Also remember to take a deep breath and remind yourself: reading this right now means you are AHEAD in the game.