Digital Job Seeking Tips What You Need To Know

By Antonio Riggs, EDS, CCSP, GCDF

In today’s digital world we are leveraging social media and virtual conferencing platforms to connect and network with individuals on a daily basis. Since the pandemic began, organizations and institutions worked around the clock to set up or enhance their current infrastructures to support activities and services to move 100% online using the World Wide Web. Therefore, job seekers must be tech savvy and conscious of how they present themselves in this virtual work environment.

If you are applying for future job opportunities here are a few tips to aid you with completing applications and acing interviews in a digital environment.

Application Tracking Systems (ATS)

Walking into a company and requesting a job application is becoming obsolete. The paper application has moved to an electronic document within application tracking system (ATS) portals that can be completed using a computer, mobile device, or tablet. ATS is a one stop shop where you can review job descriptions, fill out applications, and upload supporting documents to meet qualifications for job opportunities. While filling out the online application make sure you:

• Read the job description in detail.

• Prepare supporting documents (cover letter, resume, transcript, writing samples).

• Create an account on the Applicant Tracking System.

• Read the directions or instructions of the application.

• Complete the application in detail (leave no section blank).

• If a question does not apply, follow what is outlined in the instructions or write “N/A” (not applicable). • Read the terms and conditions or agreement section.

• Sign and date the application.

The Virtual Interview

While in-person and phone interviews are still common, more virtual interviews are taking place. Virtual interviews usually consist of informational meetings between an employer recruiter/team with job candidates using video communication technology. Popular video conferencing platforms are Google Meet, Go To Meeting, Handshake, Microsoft Team, Skype, and Zoom. I strongly encourage you to get experience using these platforms and making sure they are compatible with your communication device(s).

Before the Interview

• Gather details from the recruiter prior to your scheduled interview. You will want to know how many people will be part of the interview, if they will give insight into the types of questions being asked, and how you should plan ahead for technical issues.

• Research the company, interview committee members, products/services and relevant current events/culture that could come up during the meeting.

• Create a list of questions to ask the interview committee.

• Download the required platform on your device and give it a test run with a friend.

During the Interview

• Carefully plan what you should wear. First impressions are valuable! Consider how clothing will appear on camera; solid colors tend to work best. Coordinate your outfit and background.

• Prepare the meeting space; this should be a controlled environment with no distractions/interruptions. Consider how others will perceive your background. Lighting should be natural. Try facing a window and turning off overhead lights. Allow space between you and the background.

• Get the audio and video settings working. Remove webcam covers. Place the camera at eye level. Be conscious of body movements on camera, look into the webcam and stay engaged.

After the Interview

• Don’t let the employer’s interaction with you end once the camera is off. Follow up to ask about next steps and/or send a thank you note or message.