Job hunting tips for a hybrid world

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things over the past 18 months, namely the way that we now work---and how we wish to continue working. You might have seen headlines over your feed that claim things like "Employers want workers back in the office, but workers want to stay home. Guess who's winning?," or "Americans are willing to take a pay cut to never go into the office again," signalling that the workspace got a little more complicated over the time that we were learning how to set up a Zoom call.  So now that you may be looking for a new job, there are a lot more things to consider than before. So we broke it down to these handy tips:

1. Find out what kind of policy they adapted for a work lifestyle

You probably already know what your preferred method of working is---whether it's from home, at the office, or a mix of both---and so should only really apply for jobs at a workplace that supports that said method. Companies that have active social channels (LinkedIn, Twitter, or even Instagram) will most likely post about their policies and culture, so you can do some investigating ahead of time to figure out whether it's a good fit for you. Most, nowadays, will probably also include that information in the job posting itself. And on the off chance that this information doesn't exist anywhere online, make sure it's a question you have prepared when you go to your interview.

2. Build a resume that stands out

It's no secret that the fastest way to an interview is a well-built resume. And I say built because it really is a delicate process that will crumble without a solid foundation. Rather than creating headers in a Word document and filling out bullet points, consider using a template from Indeed or Novoresume. And most importantly---always keep in mind the company that you are applying for, and what their values are. If it's an older company with a more structured organization, it's best to lean toward something solid and succinct (tip: insert phrases/words into your resume that appear on the job listing). But if it's a more flexible and loose company, going the extra mile and creating a resume that reflects that company can almost guarantee you a call.[caption id="attachment_5847" align="alignleft" width="785"]

A resume made for a position at Spotify[/caption]

3. Brush up on your interview etiquette

Having the interview in-person or over a Zoom call requires slightly different preparatory work. For a Zoom---or any video---interview, you can follow these simple steps. For an in-person interview, especially if it's the first you've had in over a year, it's recommended that you practice beforehand. Perhaps a roommate, friend, or family member can help, so that you can fix your posture, re-learn how to maintain eye contact, and get a feel for answering questions. Shaking hands may no longer be a standard practice, so be ready to greet with simple body language that's respectful and safe.

4. Ask your own questions!

Don't forget that at the end of the interview, you will be asked if you have your own questions as well. Come prepared with a list, and make sure you understand where they stand on their work from home policy, what the expectations of the role is, and anything else that might interest you/be integral to your own decision making of whether this position is the right fit for you.

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We know job hunting isn't easy, but you only need a few simple tricks up your sleeve to make it a little more bearable. And if you need to stay in touch with potential employers in the meantime, your very own free phone number is only a click away.