Our professional interactions have changed. However, your drive to succeed in your career has not changed. Even in COVID-19, face-to-face interviews still take place. It is important to be prepared for the changes in the rules due to the global pandemic.

As the US workforce begins to grow again, companies are hiring. Potential employers may request to interview you personally as businesses open new positions and are looking for employees. These strategies will help you put your best foot forward in a face to face interview.

Job Interviewing during COVID-19: What has changed?

Interviewing during COVID-19 will require more than just the traditional interview tips. You’ll need to impress the hiring manager. It is essential to communicate confidently with your interviewer in order to succeed. It can be difficult to communicate with the interviewer confidently when handshakes or other common practices are not allowed. These changes are essential to ensure a successful interview.

Distance in Job Interviews

In-person interviews for socially distant people are more common. To keep you both safe, the interviewer may ask you to move further away. It may not be possible to get up close and personal with the interviewer, so be ready for this subtle but noticeable change.

You may not have your interview in a small office. Instead, you might be able to meet in a larger room. This will allow for enough space between the potential employer and you. Although it may seem uncomfortable to separate, once you realize that there will be more space, you can adjust to the greater distance.

Wearing a mask in Job Interviews

It is important to ensure safety for both you and your interviewer. Face-to-face interviews are common. The company may require that you wear a mask when you enter the building. According to the Indian Department of Labor, employers should require their employees to wear masks in order to stop COVID-19 from spreading.

Companies, particularly those who deal with the public, have introduced mask requirements to their employees and customers in the last year.

It is also important to choose the right type of mask. Make sure you have a clean, neutral-coloured mask. Avoid masks that have distracting or questionable designs. You want to appear professional. Practice speaking in the mask to ensure it fits well for the interview. You can try another mask if the mask falls as you speak or is too tight.

Questions in Job Interviews

You’ll be asked the “Tell me about myself” question along with other common interview queries. Employers will ask about COVID-19, your adaptability to unexpected circumstances, and other aspects of your personality. Expect to be asked about your comfort with meetings in person, how you deal with the changes that come with working during the pandemic, and how you react to these challenges.

You should think beyond the questions the employer asks you.

The interviewer will ask you questions that show you are aware of the pandemic and you work hard to keep others safe. You can ask the interviewer about COVID-19 guidelines or precautions that are in place. If you’re specific, you can also inquire about the effects of the pandemic on the company and operations.

Here are some essential strategies for job interviewing during COVID-19

Interviews during COVID-19 can be difficult because of the increased distance and masks. It’s possible to shine even from six feet away in interviews. To stay ahead of the curve, take a look at these key strategies.

1. Ask about the COVID-19 Etiquette

Before you go on your way to the job interview, ask the interviewer if they have any expectations regarding COVID-19. You might be asked to stop handshakes and replace them with friendly nods or waves. Before the job interview, the interviewer may ask you to wash your hands. This information will make you appear professional and prepared.

2. Maintain a respectful distance

It is important to communicate well with interviewers. However, you must be aware of your personal space. Pay attention to where you are asked to sit and how far apart they keep when speaking. You can reflect on how they present themselves to show that you are aware of the importance and value of social distancing.

To ensure that they hear you, raise your volume if you are seated too far away from the interviewer. You can smile, nod and lean in during conversation to show that you are still interested in the conversation.

3. Use body language

Body language is important because you will likely be wearing masks. You can compensate by nodding and occasionally talking with your hands, even though half of your face may be covered.

Eye contact is another important aspect of nonverbal communication. It can be the difference between a successful interview and a failure. Eye contact is a way to express emotions and keep the interviewer’s focus. To show that you are listening and engaged, turn your face towards the interviewer.

4. Talk slowly and clearly.

You will likely need to cover your face during interviewing for COVID-19. This can lead to a muffled voice. Make it a habit to speak clearly and avoid any confusion. Talk a little slower than usual and ensure that the interviewer hears both your questions as well as your answers. Do not repeat yourself during the job interview. It is possible that you will need to increase the volume of your voice. You can practice with your partner before you use the mask to determine the volume.

5. Get ready with an innovative tool.

Modern problems require modern solutions. Smart preparation is key to job interviewing in a time of the pandemic. InterviewFocus allows you to practice your interview skills and take them to the next level. You can prepare for your interview by practising it before you go. This will help you to be ready to nail your interview and move one step closer to getting hired.