The Experts Take on Looking for a Job During a Pandemic - Part 2 [Podcast]

Episode #193 – Lisa Rangel and Alex Freund Discuss Searching for a Job During a Pandemic

Description:

Last week, I played the first episode which came from a session we held in the Career Pivot membership community with Lisa Rangel, from Chameleon Resumes, and Alex Freund, from LandingExpert.com. Both Lisa and Alex are actively working with candidates during this pandemic.

If you have not listened to episode 192, I suggest you stop now and go listen to it at careerpivot.com/episode-192.

In episode 187 and 188, I played the audio from a Career Pivot membership community session with David Hughen and Gary O’Neal. Both of these gentlemen are HR consultants who are actively working with companies to adjust to the pandemic. They spoke about what they are seeing from the company side.

Last week’s and this week’s episode are about what Lisa and Alex are seeing from the candidate side of hiring during this pandemic.

After they give their perspective they answer questions from the Career Pivot community.

This episode is sponsored by Career Pivot. Check out the Career Pivot Community.

Now on to the podcast…

How do I get interviewers and hiring managers who are younger than me to take an interest in me?

Lisa tells her clients to take an interest in others, especially people who are much younger you. When you are networking and if you are associating only with people who are your age and older. You need to be able to relate to HR professionals who are younger.

Read the Career Pivot post Has Your Network Aged Out and Abandoned You? [Updated]

What Makes a Successful Candidate

Alex suggests that you should be seeking professional advice. Do not try to climb Mt. Everest by yourself.

Recruiters are fishermen and you need to produce the marketing materials that will get you closer to the recruiter hook. Seek professional help.

Working Remotely

A community member asked how important is it to have previous remote work experience in getting a remote job.

Lisa says it is not important to have a lot of previous remote experience. You do not have to latest and greatest equipment. However, you do have to learn how to use the tools to make yourself professional. You can look technologically more advanced by just making yourself look good on video.

Virtual Backgrounds

Alex works daily with his clients over video. People’s visual memory is more long-lasting than their audio memory. Alex uses a plain background that hangs from the ceiling. He has 3 lights that properly illuminate him. His camera is mounted at eye level.

The quality of the virtual background is based on the speed of your computer. They will remember you weeks later not how you answered questions but what crazy things you might have in your background.

Please read 4 Ingredients to a Winning Video Interview Environment [Updated] which will give you the details of setting up a home studio.

Best Advice

Alex says to get a good coach who you are comfortable with and let the professional help you. Pay the fees as it is more important to get help and get back to work sooner.

Lisa says to stay off the job boards. For career changers, even if you optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile, you will not likely be found on job boards. You should leverage your network, including your college and company alumni. Should be spending 90-100 of your time networking. Otherwise, you will likely be frustrated.

You can reach Lisa Rangel at LR@chameleonresumes.com.

You can reach Alex Freund at Alex@LandingExpert.com.