Life during a global pandemic has brought with it a variety of adjustments, which require creativity and flexibility...and job seeking is no exception. Virtual interviews are more common than ever before, and that change is likely to outlast the effects of COVID as virtual interviews save employers money on travel accommodations and meals; they are easier to schedule and coordinate with larger groups/panels, and they often widen geographic searches and save time overall! 
. 
So how do you put your best foot forward in a virtual interview?
.
Our Tip: Treat and prepare for a virtual interview like you would an in-person interview! 

So you've been out of the workforce for some time? Maybe it's been a few months or a few years. Perhaps you were laid off when your employer downsized, or maybe you have been working inside the home as a caretaker for children or a family member. It's possible that you resigned in order to pursue a career change and have been building skills and knowledge through training and volunteering. Maybe you've been healing from or learning to manage an illness or disability. 
.
Regardless of the reason, it is likely you'll be asked to explain any gaps in your employment. So how do you explain gaps without giving employers a reason to doubt that you're the right fit for the role?
.
Our Tip: Be Honest, Ready and Interested. 

​The linens were pressed and synched carefully around each table - grey, of course, - in preparation for the reception. The baby's - breath and fresh cut greens rested delicately in each vase trimmed with hand-tied bows. Smiles, protected by masks, were evident by bright eyes and words of excitement as we publicly celebrated the launch of Well Suited for Work and dedicated the ministry to God! 
.
Sunday, September 12th, was a day of celebration. The Ministry Dedication & Blessing began with a Service of Dedication within the sanctuary of Cross & Crown Lutheran Church. We shared stories, gratitude, prayers and hopes - for all that God has done and is doing, and all that God will do in and through this ministry.

​But this day - a day that had been postponed and reimaged more than once due to the realities of starting something new in the midst of a global pandemic -  was 2 years in the making! After intentional community assessment, congregational survey and months of planning, preparation, learning and relationship-building, this ministry has moved from a vision to a reality. 

Federal and State laws prohibit employers from asking certain questions during job interviews. This is intended to protect job seekers from (intentional or unintentional) discrimination within the hiring process. However, sometimes these questions still make their way into the interview setting (often because hiring managers are poorly trained and unaware that they're illegal). 
.
So what questions are off-limits within an interview?
.
Questions related to legally protected populations are often off limits, including any questions about:

• ​Race
• Age
• Gender
• Religion
• Country of Origin
• Marital/Family Status
• Disability

...or any other protected category - unless directly relevant to the position. 

*For Example, age may be relevant for a bartender position as individuals may have a legal requirement to be at least 21 years old to serve alcohol. In such cases, interviewers ought to ask whether a candidate meets the legal requirements and if they can provide proof of age upon hire. This is very different from simply asking "how old are you?" 
.
Questions like: "Do you have any children?" may be intended by an interviewer to simply build rapport with a candidate. However, they are (perhaps unknowingly) asking an illegal question. Some employers may use this information to make assumptions about a candidate's ability to work a particular schedule or an assumed need for frequent and unscheduled time off. 
.
So how do you respond to illegal or inappropriate questions during a job interview?
.
Our Tip: Be Polite, Professional & Direct. 

With the sentiments of Labor Day fresh in our minds, we're keeping this week's #CareerTipTuesday simple, taking our own advice and resting. 
.
Why?

...Because sometimes making progress requires taking a rest! 
.
Life is full of hustle, stress and hard work, and the job search (not to mention our careers) can be equally as draining. Be sure to take the time to you need to refresh, refuel and re-energize so that you have the strength to keep moving forward! 
.
Be safe, be healthy and be kind...to other and yourself! 

#CareerTipTuesday #Rest #ClothingConfidenceCareer ​