Category: Campus Life

In 2021, the government of Ontario introduced the Working for Workers Act to try to help make life better for workers in the province. The act contains several important elements, but one part that could make life easier for workers is the “right to disconnect.” This section allows workers to turn off their computers and other devices once the workday is done. If employers follow the new guidelines, it could make life much easier and better for many people.

In the past two years, many more people than usual have been working from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has made some aspects of life easier for many people who have not had to spend hours in the car or bus getting to and from work. They have been able to cook supper while finishing their work tasks and to take time out from work when they need it rather than waiting for scheduled breaks.

Despite the advantages, working from home has also caused problems for workers as they have had difficulties in ending their workday at a regular time to allow them to relax. Many people in office jobs, teaching, and other professions already had this challenge before the pandemic. Sometimes, they would work their regular hours, only to have phone calls and tasks to do from home in preparation for the next day. Although people in some professions like teaching and writing have traditionally had extra work to do in the evenings and on weekends, many other people are now having to work long after their official workday is done.

This trend can cause many problems. People who must always be ready to take a call from the boss cannot take the time they need to relax or to care for their families properly. They may become overworked and stressed, and they can burn out quickly. Then they might not be able to work at all. Meetings, work tasks, and planning for the future can all use up the mental energy that people have and leave them unable to cope with life.

The governments of several countries have recognized the problem of employees who have no work/life balance. In France and elsewhere, employees have the right to turn off their job-related electronic devices after working hours so that they can concentrate on other aspects of their lives, including their health, their families, and anything else they need. This can help workers manage their lives better and avoid crises that can come from failing to take care of other aspects of life.

The Working for Workers Act contains other important points, such as removing employment barriers for people who were trained outside Canada. For example, an engineer trained in Egypt or India would more easily be able to get a job as an engineer in Canada instead of having to retrain or work in low-level jobs for years. That way, Canada will get the benefit of these people’s expertise while the immigrants also get to use their skills.

However, the right to disconnect is likely the most important aspect of the act for most people. Working all day, or even having to be ready for work all day, can be very stressful and overwhelming. The Working for Workers Act could help make life much easier for many people in Ontario.

Bibliography:

Bibby, Adrianne. “Are You Respecting Your Employees’ Right to Disconnect?” Flexjobs. https://www.flexjobs.com/employer-blog/employees-right-to-disconnect/.

Edmond Harnden. “Ontario Government Introduces the Working for Workers Act, 2022.”
https://ehlaw.ca/ontario-government-introduces-the-working-for-workers-act-2022/?print=pdf.

Government of Ontario. “Working for Workers Act 2021.” https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/1001032/working-for-workers-act-2021.

Work & Labour News & Research. “The Right to Disconnect: Why Legislation Doesn’t Address the Real Problems with Work.” https://worklabournewsresearch.tumblr.com/post/669224175839412224/the-right-to-disconnect-why-legislation-doesnt.

Searching for a job can be exhausting, whether you are in-between jobs or looking for your first job. Sometimes you may feel as if the search is meaningless and scrolling through multiple listings can be tiring.

How is it possible to stay optimistic and productive while doing such a draining task? Sit back, have your resume ready, and take notes: here are some tips to keep your job search more engaging, less strenuous, and more importantly, fruitful.

Keep a Schedule

Job searching is, unfortunately, like a job itself and treating it like one is not a bad idea. Setting a schedule makes the job search more effective by dedicating your attention on the task, without exhausting yourself.

There is no one set way of setting a schedule. Perhaps dedicating a different goal to each day of the week will work for you and splitting up the job search into smaller periods is a better fit for someone else. Someone can spend their Monday revising their resume, while someone else can spend their Monday networking.

Job searching is different for everyone. Provided that the schedule allows individuals some sort of structure alongside breaks, it should help in the quest to find a job.

Build Up New Skills

While searching for a job, do not be afraid to add some new skills to your resume. The more cards at your disposal, the more opportunities for employment.

There are two categories of skills that employers are looking for: soft skills and hard skills. Soft skills deal with a person’s ability to function in the workplace, with skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. Hard skills are skills that are specialized knowledge, such as in a specific field of work.

For example, someone can have the soft skill of being a good leader and have the hard skill of being a good programmer. For any job, a combination of both soft and hard skills is needed. Show off a good mix of both skills to impress employers.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to fulfill the tips above, keeping a schedule and building up new skills, in one place! Alongside keeping yourself occupied with some sort of work, it is a chance to network and display your dedication to causes.

Much like a job search, volunteering is especially beneficial if you treat it like a job. Volunteering may be unpaid work, but it is still an opportunity to showcase what kind of worker you are.

It is still an area that deserves to be treated with professionalism. A successful volunteering experience can culminate into a great reference on your resume!

Be Kind to Yourself

As mentioned earlier, searching for a job can be exhausting. You can even experience “job search depression”: depression linked to trying to find a job. Depression can accumulate from the stress, anger, and anxiety that job searching can cause. Taking breaks help ease the mind from these worries, at least for a little while.

Job searching is no easy feat, and every self-perceived setback can be disheartening. If a job application gets rejected, see it as an opportunity to keep improving. With every cover letter you write and every resume revision you finish, your profile becomes more polished.

Resilience is key. Spending time to revise your resume, volunteer, or focus on your mental health is not time wasted. If you are actively trying to pursue the goal that you have in mind, your efforts will not go to waste.

Sources:

Doyle, Alison. “How to Stay Positive While Job Hunting.” The Balance Careers, 17 Mar. 2021, https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-tips-for-staying-positive-while-job-searching-2062215. Accessed 4 Mar. 2022.

Doyle, Alison. “Top Skills and Attributes Employers Look For.” The Balance Careers, 16 July 2021, https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-skills-employers-want-2062481. Accessed 7 Mar. 2022.

Gross, Elana Lyn. “Stay Positive and Productive When You’re in between Jobs.” Monster, https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/stay-positive-and-productive-between-jobs-0417. Accessed 4 Mar. 2022.

Wooll, Maggie. “Job Search Depression Is Real: Here’s How to Overcome It.” BetterUp, 16 Aug. 2021, https://www.betterup.com/blog/job-search-depression. Accessed 4 Mar. 2022.

Francis Bacon once said, “It is a great happiness when men’s professions and their inclinations accord.” And that’s truly something those with a penchant for the arts can relate to. Most of those who choose to follow their heart and their arts are ready to work hard and commit to face head-on whatever challenges that come along their way so they can feel fulfilled in their respective careers.

Arts embodies fine arts, commercial arts, advertising, photography, film (including animation), web design, creative writing, and more.

While the pandemic has affected the arts labour market, the outlook seems headed for brighter days. If you have your mind set in pursuing a career in the arts, here are five resources to get you started:

1. WorkInCulture (https://www.workinculture.ca/The-Job-Board)

WorkInCulture (WIC) is a non-profit service organization dedicated to serving the arts sector. Launched in 1997, WIC also provides programming to help artists boost their organizational capacity and management skills, as well as business planning and entrepreneurship skills. Workshops are available either in-person (as long as restrictions permit them to) and online. WIC is also the brains behind the Creative Works conference, which aspires to bring together leaders, visionaries, and aspiring arts professionals to share conversations about the future of arts and culture in Canada and trends and tools that are valuable to the arts community. Their Job Board features opportunities in the arts throughout the nation. You can also check out their resources for professional development that are focused on creatives.

2. Artists in Canada (https://artistsincanada.com/resources/employment-38/)

Launched in 2000, Artists in Canada was started with the aim to provide better connections to Canadian artists. Apart from providing a list of employment opportunities for those who would like to get into art-related fields, Artists in Canada also provides links to government agencies that direct people to job opportunities. In addition, Artists in Canada strongly believes in the power of marketing and communications for artists and also provides web hosting opportunities for artists who wish to become members. A website is an effective marketing tool. Artists in Canada ensures that the websites designed and created are easy to build and maintain for artists with a busy plate, with unlimited galleries and themes available. If you’re an artist and want a platform to showcase your work, this resource is for you.

3. Behance (https://www.behance.net/joblist)

Behance is an online platform designed for creative professionals who are not only looking to find employment in the arts community, but also to showcase their work and discover the works of others. The website has an easy to use feature that helps you filter opportunities via their type, whether Fulltime, Freelance, or Internship, as well as the targeted industry, to better narrow your search. If you wish to look for opportunities outside Canada, you can also expand your search to other countries. What’s even more interesting is that the website also provides links to livestreams for like-minded individuals, so you’ll be able to enhance your learning and maybe even share your own ideas and tips to be a better arts professional.

4. Charity Village (https://charityvillage.com/)

Charity Village may be known more for connecting job seekers to opportunities in the not-for-profit sector, but it is also a great resource for those who are particularly looking for employment in the arts sector. The website also offers learning tools for those looking for more training and development in their respective fields, including the arts, and features relevant news that you can use to help you in your job search.

5. Culture Works (https://www.culca/)

If you’re looking for something that’s more direct to the point and provides simple access to a multitude of job opportunities across Canada, this is the site to visit. You can filter your choices by Subsector and Province, and you’ll find tons of job postings. To make your search easier, you can register as a job seeker and have the job postings directly delivered to you via email. It’s a great way to save time instead of combing through several websites to find matches to the opportunities you’re looking for.

Not everyone has the privilege to follow their passion as their profession. So if your heart is in the arts, give these the resources a look and you’ll earn the chance to get into that artsy door!

Sources

Arrive. “Canada job market analysis: Creative Arts and Design.” https://arrivein.com/career-ca/canada-job-market-analysis-creative-arts-and-design/

CAPACOA. “2020: The Year One in Four Arts Worker Lost Their Job.” https://capacoa.ca/en/2021/01/2020-the-year-one-in-four-art-worker-lost-their-job/

Volmers, Eric. “How 14 months of COVID-19 and lockdowns impacted the arts in Canada.” Calgary Herald. https://calgaryherald.com/news/postpandemic/how-14-months-of-covid-19-and-lockdowns-impacted-the-arts-in-canada

During the early stages of COVID in the spring of 2020, when most of the world experienced lockdowns, were confined to their homes, and only went out to shop for essentials, there were plenty of individuals who suggested the alleged free time be used to pursue passion projects or work on self-improvement. After all, as the meme that went viral suggested, William Shakespeare wrote the masterpiece “King Lear” while isolating because of the bubonic plague.

What’s more fascinating is, Shakespeare also wrote two other masterpieces (“Antony and Cleopatra” and “Macbeth”) during the plague according to research.

So if Shakespeare then, without any aid of technology and modern medicine, was able to work on three of his greatest works, we shouldn’t have any excuse for not trying to create or produce something, right?

For a lot of people, the answer was a resounding YES. As we were bombarded with health statistics and news of the rapid development of COVID vaccines, there were people who channelled their inner entrepreneurs, bakers, writers, filmmakers, songwriters, artists, and what-have-you, and showcased to the world their beloved endeavours, under the guise that the pandemic resulted in high productivity levels.

Who could forget those two Toronto-based sixteen-year-olds who founded their own confection company in late 2020 at the height of the global health crisis to produce smash hearts, or chocolate geometric hearts you can smash to get the candy filling and messages or gifts inside it? That was a novel venture, and it probably inspired lots of teens to think of similar business ideas that would be a hit in the market.

But every coin has two sides, as they say, and for every individual who turned themselves into Marie Kondo and redesigned their homes like a pro, there’s an individual who chose to not embark on any new project and instead opted to take it all in.

And of course, since our social media pages were overflowing with posts and stories about others’ newly discovered talents or reignited passions, and Jeremy Haynes, the CEO of one of the top digital marketing agencies in the world telling us that if we didn’t make use of the free time we have during lockdown to start a business or learn a new skill, then it meant we lacked discipline. It was inevitable to feel the pressure to do something like everyone else seemed to have done.

But according to Jessi Gold, a professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, it is completely normal to feel anxious during a pandemic and not feel up to being productive. Not only did the pandemic interrupt our normal lives, but it also further magnified already existing issues like job insecurity, underprivileged communities, and limited healthcare access, and with these, it is perfectly reasonable to feel anxious.

Gold says that there’s nothing wrong if one wants to take up a project or grab opportunities for learning or growth in the middle of the pandemic. However, the issue is when they force this so-called standard to the people around them, be it family, friends, or classmates.

But psychological experts suggest that those who try to overachieve during tough times are probably overcompensating for the things beyond their control. If vacation plans or summer job plans went awry due to the pandemic, it’s natural for people to take on something they can easily control as a way to cope.

Doing so can be harmful though as it can result in stretching themselves too thin. It’s akin to juggling too many balls. At some point, you’ll lose a handle of one, then everything is bound to come tumbling down.

If you’re thinking of pursuing something, don’t think in terms of its grandiosity (like starting a business) or its popularity (like an influencer). It should be something that fulfills you as a human being and has meaning for you. But cut yourself some slack if you’re not thinking of pursuing. Don’t put pressure on yourself merely because you feel you need to keep up with everyone else.

“There’s nothing you’re supposed to get out of this,” as Gold reiterates. “If what you get out of this is, like, you’re breathing, congratulations.”

Sources

Lightfoot, Scott. “16-year-old sweethearts create their own sweet company.” CTV News. https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/16-year-old-sweethearts-create-their-own-sweet-company-1.5278871

Livingston, Mercey. “You’re not just lazy: Why it’s hard to be productive right now.” CNET. https://www.cnet.com/health/why-you-dont-feel-as-productive-during-the-pandemic/

Lorenz, Taylor. “Stop Trying to be Productive.” The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/style/productivity-coronavirus.html

North, Anna. “Lockdown was not a sabbatical.” Vox. https://www.vox.com/22536756/covid-pandemic-quarantine-lockdown-productivity-hobbies-work

For the majority of people, driving is an essential life skill that offers numerous benefits, especially if one resides in an area where there is a limited selection of public transportation.

Driving provides one the convenience of getting to their desired destination, be it for school, work, or for pure pleasure, without having to rely on others and experiencing public commute delays and hassles. What’s more, these days, more and more companies have been requiring their employees and future hires to be able to have a Class G licence or at least a Class G1 licence if it’s an essential part of the position. It’s not only listed as an advantage to getting hired, it’s a pre-requisite.

Even with the backlog issues due to pandemic restrictions for those who wish to acquire their driving licences, many still endure lining up in driving centres for long hours and even inclement weather. In fact, the province of Ontario realized that demand outnumbered resources so much that they have reduced the length of road tests, eliminating tasks like parallel parking and three-point turns that were normally part of the requirements to earn one’s driving licence.

Still, the fear of driving remains one of the most common phobias due to various reasons. If you want to work on earning your driver’s licence but having anxiety issues, here are ways on how to overcome your fear:

Get a medical assessment.

You would need help to establish that your driving anxiety is not caused by physical factors like Binocular Vision Dysfunction or BVD. This condition happens when the eyes are misaligned and thus have difficulty working together to come up with a clear image. The body tries to cope with this condition by overusing or straining the eye muscles. This causes both physical and mental stress, which can often result in motion sickness or nausea or dizziness. Have a vision specialist assess you to rule out that this is indeed the cause of your anxiety. The good news is the condition is treatable through specialized aligning lenses or micro-prism lenses.

Try calming techniques.

Before hitting the road, try meditation techniques like breathing in and breathing out repeatedly until you feel comfortable. Have a car air freshener that makes you feel at peace, like lavender, lemon, peppermint, and jasmine. You can also listen to meditational music in your car or download phone apps that promote calmness. See which one works best for you. Some will find nature sounds soothing, while for some classical music is the way to go. Have a go at these various methods and see which suits you best. Interestingly enough, some people calm themselves with rock or heavy metal music, so to each their own.

Enroll in a professional driving school.

Having a professional instructor teach you on driving essentials could help alleviate your fear of driving, knowing that you’re learning from someone with the proper training and experience. Driving instructors have dealt with all types of students, and they will know best which teaching technique works for someone with driving anxieties. You can also share with them what’s holding you back and they can offer recommendations on how to conquer your fear and improve on your driving skills. With a professional teacher in your camp, you’ll gain the confidence to be a skilled driver and finally get to your desired licence level.

Opt for a vehicle with ideal safety features.

It’s natural to have safety concerns about driving, and the good news is car manufacturers worldwide have been consistently working to come up with safety features that will put every driver’s mind at ease. Features like Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection are now available to help drivers spot pedestrians even under limited lighting. Another feature that’s become prevalent in the last few years is adaptive cruising or stability control, where you can drive in highway speeds without having to constantly adjust your speed to ensure you won’t risk a collision with the vehicle in front of you.

Have a person next to you when you drive.

For some, being on their own on the road leads to other bigger worries like what if they get lost or they get into a mishap. Ask a trusted family member or a friend to be by your side when you drive until you feel confident enough on your own.

These days, most people can’t get by without a vehicle. Driving does offer plenty of advantages as opposed to simply relying on public transportation. To get a head start, so to speak, in acquiring a driving licence without fear, try the tips above. We wish you the best of luck!

Sources

ADAA. “Overcoming the Fear of Driving.” https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/overcome-fear-driving

The Dizziness and Headache Optometry Centre. “How Can BVD Impact Your Daily Life?” https://www.dizzinessandheadache.com/blog/how-can-bvd-impact-your-daily-life.html#

Heaps, Russ. “Car Safety Features 101: Everything You Need to Know.” Kelley Blue Book. https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/car-safety-features/

Ontario Human Rights Commission. “Can an employer ask for a driver’s licence, when I am applying for a job?” https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/frequently-asked-questions/can-employer-ask-driver%E2%80%99s-licence-when-i-am-applying-job

Passifiume, Bryan. “MTO cutting road test backlog by shortening road tests.” Toronto Sun. https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/mto-cutting-road-test-backlog-by-shortening-road-tests

PsychCentral. “What Is Driving Anxiety?” https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/driving-anxiety 

The pandemic restrictions have given companies all over the world the chance to offer flexible work options for their employees. According to a study by Statistics Canada, almost 40% of Canadian jobs have telework feasibility, or what’s described as the degree to which Canadians can perform their jobs without having to be physically in the office.

In fact, based on October 2021 data, the agency estimates that 4 million Canadians continue to work from home since the start of the pandemic despite the vaccination efforts and continuous implementation of COVID restrictions throughout the country.

With this in mind, it’s an ideal time to look into employment opportunities that offer the flexibility of working from home in your own time, especially if you’re a full-time student. Let’s look at some of these possibilities:

Digital Marketer

Do you find yourself constantly scrolling through social media pages, thinking of ways how to promote products or services better? If you said yes, then a career as a digital marketer may be best suited for you. Attracting customers has become extremely challenging now that establishing a strong social media presence is a priority. To be a successful digital marketer, you have to be social media savvy and armed with all the tricks of the trade to create great buzz for your clients’ products and services. An advantage of this option is that you won’t be tied down to a regular 9-to-5 schedule because social media is on 24/7 and you can choose the time that works best for your schedule.

Customer Service Agent

If you have a knack for helping people then a job in the customer support industry is for you – and you can do it right at home! Customer service positions can vary from technical support to appointment booking. All you have to do is estimate your own skillsets and determine which avenue best matches you. If you like tinkering with computer or phone devices, you’ll fit right in with technical support. On the other hand, if you feel your forte is more organizing and scheduling, then appointment booking is where you’d belong. A lot of these jobs are available 24/7 so you have plenty to choose from.

Proofreader

If you’re the type who likes to devour works of literature, be it fiction, nonfiction, or academic, this option is likely the one that suits you best. Proofreading opportunities abound not just in Canada but worldwide as well. You can work in your own time as long as you meet the deadline requirement. Proofreading companies also usually will provide style guides so you know exactly what to look out for in the text. A wonderful perk of this is that you may get a chance to read works before they are even published, and who knows, you might come across a future Harry Potter series!

Online Teacher

If you have an inclination towards imparting knowledge, an online teacher sounds like the ideal opportunity for you. The subjects you teach can vary, although the most in demand these days is teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to Canadian newcomers or anyone outside of Canada who wants to learn English. If you intend to take the route of an ESL teacher, look into acquiring ESL training certifications: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), and Teaching English as Foreign Language (TEFL). The teaching level also varies, as students may range from middle school to university level. It’s definitely a great opportunity you can do from home, plus rewarding too!

Freelance Writer

An article on work-from-home jobs isn’t complete without this one! Freelance writing opportunities abound, and it’s up to you which subject you’re at most home with writing about! And there is a plethora of the type of writing you can choose from depending on the website: opinion, educational (like Jobs People Do!), informative, general news, finance, film, music, games, and technology. Meanwhile, there are also companies that offer Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) writing services to clients for their products or services. Through these middle men, you’ll find yourself writing about a wide range of topics.

The work-from-home industry will keep on growing, pandemic or no pandemic. So which of these options seem like the most suitable for you? Good luck in your job search!

Sources

Fernandez, Shannon. “8 amazing companies that let you teach English online from home.” Teachaway. https://www.teachaway.com/blog/8-amazing-companies-let-you-teach-english-online-from-home

Indeed. “15 of the Best Remote Working Jobs: A Definitive Guide.” https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/best-remote-work-jobs

Nixon, Geoff. “Widespread working from home will end at some point, won’t it? Maybe not.” CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/work-from-home-covid19-future-workers-wfh-1.6244944

Omololu, Enoch. “9 Best Work From Home Jobs in Canada for 2022.” Savvy New Canadians. https://www.savvynewcanadians.com/work-from-home-jobs/

Statistics Canada. “Labour Force Survey, October 2021.” https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/211105/dq211105a-eng.htm

Statistics Canada. “Working from home in Canada: What have we learned so far?” https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/36-28-0001/2021010/article/00001-eng.htm

With colleges and universities across Canada and the U.S. extending their remote learning mandates for all classes, it’s likely that this year’s graduates will find themselves going through the job interview process virtually as well. This is especially true for those companies or organizations who require multiple rounds of interviews where the screening or initial rounds are done remotely for time efficiency.

While some may automatically think that online job interviews are less challenging than in-person ones, both scenarios require the same preparation and commitment to win over the interview panel. In this article, we’ll provide sure fire tips on how to have a successful online interview that would help launch your dream career.

Let’s get started!

Dress for the job.

Sure, your class instructors in past semesters probably didn’t flinch every time you showed up to the online classes in your sweats, but your interviewers may not be as forgiving. So remember, just because it’s a remote job interview, it doesn’t mean that you wouldn’t dress for it like you would if it were a face-to-face interview. Dressing appropriately from head to toe will make a lot of difference in how you present yourself and give you that much-needed confidence during the interview. Be sure to keep your hair neat and away from your face. If you have the chance, have it styled professionally or make a quick trip to the salon. Your interviewer will appreciate the efforts you’ve made and you’re guaranteed to make a good first impression.

Make eye contact.

Online interviews make this suggestion a bit more difficult than usual, but not impossible. In a Zoom interview, be sure to opt for the gallery view so you have everyone visible on your screen and it makes it easier to look directly at the camera and at the individuals who are interviewing you. With an in-person interview, when you first reply to the question, ideally, you look directly at the person who asked the question, and then look at the others as you go through your response. In an online interview, what you can do, is acknowledge the person who posed the query by mentioning their name and then continue with your response. This will show you’re paying attention and you’re completely engaged with the interview process.

Create a professional environment.

Your choice in where to have the interview may be limited to your own room (where you can block off everyone else’s access for the time being) or accessible rooms like the living room or the dining room. However, this doesn’t mean that a professional environment is not doable. If you can only do it in an accessible room, have open communication with the people who live with you and tell them to make themselves as scarce as they can during your interview schedule. Choose a spot in that area where you feel most comfortable where the background is something you can regularly see in offices, like a landscape painting or a series of vases.

Practice online interview etiquette.

If you have to do the interview in a common area, be sure to quickly click on the mute button if someone accidentally walks by and asks you a question. Politely say you’re doing an interview instead of shutting them down completely. If there are background noises, like a dog barking, click on the mute button if it’s not your turn to speak. This way, you’re minimizing the distraction caused by the background noises. In the same way, don’t be scared to speak out if you’re unable to hear the interviewers’ questions clearly. A simple and polite request to repeat the questions being asked will go a long way, instead of trying to answer something that you only half understood.

Do your research.

Whether it’s online or face-to-face, doing your research prior to the interview is a must. Learn about the company beforehand by reading through their website. Go through the careers page and absorb the details of the job description of the position you’re applying for as much as you can. A good gauge on learning more about a company or organization is through their social media, as those accounts are updated regularly. If you can mention something that recently went on their pages, like a fundraising event, during your interview, it will score you points with your interviewers.

An online job interview may seem constraining at first, but it’s still actually a great opportunity for you to connect with your interviewers and get a feel of the work environment. Consider the suggestions above and you’ll increase your chances of landing the job you have in mind.

Sources

Indeed. “18 Tips for Succeeding During Your Zoom Interview.” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/zoom-interview

Marcellus, Sibile. “The worst mistake you can make on a Zoom job interview: ‘It’s the first thing that occurs and it never goes well’.” Yahoo! Finance. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/the-worst-mistake-you-can-make-on-a-zoom-job-interview-its-the-first-thing-that-occurs-and-it-never-goes-well-215400975.html

Study International. “As the Omicron variant hits US and Canada, universities move to virtual learning once more.” https://www.studyinternational.com/news/omicron-variant-us-and-canada/