FAU Expert Outlines New Rules for Job Seekers Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

More Than Ever, Employers Value Workers Who Can Handle Change

MEDIA CONTACT: Paul Owers 561-221-4090, powers@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, Fla. (July 8, 2020) – Looking for a new job is a humbling chore even in the most robust economy, but the frustration is amplified when thesearch takes place during such a chaotic time as the coronavirus pandemic.

While job seekers have little leverage in the current marketplace, given that so many businesses are laying off employees or postponing expansion plans indefinitely, landing a new position still is an achievable goal for workers who adjust their search with the COVID-19 crisis in mind, said Linsey Willis, D.P.A., an instructor of management and human resource management in Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business.

Now more than ever, job seekers must highlight the skills that employers need, and one of the most valuable traits in these uncertain times is being a self-starter who is adaptable to change, according to Willis, the author of Developing Innate Abilities: Experiencing Assessment Center Exercises, a textbook soon going into its third edition.

“In today’s workplace, many employees have to work exclusively from home with almost no contact with colleagues and supervision from bosses, and if they do work in the office a few days a week, they are not in close proximity to their coworkers,” Willis said. “This is an opportunity for job seekers to point out on their resumes and certainly during interviews that they don’t need a lot of direction to get things done. They should cite specific examples and clearly communicate their willingness to roll with the punches when it comes to the working environment, working hours and other aspects of the job in this new world.”

With social distancing the norm, employers are conducting video interviews with job candidates, who face a series of challenges they don’t have when they meet employers face to face, according to Willis.

Finding a quiet place with no distractions to conduct the video interview is the key, and that may take some advance planning. Avoid messy or cluttered backgrounds. Work with the company’s tech support staff ahead of time to iron out any technology issues. Candidates should dress professionally and not wear shorts or flip flops, even if those items won’t be seen by their prospective bosses on the video screen.

“Be sure to ask the company whether the video will be with your prospective supervisor or other employees, because it may not be,” Willis said. “Some video interviewing platforms have the applicants play games as part of the screening process, which also includes interacting with an artificial intelligence robot.”

If the job is offered, salary negotiations can begin, though it may be best to temper expectations, Willis said. The O*Net Online website is a good source for finding comprehensive job titles and salary ranges for specific jobs by state, but company pay scales may be lower due to the pandemic.

“Under normal circumstances, truly qualified candidates can push for a higher starting salary and other perks,” Willis said. “But now is not the time to dig your heels in. In this environment, just getting the job is more important than trying to squeeze out a few more dollars or days off. And if you’ve landed a job in an entirely new field, you may have to take a pay cut to start that new career.”

If the job search is moving slowly, candidates should be prepared to accept a lesser or temporary job that will provide steady income until they find a more appropriate position for their skills and experience, according to Willis. For example, public health agencies are hiring contact tracers to identify the people who may have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.   

Finally, job seekers who have been laid off or furloughed can use the extra time wisely by completing coursework or certificates that will bolster their credentials in their current fields or help them become more qualified in other fields. They also should spend time developing the skills and abilities they already possess, Willis said.