With the rise of videoconferencing, interviewers and job seekers alike are now able to conduct long-distance, face-to-face interviews, as well as increase efficiency, save time in the hiring process, and reduce travel costs. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated and increased the use of videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom and Google Hangouts. However, videoconferencing is not without its obstacles, such as delays, connectivity issues, and moments of awkward silence. Here are some tips on what to expect and how best to stand out during a Zoom interview.

In this job market, candidates need every advantage they can get to stand out, and a well-crafted resume is crucial. Producing the best possible resume requires knowing its function--to get you into the pile of candidates who will be considered further.

When writing your resume, it’s important to recognize that the hiring manager may be fielding hundreds of resumes for a position in addition to their regular job duties. Each resume, therefore, will receive only a cursory glance to determine the candidate’s qualifications. Your resume should be designed to make it easy for a hiring manager to learn your professional accomplishments at a glance. To that end, follow a few rules to ensure your application isn’t overlooked.

Building downtime into your schedule can help you recharge your battery, manage stress, and keep perspective. During these moments of downtime, it is important to completely step away from your work obligations (that means silencing your smartphone!) and focus on the activities that bring you personal fulfillment. Making time for these activities is essential for avoiding burnout.

Graduating college is an exciting time, but many students report anxiety in the months leading up to graduation. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has heightened this anxiety for new graduates, many of whom are transitioning to online learning and worried about the present state of the economy. Luckily, companies are continuing to hire and adapting to remote work practices.

Are you a new graduate planning to enter the workforce? Read the eight tips below to help you strategize for applying for jobs during the coronavirus pandemic:

Graduation season should be an exciting time, but for many 2020 graduates, celebrations and ceremonies have been replaced with feelings of fear and uncertainty. Is the career track you chose four years ago going to withstand this recent pandemic? When will companies start hiring again? When will it be safe to go to work? There are many questions, with very few answers. But even if your anticipated career track has changed course or your potential job leads have grinded to a halt, all hope is not lost.

When applying for a job, it is best practice to write a cover letter, even if the job posting only asks for your resume. Resumes generally follow a specific format and only allow for an abbreviated version of your qualifications. To a hiring manager, they can all start to look the same. The cover letter offers you the opportunity to stand out from the rest of the pack and make a more human appeal for the job. 

Writing a cover letter should take time and consideration. A hastily written and untailored cover letter could make your well-crafted resume worthless. Check out our latest infographic for five simple tips for writing a successful cover letter.

Achieving a satisfying work-life balance is a common struggle for professionals across all industries.At the core of work-life balance is the attempt to reconcile the tension between one's professional obligations and the activities that provide personal fulfillment outside of work. Experts agree that the lack of building personal fulfillment activities into one's daily schedule reduces feelings of overall happiness and can negatively impact one's health.