Recruiting specialist Holly Lancaster talks about hiring and getting hired in the pandemic
Photo / Tim Greenway
Holly Lancaster, a recruiting specialist, offers guidance on how the hiring market has changed during the pandemic and specific advice on how to stand out in a virtual job market.
Holly Lancaster is the recruiting director at KMA Human Resources in Falmouth, where she oversees a team of 15 and also serves on the leadership team. We asked her to talk about how the hiring market has changed in the pandemic and what specific advice she’d offer job candidates so they stand out in a virtual job market.
Q: How has the pandemic changed the way companies recruit employees?
Holly Lancaster: One major way the pandemic has shaped recruiting is the interview process. It turns out that virtual interviews are very convenient to schedule and conduct, and we expect that long after the pandemic has ended, hiring managers will continue to embrace the efficiencies technologies like Zoom offer. And while a virtual interview may not provide the same quality of experience as an in-person meeting, it can help recruiters assess more candidates in a short period of time.
Q: What advice would you offer for preparing for a virtual interview?
HL: Here are five things you can do to present yourself professionally over video: 1. Look into the camera and not at your screen. 2. Be animated with your facial expressions while keeping your body relatively still. 3. Select a space with good lighting and a simple, uncluttered background. 4. Join the interview a few minutes early so you can test your audio and video. 5. As always, prepare questions, have an answer for how you have handled a challenging situation (the number one question you’re likely to get!), and be sure to follow up with the interviewer within 24 hours of your meeting.
One major way the pandemic has shaped recruiting is in the interview process.
Q: How has the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion discussion changed recruiting and hiring?
HL: Great leaders know that teams comprising diverse backgrounds can help improve a company’s strategic thinking and creativity. They also understand that today’s talent values a culture of diversity and inclusion. So, to attract and retain the best possible workforce, many organizations are responding by building DEI initiatives into their mission and demonstrating accountability from the top.
Q: Is it important to have a LinkedIn profile?
HL: Absolutely! Many recruiters and hiring managers use LinkedIn as a way of screening candidates, so it’s important that your profile is completed with thought and care. Craft a strong headline and summary profile, include your skills and any endorsements, and make sure your headshot looks professional. While LinkedIn is a key platform for sourcing and vetting talent, keep in mind it’s also an endless archive of potential connections and job opportunities for you to tap into.
Q: Networking is a big part of getting a job. What advice do you have for leveraging a virtual network?
HL: Online networking has been a long-standing trend, offering almost unlimited access to opportunities for job seekers. We recommend that you grow your LinkedIn network by inviting connections (always include a personal note explaining why you wish to connect), ask your contacts to make e-introductions when appropriate, and submit your resume to jobs boards. Many recruiting companies maintain a database of talent and might offer an informational interview to identify your skills and objectives and how they could align with future opportunities. Never be afraid to reach out!
Q: How important is a good cover letter?
HL: Even when not requested, a cover letter is a great way to showcase your personality and qualifications and demonstrate why you would be a good match. In a world of Artificial Intelligence, keyword searches and applicant tracking systems, a well-written cover letter, crafted specifically for the position you’re applying for and echoing keywords from the job description, can certainly help you stand out from your competition — especially as so many applicants these days don’t bother with a cover letter at all.
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