Q: I applied for a job as a financial analyst about three months ago, before the pandemic. I had a telephone interview and it went well. They invited me onsite for a face-to-face interview and I was given encouraging feedback after that interview. Then, the next interview never happened because of the pandemic. No one is returning my calls now. I feel like it was going so well, but now nothing. What can I do?
A: I am sorry that your interview process was interrupted by this pandemic. It has disrupted a lot of companies, and their hiring plans.
Here are a few ways you can follow up:
- Send the hiring manager a note via email. Some companies are only checking their US mail sporadically. Email is likely a better way to communicate during a time when fewer are physically in workplaces.
- Follow the company on LinkedIn, assuming they have a presence on LinkedIn. Try to learn how this pandemic is impacting them. If the company has laid off employees, that may be a sign that there is little to no hiring occurring.
- If the company is connected to travel, tourism or restaurants, the company may be experiencing a hiring freeze. Also, retailers, or companies supporting retailers, may be experiencing a slowdown. Many companies have delayed hiring for months.
It may be worth exploring other roles, rather than waiting for this company to get back to you. Unemployment rates are rising during this pandemic. Many companies are curtailing hiring. There are many employers hiring though, from Amazon to Zoom.
Finally, use this time to critique your resume and improve your LinkedIn profile. Make sure you have a good photo on your LinkedIn page. Add LinkedIn contacts and join groups on LinkedIn. Re-connect with your undergraduate institution. Participate in virtual networking events. There is more than one suitable job available for most of us. Don’t shut down your job hunting because one company didn’t advance you in their process. Dust yourself off and assume this role has been put on hold.
Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.