Nick Nordin’s Post

6 Essential Tips to Ace Your Next Virtual Interview In today’s job market, virtual interviews via platforms like Zoom, WebEx, and Teams have become standard practice for many companies. While they haven’t completely replaced in-person interviews, virtual interviews are just as crucial in helping managers decide if they want to make someone a job offer. Here are six essential tips to help you ace your next virtual interview.   Avoid Technical Issues – Especially for tech job interviews, not being able to connect to a virtual interview can reflect poorly on you. Even if you use platforms like Zoom frequently at work, double-check a few things before the interview. Make sure your computer is charged, you have a good wifi connection, test your webcam and microphone, and make sure the virtual interview link works. When possible, it’s always best to use a laptop versus your phone to connect. Prepare Your Virtual Background – While your webcam background may seem like a minor detail, most interviewers form first impressions about you based on how much effort you put into presenting a pleasant background. If you don’t have an ideal background, just blur it. Also, make sure the angle of the webcam is as close to eye level as you can get, so they aren’t looking up your nose. If you can’t find a quiet area, headphones or earbuds are a good choice. Lastly, dress appropriately. Wear a nice shirt or sweater. A suit is overkill, but conversely, a t-shirt will typically be viewed as too casual. Don’t Ramble – This is the number one negative feedback reason we receive after Zoom interviews. Aim to keep your answers under a minute, staying on topic and avoiding tangents. While it’s tempting to provide extra examples to sell yourself, overdoing it can be off-putting. Prepare Strategic Questions – Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask when the time is right. Avoid obvious questions that might be answered during the conversation. Instead, craft questions that show a strategic mindset. For example, “given your company’s recent acquisition of a major competitor, how do you see this effecting the future responsibilities for this team?” Read Body Language – Virtual interviews allow interviewers to observe your reactions to social cues and body language, which is why they can carry more weight than phone interviews. Can you tell when they seem interested and want more detail? Pay attention to signs of interest or the need for more detail. Beware of “poker-face interviewers” who display no visible reactions. Some do this intentionally to test your confidence. Stay confident in your answers and avoid backtracking. Smile – Yes, I know it seems basic but it’s important! A natural, positive facial expression can make a big difference. You may be nervous or overly focused on the content, so keep an eye on how you are coming across.   

Insider Tips for Phone Interviews Prepare. A little bit of preparation goes a long way. Start by doing some basic research on the company by reading the “About” on their website, check recent business articles, or find the latest press releases. Be ready to answer what I consider the Big Five basic questions:   Tell me about yourself.  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?   Why should we hire you?   Where do you want to be in five years?  There are no terribly wrong answers to any of these questions, besides not being prepared and answering off the top of your head. Have one or two examples of recent work accomplishments ready to discuss, and prepare a couple of insightful questions to ask when the opportunity arises. Try to ask something specific, like what your interviewer enjoys most about working for the company, or about the company’s future goals, using some information you uncovered in your research.   Know your audience. Understand whether you are speaking with Human Resources or the hiring manager, as this can affect the focus of your responses. HR’s goal is to check if you are a potentially good fit for further interviews, focusing on the minimum job requirements and identifying any red flags. Avoid speaking ill of former employers, giving inadequate reasons for leaving a previous job, being overly familiar, or evasive on tough questions. If you are speaking with the hiring manager, cater your responses more towards the specific requirements of the job. Make sure you have examples of your experience that align with the skills listed in the job description. Keep answers short. Remember, a typical phone interview lasts about 30 minutes, and that time goes by quickly. Interviewers often have a set list of questions, and long-winded answers can disrupt the flow and be frustrating. Aim to keep your responses to about a minute each. Try making the interview more conversational by following up some of your answers with related questions. Be Patient. The format of a phone interview only allows for a brief interaction. Usually, the interviewer will tell you a bit about the company, position, before delving into your qualifications. Unfortunately, this doesn’t allow much time for deep-dive questions about intricacies about the job, long term expectation, benefits, or compensation. So, be patient. Understand that this is just a preliminary introduction; deeper questions should be saved for later interviews. However, if there is a critical question that could influence your interest in the position, feel free to ask it.  ABC (Always Be Closing). One key aspect many candidates forget is to express their interest in the role actively. At the end of the interview, if you are interested, make it known with a statement like, “My background seems like a good fit for the position, and I would be very interested in pursuing the next step in the process.” A brief thank-you email post-interview can also leave a good impression.

BridgeView Earns Top 5 Ranking Among Denver’s Best Places to Work in 2024 #BestPlaces #EarnsTop #RankingAmongDenver

Do's and Don'ts for Salary Negotiation. With new laws and tons of online salary data, the rules have changed. Here is what you need to know.   Do know your market value Prior to an initial interview, research the average salary for your position and industry. Utilize resources like Glassdoor, Payscale, Salary.com, and BridgeView’s Salary Guide, to gather necessary data to make an informed decision. Do ask for the salary range  With pay transparency laws advancing rapidly, many companies must disclose the salary range in their job postings. Understanding this range from the start helps you effectively position your desired salary. Regions like California, Colorado, and New York have such requirements, with Maryland poised to join them. Do leverage recruiters  Recruiters, especially from reputable agencies, generally have a strong grasp of salary landscapes in their specialized fields. Cultivating relationships with them can be beneficial as they provide insights into salary trends and guidance on contract work pay rates. Remember, my team at BridgeView is always available for a chat. Do know your walkaway number  Be prepared to decline a job offer if the salary doesn’t meet the minimum pre-determined expectation. Don’t settle. While this is not easy to do, it’s better to pass than accept a salary that won’t cover your basic financial needs comfortably. Don’t be overly aggressive   While it’s crucial to know and communicate your desired salary, overly aggressive demands can price you out of consideration. Aim for a salary at or slightly above the top end of the range if appropriate. If the salary your are seeking is well above the stated salary range, the role might not be suitable for you. Don’t over negotiate  While there is a lot of advice about how to negotiate your salary, or why you should never accept the first job offer, the reality is this doesn’t often occur. Over-negotiating can be a turn-off for employers. If you’re clear and upfront about your salary needs from the beginning, you’re likely to receive an offer that matches your expectations without further negotiation. If the offer is lower than discussed, then it’s advisable to politely ask for the amount you originally requested.  Don’t disclose current/past salaries if not required  You are no longer required to disclose your current or past salary in many places due to salary history bans. Keeping this information private is your right, with 17 states and various localities enforcing such bans. Don’t focus just on the base salary   Make sure you consider the entire compensation package including healthcare, retirement plans, vacation time, PTO, stock options, and profit sharing. If you’re considering a position with your dream company, flexibility on the base salary might be worth it, especially if other benefits are attractive. Always ask about salary review policies to understand potential future earnings adjustments. 

R.I.P. Cover Letters: Are They Still Relevant in Today’s Job Market? The question of whether cover letters are still relevant remains an ongoing debate. Are they a necessary component of a job application, or are they simply relics of a bygone era? Let’s dive in and explore whether cover letters are truly dead or if they still hold value in securing your dream job. Are Cover Letters Dead?  In short, the answer seems to be yes – cover letters are often considered obsolete in today’s job application process. With the rise of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and the emphasis on efficiency, many hiring managers and recruiters prioritize resumes over cover letters. In fact, some argue that cover letters rarely get read and are merely a formality. However, despite their declining popularity, cover letters haven’t disappeared entirely. Many organizations list on their careers page that a cover letter is required along with a resume submission. Some hiring managers view them as a way for candidates to demonstrate their professionalism and express their enthusiasm for the position. Should you decide you want to write a cover letter, here are some tips.  Assess the Job Posting: Always check the job listing. If the employer explicitly requests a cover letter, it’s in your best interest to provide one to avoid being disqualified from consideration. Customize Your Cover Letter: Generic cover letters are a no-go. Instead, tailor your cover letter to the specific position and company, highlighting why you’re the ideal candidate for the role. Provide substantive information: Use the cover letter to address any unique circumstances, such as relocation plans or career transitions. Be transparent about your intentions and readiness for a new challenge.  If you live in Boston and are applying for a position in Denver, explain your situation and be clear if you are looking to relocate. Include information on your time frame and when you can start a new position. Also, if you are applying for a position that is a career change, explain why and your enthusiasm for learning new skills.  Keep It Concise: Hiring managers are busy, so keep your cover letter brief and to the point. Focus on showcasing your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements. Two short paragraphs are recommended.  Show Your Personality: While maintaining a professional tone, don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your cover letter. This can help you stand out from other applicants and give hiring managers a glimpse into who you are beyond your resume. While cover letters may be on the decline, they’re not entirely obsolete. Whether you choose to include one in your job application ultimately depends on the preferences of the employer and your circumstances. By following these tips and approaching cover letters strategically, you can maximize their potential to make a positive impression and land your next job opportunity. 

Navigating the Resume Dead Zone: Strategies for When You Receive No Response You’ve meticulously crafted your resume, tailored it to each job application, and hit the submit button with high hopes. Days turn into weeks, and still, there’s no response. You find yourself stuck in what feels like a resume dead zone – a frustrating limbo where your applications seem to vanish into thin air. So, what can you do when you’re faced with the deafening silence of no response? Here are some strategies to navigate the resume dead zone: Understanding the Process: Receiving no response to your job applications can be disheartening. However, it’s essential to remember that the lack of response is often not a reflection of your abilities but rather a common occurrence in today’s competitive job market. A 10% to 20% is considered an average response rate for an application-to-interview ratio. Pay no attention to job postings that show how many other applicants have applied to the job, as most of them are completely unqualified.  Follow Up Strategically: If you’ve submitted a resume and haven’t heard back after about a week, follow up with the employer. Craft a polite and concise email expressing your continued interest in the position and inquiring about the status of your application. Most postings will show the name of the person who posted it. Look them up on LinkedIn and InMail them or find their work email to send a follow-up note. Keep your follow-up professional and respectful, avoiding any tone of desperation or frustration. Resume Optimization: If you consistently receive no response to your applications, it may be time to revisit and optimize your resume. Ensure that your resume is tailored to each job application, highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences. Use keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catching the attention of hiring managers. Seek Feedback: If you’re repeatedly facing silence from employers, consider seeking feedback on your resume and application materials. Reach out to mentors, career coaches, or trusted colleagues for constructive feedback on how you can improve your resume and overall job search strategy. Sometimes, an outside perspective can provide valuable insights that help you refine your approach. Stay Positive and Persistent: In the face of silence, it’s crucial to maintain a positive mindset and stay persistent in your job search efforts. Remember that rejection is a natural part of the process, and even for great candidates, it can take a couple months of job searching to get good traction. Keep refining your resume, honing your process, and applying to new opportunities with determination and resilience. 😊

We're excited to announce that BridgeView has been ranked among the top 5 in the Medium Category by Denver Business Journal's Best Places to Work! A huge thank you to all our partners who played a role in making this honor possible.

Insider Tips: Finding the Hidden Job Market Yes, there is a hidden job market. There are always unadvertised jobs that employers choose not to post or make public. This happens frequently due to budget constraints, the need for discretion to replace an existing employee, or a preference for internal hires and referrals. Networking: Building strong professional relationships is essential. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums or groups, and connect with professionals in your field on platforms like LinkedIn. Often, job openings are shared within these networks before they’re publicly advertised. Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in your desired field or at companies of interest. Requesting informational interviews can provide valuable insights into potential job openings that haven’t been made public yet. It also helps you build relationships with insiders who may inform you of upcoming opportunities. Utilize Social Media: Beyond LinkedIn, leverage other social media platforms like X and Facebook. Follow companies you’re interested in and engage with their content, as some companies announce job openings exclusively on their social media channels or through their employees’ networks.  Industry Events and Conferences: Attend conferences, workshops, and trade shows related to your industry. These events are not only great for networking,  but also for learning about companies that might be hiring. Additionally, companies often sponsor such events and use them as opportunities to scout for talent. Professional Associations: Join professional associations relevant to your industry. These associations often have job boards or newsletters that feature exclusive job listings for members. Moreover, participating in association events or committees can help you connect with professionals who may know about hidden job opportunities. Alumni Networks: Tap into the networks of your alma mater. Reach out to alumni who are working in your desired industry or at companies you’re interested in. Alumni networks can be valuable sources of insider information and referrals. Agency Recruiters: Identify and connect with multiple reputable recruiters specializing in your field. These recruiters cultivate strong ties with company leaders, HR professionals, and hiring managers, entrusted with sourcing top-tier talent for available positions. Most VP and C-level roles are not posted and companies exclusively use executive search firms to find candidates.  Customized Job Search Alerts: Set up personalized job alerts on job search websites and company career pages. Some openings may only be posted on a company’s site, so tailored alerts can ensure you don’t miss out. Contract Work: Consider taking on a contract assignment within your industry. Many companies use contract positions as a way to evaluate potential full-time hires or to fill immediate needs without going through a formal hiring process.

Do’s and Don’ts for Applying to Jobs DO Follow-up After Applying to a Job  After applying for a role that you’re excited about, follow-up with the person that posted the job. Most postings will show the name of the person who posted it. Look them up on LinkedIn and InMail them or find their work email to send a follow-up note. The message should be short and to the point, confirming they have received your resume and hopefully reviewed it. This small gesture ensures your resume was at least reviewed in consideration for the role and most people appreciate the professional follow-up.   DON’T Limit Your Search to just job postings   Many often get caught up just searching for job postings on LinkedIn and Indeed, and end up getting discouraged about the lack of postings that fit their requirements. An alternative approach is to create a list of ten companies where you would love to work. They often have roles open that are not posted. Check your LinkedIn connections for former co-workers or friends that currently work there to try to get referred to HR for a conversation. DO Leverage Hidden Resources  Look beyond the major job boards. There are several niche technology focused job boards that have somewhat hidden job postings. These include Built In, Wellfound, Hired, CrunchBoard, StackOverflow, and Blind. DON’T Just Consider Full-Time Jobs  Expand your options by considering contract job opportunities, which can more than double the amount of job postings to apply for. Most contract positions offer a foot in the door with great companies and they can frequently lead to a full-time role. It’s a good idea to partner with a couple of staffing firms that can help present contract job opportunities, where you’ll most likely have a better chance landing an interview versus applying directly. DO Network Creatively  Think outside traditional networking. Sometimes, unexpected venues and methods lead to the most beneficial connections. Local events often offer an authenticity that’s hard to replicate online. Conferences, virtual events, webinars, and industry events are also a great place to start conversations. Don’t forget about your alma mater’s alumni association, as they frequently will have a community of professionals from various fields and some in hiring positions. DON’T Always Apply Through a Job Board  While job boards are useful, applying directly through a company’s career page can be more effective. This ensures your resume will be parsed directly into the company’s applicant tracking systems and it also sets up a scenario where you can directly follow-up with the company. Reaching out to the hiring manager or HR reps at companies you’re interested in working for can be a great way to tap into the hidden job market and make contacts. Taking the initiative to cold pitch, when done thoughtfully, shows that you’re a proactive and engaged job seeker, which are qualities that companies highly value.