Now is not an ideal time to be engaged in a job search. Companies are closing left and right, and unemployment is at an all-time high. In addition to the economic free fall, you are now searching for a job when people are not even in their offices. Forget about face-to-face interactions, much less a nice firm handshake.

College students and professionals alike are feeling the heat. Despite the difficulties, don’t let social distancing ruin your job search. Keep reading for some proactive tips on how to interview during a recession.

Finding an Interview During a Recession

The reality is that interviewing will be brutal in the short term. Companies are under unprecedented stress. The most proactive thing you can do right now is to lay the groundwork for when things are better.

• Tap into everyone in your network. Let them know you are looking. Ask for leads. With the amount of uncertainty on the table, companies will be shifting things around in the near months. Take advantage of the opportunity, but remember to be sympathetic, as the people you’re asking may be going through their own job struggles.
• Network aggressively on LinkedIn. Comment on people who post on LinkedIn to get noticed during a time when face-to-face interactions aren’t possible. Write articles about your niche, and don’t be afraid to reach out first.
• Check your tech. Use this time to make sure you have the appropriate apps and technology for when you interview remotely. Practice using different video chat platforms because not every company uses the same one. Find a place in your house that is well-lit and distraction-free to conduct your future interviews.

Interview Tips

When the actual interview comes, be ready with these helpful tools.

• Be your own salesman. Companies who are hiring during a recession need to know how an investment in you will pay off for them. Think beyond what you say in a typical interview to show the hiring manager what you will bring to the table during these trying times.
• Be flexible. Although your dream position may not be available in the near future, look for other career paths, industries, and companies where your skills could still be applicable. When interviewing, be ready to explain how your particular skill set can be an asset to the company, even if you don’t have experience in that designated field.
• Be as personable as possible. Don’t let the virtual interview send all niceties out the window. Make eye contact, smile often, and engage as much as possible to demonstrate your keen interest.

Remember, whether you are a college student who has lost an internship or a seasoned C-suite executive whose company hit hardship, better times are ahead. Be kind on yourself during this time. No American is immune to the economic effects of this crisis, and hiring managers will understand. For more information, check out this guide for job hunting during a recession.