For individuals in transition between jobs, this is the time to practice your virtual interview skills. Here are some helpful tips for a successful virtual interview. First, prepare an introduction (approximately one minute long). Next, prepare yourself to answer the following questions:

• Why are you the right fit for the organization? What about your attributes and experiences makes you the best candidate for the role?
• What is a succinct example that illustrates you have the qualities needed to make a difference and contribute towards the organization’s success?

Record yourself three times. Then watch your recordings and pick the best one to send to colleagues for review. Pinterest and Instagram are wonderful resources to find information as to what to wear and what to say.

These guidelines will help prepare you for a virtual interview or a phone interview. Just like preparing for an in-person interview, you need to think ahead. In these times, you also need to consider your virtual presence

Using social media tools can help individuals feel engaged with the outside world. Posting items can open the door to your world and that of others – helping to make and to keep connections. Posting personal pictures of pets, flowers, and food items are fun ways for individuals to enjoy a connection with another person, even if only virtually. Many people also find that asking for help or posting questions for reactions is useful.

As a consultant and a coach with a home office, I have found keeping work separate from non-office life to be important. With 24 hours in a day, work at home can easily spill over to personal time at home. Keeping a schedule with defined hours of work and non-work time can be helpful. Additionally helpful is having a separate office space (even if it’s small) in order to keep papers and work items in one area. Scheduling client calls and returning calls during your “office hours” keeps boundaries in place and prevents burnout.

I started my consulting and coaching practice after being a successful salesperson working in an office environment. To stay positive, I read an inspiration quote the first thing every morning. This helped keep me motivated by having an upbeat attitude. Every evening, I made a list of goals and set them out for the next day. To me, it was important to take time out of the office by having lunch with a friend or client once a week. Now, in these times with restrictions due to the coronavirus, I take two walks a day and have a lunch break. I find these practices especially helpful during these unsettling times.

Below are 7 rules to use that will help ensure a successful conference call:

1. Schedule the call with a minimum of one week of notice unless it is an emergency meeting (24 hours or less can be scheduled by telephone or by text depending upon the participants).
2. Send a clear agenda and ask for approval or change requests to be submitted within 24 hours of the scheduled meeting date.
3. Provide instructions as to the login and the code needed for login.
4. Set up clear instructions at the beginning of the call regarding using the mute button.
5. Set up guidelines for using the speaker phone setting on the call.
6. Confirm all parties are present at the opening of the call. Also confirm the time allotted for the meeting.
7. Have a wrap up of the meeting approximately 3-5 minutes before the close of the meeting.

Colors have different hues and tones. Imagine the color pink. Pink is red with white added–more red or white will cause it to be darker or lighter. Pink with a drop of yellow can become peach. For individuals with olive skin tones, peach may be a color to avoid, as it can give a washed-out skin look. To test a color, put the color next to your face. If it adds color, the hue works; if it washes the color from the face, add more color to the face (make-up or lipstick) to make the color of the item work. Colors add pop and style. They can bring attention or vibrancy or can take away and make individuals look washed out and tired.

Leggings are making their way into the world of professional dress. Legging-style pants provide a very slim pant that does not hug the calf and falls easy around the ankle. Business casual leggings do slightly hug the calf. Dress leggings don’t have a seam running the length of the leg. Tight leggings are strictly for casual wear and workouts. Athletic leggings have several seams in order to withstand high stress workouts. Being aware of the different styles of leggings, and legging style pants, is critical to properly dress for casual, business casual, and professional situations.

Suit jackets for both men and women have been making a comeback the past few years. I love jackets because they add a finishing touch to an outfit. The men’s fashion industry has started making high-end separates. This means jackets and pants can be purchased separately. Being able to wear the jacket separately, but still use it as a suit with the matching pants, makes the purchase more economical. Suit jackets have a more structured design; casual blazers have a more relaxed fit.

Women’s wear has been introducing the jacket in many forms. They range from hip length to ¾ length (duster jackets). Sleeves now in most jackets are often ¾ lengths. Sleeves falling to the wrists are still a preference for a more professional presence. Jackets are easy to buy separately and versatile to wear with pants, skirts, or dresses. They can even be used as outerwear. Jackets can add polish. They are an important part of your wardrobe.

I have just become a fan of carrying a backpack. I prefer a slim backpack, not a large bulky one. For many years, I carried small bags, large bags, or purses and used a briefcase as a carry all. Using a backpack for everyday is a workable all-in-one solution. A backpack can easily be carried and many of them feature a small pocket in the front (with easy access) for a cell phone and keys. They are deep enough to house a portfolio. Some backpacks, like the Tumi travel backpack I carry, have white linings inside, making it easy to see and grab an item. Backpacks also can be carried on one shoulder and allow the freedom to use two hands. They also free up your hands if you like to carry another bag. Slim backpacks fit close to the body and do not hit someone’s face or body when you turn around. In short, when considering your next carry all for work, consider a backpack.

How does one get better at a skill? Is it meeting new people? Discovering how best to feel good about oneself? Or simply learning? Doing something new that brings a fresh element in view is the impetus for growth and change. I will always remember Wayne Dwyer’s talk about growing and expanding our circle. This can mean going to a new restaurant, trying something new at a favorite restaurant, or going to an event where no one knows you. This brings me to my first effort as a new golfer. At first, golfing with new people, especially good golfers, terrified me. Being brand new to golf, I dreaded playing in front of other people and I lacked confidence. For one year, I played at different golf courses where golfers didn’t know me. When I didn’t have the time to play on the course, the driving range became my best friend. Whether trying something new or strengthening a skill, finding a way to practice in a space where no one knows you can be helpful.