This year's 2021 Grads to Candidates virtual panel features employers like @CVSHealth, @VertexPharma, and @Pinterest. Follow along to see what insights they have to share with #newgrads preparing to embark on their careers in today's job market.

"One of the largest challenges [new grads are facing] is that changes in the job application process… are new to both the organizations and the candidates. Everyone’s learning at the same time," says Ashley Jefferson, Sr. Manager of Early Career & Talent Outreach, @VertexPharma.

When it comes to virtual interviewing, what can a candidate do to make a strong first impression? “Don’t forget the interpersonal components just because it’s on video," says Andréa Juliano, Program Manager, Corporate University Relations at @CVSHealth. (1/2)

Virtual interviewing "can be off-putting… but it’s important to be prepared to be yourself and to have a conversation," notes Andréa. "I’ve seen a lot of candidates who come off as too rigid or too rehearsed on video." (2/2)

“Test your audio and video in advance… and get comfortable with that,” says Adriana Garcia, University Recruiter, @Pinterest. “The tech piece is a big aspect [of virtual interviewing]." #InterviewTips

“Always be prepared [for virtual interviews], as you would in person. Do your research on the organization— don’t ask questions that you can find on the front page of their website or career site," says Ashley Jefferson, Sr. Manager, @VertexPharma. (1/2)

Additionally, Ashley reminds #newgrads that virtual interviews allow you to leverage tools you might not have access to otherwise. "You can have a cheat sheet in front of you that you wouldn’t have [in-person] necessarily." Take advantage of that! (2/2)

Shadé Zahrai, Career Performance Educator & Director at Influenceo Global, summarizes the most important virtual #interviewtips from our panelists:
1. Prepare as you would for an in-person interview
2. Test audio/video
3. Dress appropriately
4. Be aware of the background you use

What questions can you ask to impress future interviewers? Ashley Jefferson, Sr. Manager of Early Career & Talent Outreach at @VertexPharma, shares some of his favorites:

“What need can I fill on your team?"
"How can I best help you reach your goals?"

Andréa Juliano, Program Manager at @CVSHealth, echoes Ashley's thoughts and adds that it can be helpful to look to the future. Asking what the team/company's goals are a couple years out shows that “you’re interested & invested in helping [them] achieve that success."