What job seekers need to know about digital body language

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The first episode of the podcast focuses on digital body language, which is a much larger topic than the name implies. Erica Dhawan is the author of Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance. She told me that digital body language is all the choices you make when interacting with people online — from the messaging platform you use to the punctuation you put at the end of sentences.

“With our digital shift in work, body language hasn't disappeared. It is just transformed,” said Dhawan. “We now infuse what I call digital body language, which are all of the cues and signals that make up the subtext of our messages now.”

I encourage you to listen to the whole episode, but you can find the transcript here. Also, I’ve highlighted some of Dhawan’s key points for job seekers below!

What’s the secret to sending successful messages as a job seeker?

Dhawan: Remember when it's appropriate to err on the side of formality, be succinct, be to the point, have a very clear subject line in an email, or in an InMail of exactly what you're looking for. Did you get to the point quickly or did you send long prose that really no one wants to read in today's world where everyone is busy? So remember to be thoughtful based on the power and based on the fact that there's low trust… Make sure you have a clear subject line that specifically answers what you need from them so they can help support you. Try to avoid phrases like, ‘How's the weather?’ Or, ‘How are you?’ And get to the point.

What should job seekers know about video interviews?

Dhawan: Let's be honest, video interviews are now the norm, not the exception. And so remember that the first impression looks different… So a couple of key tips. First of all, if you haven't yet, be thoughtful and get a $50 webcam and light. Remember this is like the new dressing up at work. It can either make or break executive presence. Secondly, when you're trying to connect with someone, especially for the first time in a Zoom interview, actually look into the camera… Make sure that your positioning is set up. You're far away enough where people can see some of your hand gestures, but they can also still see your facial expressions. Third, be prepared.

How can job seekers navigate differences in digital communication between generations?

Dhawan: If you're a digital adapter, but you want to get hired by a digital native, your inclination would be to hit the phones if you haven't heard from them by email, or call them and leave a voicemail. But for that digital native, it may be much more efficient to actually find them on a social media channel, direct message them, engage with them there, and build a relationship. Or make sure you have that thoughtful email with a clear subject line and three bullet points about what you need. And I would say that digital natives tend to skew younger. But I also know 50-year-olds that are digital natives, and 30-year-olds that feel like digital adapters and love to get on the phone.

The above quotes have been edited for length and clarity. You can listen to the full conversation by clicking here.

How do you navigate digital body language as a job seeker? Join the conversation.

▶ Coming up on #GetHired Live

We have several great discussions coming up on #GetHired Live, including a conversation with Deepak Chopra. Click here or the image below to RSVP for that discussion that will take place on Friday, March 4, at 12 p.m. ET. We’ll also be chatting with Eric Stephens during an audio event at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 3. You can click here or the image below to RSVP for that conversation.

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• How can you get hired as an older job seeker? Ageism is a very real problem in the job market. Fortunately, there are steps that older job seekers can take to overcome obstacles that others throw in their way, according to The Wall Street Journal. Those include updating your resume and positioning yourself as a mentor. Here’s what people are saying about those tactics.

▶ Lessons learned:

Need a crash course in job seeking? This LinkedIn Learning course offers some great bite-size lessons on how to find your next gig. You can watch the course below or by clicking here.

▶ Up next:

Wealth means different things to different people. In the next edition of #GetHired, we’ll hear from Deepak Chopra about his new book that focuses on cultivating a life of abundance. Specifically, he shows us how to focus on non-monetary wealth to help weather difficult times in our lives. You won’t want to miss it!