Topic: Morgan Hossack joined White Marble Marketing in August 2020 as a Digital Marketing Assistant. We took 5 minutes out to get her view on what it was like to start her career – while in the middle of a global pandemic.
How did you find online interviews?
Similar to the many other graduates of 2020, I was worried about my career prospects, the lack of job opportunities and the employment struggles that COVID-19 would present. Fortunately, during the midst of the pandemic I was able to land myself a job at White Marble Marketing as a Digital Marketing Assistant. However, due to the social distancing measures, the interview process was not quite what I was used to… All interviews were held online via Zoom, which definitely is far from what I anticipated for my entry into the job market!
Although I wasn’t able to meet my team face to face until weeks after I was hired (at a distance of course), the interview process was fantastic and showed just how quickly White Marble Marketing were able to adapt to the circumstances. Additionally, the process was both comfortable and enjoyable, as many of us have become increasingly understanding of all of the Zoom mishaps, such as un-expected knock at the door, the dog kicking up a fuss and barking the house down or any annoying Wi-Fi issues.
What was it like to start remotely?
While I was initially apprehensive about the prospect of onboarding remotely, I was pleasantly surprised with how smoothly it went. In the weeks leading up to my start date, I received my work laptop in the post and before I knew it I was all set up and ready to start my job. During my first couple of weeks my diary was filled with 1:1s with members of the team, which helped me to get to know everybody, as well as to help me to settle in. In addition, any questions I had were quickly answered, which allowed for efficient and effective training.
Have you been to the office subsequently?
After a quiet and unusually peaceful commute into London, I was looking forward to my first day in the office which was spent with just two other members of the team. After many Zoom meetings, messages and calls, it was great to finally meet my manager and another member of my team face-to-face. Additionally, due to the hygiene and safety precautions that were put into place by White Marble, I felt more than comfortable heading into the office. As many of us know, working from home has its benefits, but it definitely felt great to have a change of scenery, speedy Wi-Fi and unlimited free tea and coffee in the office! Therefore, although there is no pressure from White Marble, I will be heading into the office at least once or twice a week. I also hope that when my colleagues are comfortable to do so, they will join me for a socially distanced cup of coffee and a catch-up in the office kitchen.