Top 8 Tips for Virtual Interviews
As technology continues to evolve, the workplace has been quick to follow suit, adopting new innovations that save time and increase efficiency. Fifty percent of employers surveyed by the Society for Human Resource Management said they use virtual interviews as one way to narrow their applicant pool. Video conferencing software, such as Zoom, Teams and Webex has helped recruiters reach a more diverse, global group of candidates, and offers a cost-effective way to screen prospective hires.
Due to current events and the sudden need to bring many positions, online interviews have become a necessity when traditional interviews cannot take place face-to-face. Many professionals are now working from home or pursuing new positions remotely, and the hiring process has become increasingly virtual as a result.
Mastering the virtual interview is often one of the first steps toward a follow-up interview and subsequent employment. Here’s how you can increase the likelihood that an employer asks you to come in for round two of an interview.
A video interview often follows the style of a traditional, in-person interview, although there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Below are eight tips to help you prepare for your next video interview.
How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview
1. Test Your Technology
First impressions are critical when it comes to potential new hires, and hiring managers are making observations early on during a virtual interview.
Avoid potential technical glitches by testing your equipment before the call. If your video conferencing software produces grainy visuals or muffled audio, it might be time to invest in an external webcam or microphone. You should also secure your internet connection. Nothing stifles conversation quite like a call dropped mid-persuasion point.
2. Keep Your Virtual Identity Professional
In today’s digital world, your email address or username are often your first impression. Don’t give the hiring manager a reason to question your professionalism before they even meet you by providing a once-hilarious email address you still might be using.
Keep your email and usernames simple. Try different combinations of your first, middle, and last name, or leverage industry keywords if you’re stuck. Also, avoid utilizing symbols and the numbers one and zero, which look like letters depending on the font and can cause confusion during outreach.
3. Dress for Success
Projecting professionalism goes beyond your email address and username.
For virtual meetings, dress as though you are preparing for an in-person interview. Wear your best business attire. Also, avoid any overpowering patterns or flashy accessories so as not to divert the employer’s attention from your expertise. You should be the focus of the interview, not your wardrobe.
4. Create a Set
The color of your backdrop can also help determine what to wear for a virtual interview. If possible, sit in front of a blank background, so that you remain the focal point. If your house is void of empty walls, set up in your home office or living room—whichever area looks the most businesslike.
Always make sure the space is clean before embarking on a video call; the messier the background, the harder it is to convince a hiring manager of how detail-oriented and organized you are as an employee.
Lastly, check your lighting. Sitting near a window works best, as the best way not to appear washed out is to keep the light in front of you.
5. Monitor Your Body Language
Unfortunately, that firm handshake and enthusiasm you typically greet employers with during an in-person interview won’t translate via video. Instead, convey confidence through your body language. Sit up straight, smile, and keep the camera at eye level to avoid looking up or down. Research shows that employers are more likely to remember what you said if you maintain eye contact, so be sure to keep your eyes focused on the camera—not the screen image of the hiring manager—as you converse.
Write your talking points on Post-it notes. You can then place those notes on your computer screen to avoid shuffling papers or clicking around during the call.
6. Eliminate Distractions
Virtual interviews come with a slew of distractions you wouldn’t normally have to deal with when you travel into an employer’s office. Be sure to do what you can to eliminate these potential interruptions on your end prior to beginning the video call.
Turn off the TV, silence your cell phone, and close the window to muffle any honking horns or blaring sirens. While you can’t plan for every distraction—particularly if you have children—the more prepared you can be, the better.
7. Practice Answers to Common Interview Questions
There is no way to know exactly what a hiring manager will ask, but there are some common interview questions you can prepare for. Consider prepping answers to ensure you put your best foot forward on camera. Anticipate questions based on the role you are applying for. Make sure you have prepared your 30 second elevator speech about your personal brand and why they should strongly consider hiring you. Be precise in your answers and try not to ramble.
8. Don’t Forget to Follow Up
Treat the video interview as you would an in-person meeting and properly follow up. Within 24 hours of the meeting, send something that will create an impression like a reference article you discussed in the interview. If there is a question you wish you had answered differently or a point you wanted to elaborate on, here’s your chance. Just keep the email concise.