Virtual conferencing platforms, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangouts, have become increasingly popular over the last 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Not only as a way to stay in contact with your colleagues but also to hold virtual job interviews.
Many professionals are still working from home, but companies are still looking to hire new employees into their business. Meaning the job interview process has become increasingly virtual.
As this may be a new experience for most of us. We have come up with a few virtual interview tips, that will give you a better chance of getting the job.
Virtual Interview tips :
Prepare as you would for an in-person interview
Just because your interview is happening over a virtual platform, doesn’t mean it’s not a real interview. Other than planning your route to travel, you still need to prepare how you would if you were going into the office.
You can do this by researching the company, the role, and preparing answers for common interview questions. Also, make a note of a few questions you want to ask at the end of the interview.
Interviewers will appreciate, as well as expect you to have taken the time to research their company, what they do, and what their values are.
Test your tech
When it is time for your virtual interview, you don’t want to be hit with any technical problems. So you must test and prepare your device beforehand. Make sure your camera is on and clear, you have a strong internet connection, your microphone is working, and that you are in a place with no distractions.
This may sound obvious, but checking all of this beforehand will reduce the chances of you having any technical problems that could make you late, or have an impact on your interview.
Dress for success
The majority of employers will expect you to dress smart and look professional, even if it is for a virtual interview. But this is not always the case, some companies prefer a more casual look.
The best advice we have for this is to check with the employer. In your interview confirmation, is there any mention of what you should wear? If not, there is no harm in throwing something smart on.
Avoid any distractions
When meeting with the interviewer in person, they are in charge of the physical setting. But for a virtual interview, you are. Make sure you make a good impression with your physical shot.
Find a quiet place in your home, and set up in front of a neutral background. This can either be a blank wall, or a room without a lot of distracting clutter. This will make sure that the interviewer is solely focused on you, and not distracted by what is behind you.
Make notes
Because the interviewer won’t be able to see everything you have on your desk (or even your computer screen), you might be tempted to have lots of information in front of you. But you need to be careful. We recommend that you have a few key simple notes, that you can glance at, to help answer your questions.
Write down key snippets and figures you want to refer to, not full sentences of answers. The best interviews are always the ones that have engaging conversations, which will be tough if you are just reading pre-written answers.
Monitor your body language
Unfortunately with a virtual interview, the firm handshake and enthusiasm you typically greet employers with, won’t translate in a virtual interview.
Instead, show your confidence and enthusiasm through your body language. Maintain a good posture, stay engaged, smile, and keep the camera at eye level.
Ask questions
At the end of almost every interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. The easy response is “no”, but that does not mean it is always right.
By asking questions about the role and the company, it gives you another chance to show the employer your enthusiasm about getting the job. But, it is also a chance for you to ask some important questions about your career.
Think about what is important to you, if you decide to work for this company. Career progression opportunities? Also, do some research and ask about specific things that you’ve seen and read.
We recommend you prepare a few important questions that you would like to ask, and have them ready to ask at the end of the interview. This will allow you to get the answers to some important questions, which could be the deciding factor in your decision if you are offered the job.
Have a virtual interview coming up soon? Follow these virtual interview tips, to make sure you get the job!
If you are looking for a new role, check out our latest roles. Also head to our blogs page where you can find more interview tips and career advice.