These 7 virtual interview tips will help land you the job in no time.
With so many companies and job seekers following virus safety protocols, virtual job interviews are on the rise. Here are 7 virtual interview tips to consider to help you navigate your next remote interview:
1. Test Your Technology
While technology advancements allow employers and potential employees to connect during this time of social distancing, sometimes that technology becomes an issue. Make sure you have a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection that will not fail in the middle of the interview. Also, make sure that your device is fully charged and that you have an alternate power source ready. Portable power banks or nearby electrical outlets can be interview-savers.
2. Remove Distractions
With so many job seekers applying from home, removing distractions can be difficult, but it is important to limit them as much as possible. Find a quiet place in your house, like a bedroom or dining room, where you can control the noise during the interview. Control house traffic by limiting access to the room by others, including family, roommates, and your pet. Even though your interviewer may be understanding, it changes the rhythm of the interview, and you may not leave as favorable an impression as you would have otherwise.
3. Focus On the Interviewer
Even though the interviewer is not in the room with you, she can still see you, so look at her during the interview! Position your computer, tablet, or phone so that it is at eye level with the camera in front of you. This can be done by sitting the device on a stable stack of boxes or books to raise it.
4. Dress Professionally
Virtual job interviews are still job interviews, so show the interviewer respect. Dress as professionally as you would for an in-person interview at the company. This not only shows that you are taking the interview seriously, but it can also help put you, as the interviewee, in the right frame of mind.
5. Preparation is Key
Do as much research on the company as you would with any other interview. Having information on any recent new releases, product innovations, or company location openings shows you are truly interested in what the company is doing. Be ready with your elevator pitch so that you can highlight your “good fit” skills in 30-90 seconds. Have you searched the internet for common interview questions and prepared your answers for them? If not, do that before the interview, and practice your answers so they don’t sound rehearsed. Lastly, have a few questions ready for them! You will not be able to ask them all, but questions like “What are the next steps?” or “How is success measured in the first 90 days at this job?” shows interest in the job and provides helpful insight into the company’s hiring and evaluation process.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice
Nothing beats practice when you want to make a good impression during a virtual interview. Conduct a test run by looking at the camera in selfie mode to see how you appear on the screen. Don’t forget to check your lighting! Lighting should be slightly above and in front of you and just off to the side. Next, check your background. Is it too busy or distracting with clutter? Organize the visible area so only a few key items are present and distractions are minimized. Virtual backgrounds are nice if you can get them to work correctly. Be sure to test it! Lastly, check your body language. Remember that just as in an in-person interview, posture is important, so sit up straight, make eye contact, and be conscious of things like crossed arms or blank stares. These non-verbal cues can speak louder than words.
7. Follow Up
Follow-up is the first step you take after the interview is completed. Since this interview is remote, follow-up is also done remotely. Handwritten notes are generally the most memorable way to follow-up, as it gives a personal touch, but email is also acceptable and very quick. A thank-you note should be sent to each interviewer. This is a great chance to remind them of your interest in the job and highlight any qualifications you mentioned in your interview that make you a good fit for the position.
Hopefully, using these 7 virtual interview tips will help make your virtual interview a success. The more at ease and memorable you are, the better your chances to get an offer from the job you desire. Good luck with your job search!
Author: Sharon Daniels-McCabe