Virtual interviews have become the norm for applicants in the past few years. This trend has been growing even when applying for a virtual or office job.
With that in mind, nailing this interview is essential. You need to know the many nuances and differences between a personal, phone, and virtual interview.
If you want to increase your chances of being hired through a virtual interview, there are certain things that you need to know. In this guide, you learn more about how to succeed in virtual job interviews and how you can navigate through them.
Prepare Your Technology
Before you commit to a virtual interview, you need to make sure that you have the right equipment to conduct it.
Ensure you have a computer, a clear camera, a microphone, and a stable internet connection. Try to test your setup first by calling a friend to see if everything is perfectly set up.
This is also a good way for you to avoid any technical issues during your interview. Once that is done, familiarize yourself with the software to be used for the interview.
You can check out Skype, Discord, or Zoom if the employer requires you to download the program before the interview. In case of any technical issues, always have a backup plan, especially with your internet connection.
Choose a Quiet Environment
Since most virtual job interviews are done within the confines of your home, you must also choose an area within your home that does not get disturbed often.
Choose a quiet environment so you can properly conduct your interview. Make sure that it is also a well-lit place as well as an area that can help you focus.
Try to eliminate any background clutter when you’re testing out the software.
If you have the option, you can always use a virtual background when you’re being interviewed so you don’t have to move around the things behind you.
Dress Appropriately
Even if it is just a virtual job interview and you’re not meant to go out of your home, you still need to dress appropriately as if you are going to an in-person interview.
Professional attire shows respect for the interview and demonstrates that you are taking the interview very seriously.
Avoid using bright colors during the interview as it can produce glare on the screen. Stick to earthy colors so that the interview is focused on you and not what you’re wearing for the entire duration.
Show Up on Time
Another tip that you need to remember is that it is still an interview and you still need to be respectful of everyone’s time.
Be sure to show up a few minutes before the said interview schedule.
Log in to the program a few minutes before the said interview and try to enter a video chat with your friend first to see if everything is working perfectly.
Calm Down and Have a List of Topics to Go Over
Interviews are always very stressful. There are so many things that go over your head before and during the interview. The best thing to do about this anxiety is to try and calm down.
Practice answering common interview questions and prepare yourself mentally. You might want to do some breathing exercises before you start the interview to calm down and center yourself.
Even if the interview is all about getting the job, you can always list down topics to go over with your potential employer.
This can help alleviate some of the tension that you might be feeling especially if you want to clarify some things during your discussion.
Look at the Interview in the Eye
Eye contact is always very important, especially in an online setting where it can be very difficult to truly look someone in the eye.
Instead of looking at the interviewer on your screen, look directly into the camera to stay engaged with the interviewer and the conversation.
It can be quite tricky to do this but you can always practice with a friend to see if it looks awkward for you. Think of it as you’re taking a selfie but instead of a photo, you are taking a long video talking about yourself.
Wear Earphones Instead
You might be tempted to use the speaker and the microphone during the interview as it is less of a hassle for you.
However, you might consider wearing earphones instead. This can help you hear yourself even if you are alone inside your room or home.
By listening to yourself, you can gauge the loudness of your voice when you’re answering the interviewer.
An earphone can also lessen any audio distraction so invest in a noise-canceling earphone before you do the virtual job interview.
Log Off Before You Do Anything Else
Once the interview is done, be sure that you officially log off before you do anything else.
Many people often make the mistake of not logging off and doing something else, like commenting on how they did with the interview.
Most of the time, the video call has not yet ended, and the interviewer is still on the call.
You do not want to make such a mistake as it can cost you the entire application. Ensure that you’re fully logged off first before you even stand up from the interview.
Follow Up
After the interview, you can show your interest by sending a message or an email to the interviewer.
This shows that you appreciate the opportunity they have offered. You don’t want to be too aggressive or passive with your application.
Before you end the interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions.
Go ahead and ask for clarification. A few days later, after the interview, follow up with a brief thank you message.
Conclusion
Preparation and a good setup are key to success in a virtual job interview. Follow the tips mentioned above to ensure that you leave a good impression. Remember to practice common interview questions and prepare for everything. Good luck with your virtual job interview.
