Phone and video interviews became particularly frequent during the COVID-19 pandemic when governments around the world issued social distancing guidelines to limit the spread of the virus. As and after these guidelines ease, likely, many companies will continue to rely on virtual interviewing to make hiring decisions. So, in this article, we review the best ways to be successful during a virtual interview.
What is a virtual interview?
A virtual interview is an interview that takes place remotely, at times over the phone, but frequently using technology like video conferencing and other online communication platforms. Virtual interviews are often conducted just the same way as face-to-face interviews. All things considered, virtual communication requires special considerations and adjustments due to the limited ability to read body language and facial expressions.
Here are 8 tips to set yourself up for success during a virtual interview:
1. Test your technology in advance
A virtual interview requires devices like a camera and microphone on your computer, a software application (such as Google Meet, Zoom, or Skype), and a reliable internet connection. At least a day before your virtual interview, check all of your technology to make certain that it works successfully and can be used to communicate effectively. That means having a functional computer that meets technical specifications, downloading any necessary software, and ensuring the connection is strong enough to sustain streaming video.
Half an hour before your interview, check your internet connection and sign in to the video or phone meeting provided by the HR representative or hiring manager. Turn on the sound and video to make certain everything is in working order in time for your conversation.
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2. Wear professional outfit
In a virtual interview, you should dress the very same as you would in a face-to-face interview. Doing so not only makes you appear professional and excited about the opportunity, but it will also make you feel more confident and prepared. When an interview takes place from a remote location like your home, you should expect it to be as formal as the one that takes place in an office. A great outfit example for men and women is a button-down shirt and blazer with pants.
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3. Prepare Beforehand
Similarly, as in any interview, you will get the best results if you take your time to prepare in advance. Just because you are in front of your computer does not mean you should rely on the ability to rapidly look up answers or depend on pre-written answers you can refer to. You should prepare so you can have a natural conversation without clicking around or reading directly from a content, which can seem rehearsed and unnatural.
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Employers may provide you with a list of questions in advance that they want you to answer, which can help you navigate your research. More often, you will be asked to give answers without earlier knowledge of the questions. If this is the case, set up the same way you would for an in-person interview:
- Plan your answers for regularly-asked interview questions
- Research the organization
- Carefully review the job description taking note of your relevant qualifications
- Prepare relevant examples of your experiences and achievements4. Limit distractions
4. Limit distractions
The best spot to take an interview in your home is a peaceful and quiet location with few distractions. Choose a room that is clean and professional-looking so the interviewer can concentrate their attention on you and not what is around you. If you do not have a dedicated office space, you can also use a bedroom or guest bedroom, your kitchen table, or even a cleared-out wardrobe room. Try to place your computer on a table or desk rather than your lap or couch.
Tell people you are sharing space with about the area you will be using for your interview, the hour of your interview, and that you and your peaceful space will be off-limits during that time. Respectfully explain that during this time, the house should stay quiet with limited distractions. If possible, you might also place pets in an assigned room during critical working hours.
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5. Use professional body language
Because interviewing through video or phone limits the ability to communicate with body language, it is important to utilize body language in a clear, professional way. For example, if you get an unexpected question, make sure to remain poised and pause for a moment to collect your thoughts.
Sit up straight and ensure your camera is placed so your face is in the middle of your screen (not an excessive amount of clear space above or below your head). In many interviews, you shake hands with your potential employer at the beginning and the end of the discussion. It’s a very important body language cue that helps you establish the relationship. Instead, track down alternate ways to greet and exude enthusiasm, like smiling and giving a confident wave with eye contact.
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6. Build rapport
Establishing rapport is significant in any business relationship because it allows you to separate yourself from other candidates by building a special personal connection with the interviewer. When you interview in person, your enthusiasm, body language, handshake, and early casual small talk all help you build that connection with your potential employer.
When communicating virtually, it’s still important to find ways to establish rapport. You can do this by being ready to talk about a common interest, asking how your interviewer’s experience has been with virtual interviews, or by discovering some other neutral topic with which to learn more about your interviewer.
7. Be authentic
When interviewing virtually, you have the rare opportunity to speak in an unwinding, relaxing environment and show the interviewer who you are and why you are the best person for the job. Recruiters will look for how you communicate yourself to understand whether you are a good fit for the company. Use tools like your body language, facial expressions, and interview preparations to convey your confidence and character as it relatesto the position.
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8. Follow up
After your interview, plan to send an all-around coordinated follow-up. It’s a great practice to send a follow-up email within 24 hours of an interview, expressing gratitude toward the interviewer for their time and letting them know you are available if they have any additional questions. Reach out to the HR representative or recruiting manager you have been speaking with to get a rundown of your interviewers’ emails.
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