What do you do if your virtual interview in business operations is not going as planned?

2 Assess Issues

Quickly assess what's going wrong in your virtual interview. Is it a poor internet connection, malfunctioning software, or something else within your control? Identifying the issue is the first step to finding a solution. If it's a technical problem, try the classic "turn it off and on again" method or check if all cables are properly connected. For software issues, ensure you have the latest version installed or that you're using the correct platform. If the problem persists, inform the interviewer and suggest alternatives like a phone call.

3 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is paramount when dealing with disruptions during a virtual interview. If you need to troubleshoot, let the interviewer know what's happening and what you're doing to resolve it. This transparency builds trust and shows you're proactive. Should an unexpected interruption occur, like noise from construction or an unwelcome guest appearance, apologize briefly and explain how you'll mitigate the distraction. This demonstrates your ability to manage and communicate effectively in remote work situations.

4 Stay Focused

Despite any issues, it's important to maintain focus on the interview. If you've managed to resolve the problem, quickly refocus on the questions at hand. If you're still dealing with interruptions, concentrate on giving concise and relevant answers. Remember, your goal is to showcase your skills and experience in business operations. Don't let the issues at hand overshadow your qualifications. Your ability to stay on topic during stressful situations will highlight your professionalism.

5 Propose Alternatives

If technical issues are insurmountable and are impeding the flow of the interview, don't hesitate to propose alternatives. Suggest rescheduling the interview or continuing via another method such as a phone call or a different video conferencing platform. This shows your flexibility and willingness to find solutions, which are valuable skills in business operations. It also demonstrates respect for the interviewer's time by not prolonging a situation that isn't conducive to a productive conversation.

6 Reflect Positively

After addressing any issues, it's important to reflect positively on the situation. Use this as an opportunity to show how you can turn challenges into learning experiences. Highlight how your quick thinking and problem-solving skills came into play, which are essential in business operations roles. This positive framing can turn a potentially negative situation into a testament to your resilience and adaptability, traits that are highly valued in today's dynamic work environment.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?