Virtual interviews are becoming more common as employers and candidates adapt to the new reality of remote work. Whether you are applying for a job, a scholarship, or a project, you need to impress your interviewer and stand out from the crowd. Here are some of the most important tips for acing a virtual interview.
Before the interview, make sure you have a quiet, clean, and well-lit space to conduct the conversation. Check your internet connection, camera, microphone, and software, and do a test run with a friend or a coach. Have a backup plan in case of technical issues, such as a phone number or an alternative platform. Also, have your resume, notes, and questions ready on a separate screen or paper.
Good lighting- sitting with a window in front of you rather than behind is so important. Getting your laptop camera at eye level is much more engaging that staring down with your audience listening looking up you nose! Sellotape bullet points of anything you wish to remember at eye level behind your computer as prompts if you get nervous!
Prepare in advance by looking at the company's website, trying to get to know a bit more about the business so that you show some interest and ask meaningful questions in the interview. Make sure you are in a quite room, alone without interruptions so that you don't feel anxious or nervous about anything that might happen during the virtual interview.
Quality ways to ace "Virtual Interviews" is by preparing your surrounding environment such as : 1... Making sure your WIFI connection is strong stable + 2... Wearing presentable clothing with a plain wall background (behind you) + 3... Choose a quiet location - to have NO distracting sounds + 4... To try eat your breakfast or lunch or Dinner, prior to the interview - so that your Body will not cause any physically irritating feelings that could disrupt your Mind Focus on the subject matter + 5... Make sure you have your Notebook and ballpen and any subject literatures that will be relevant to the interview so that you can conveniently look at and talk smoothly time efficient, because most interviews are only by 60.minute sessions
Apart from what was already mentioned, I would also recommend: 1. Checking your background to ensure that the space behind you is neat and professional. Remove any distracting or inappropriate items from view. You can choose to place an object that you would like the audience to ask about as the answer you will give is valuable for the interview. 2. Position yourself facing a natural light source, if possible or use a combination of ambient and artificial light to illuminate your face. 3. Conduct a mock virtual interview to get comfortable with the virtual setting. 4. Position your camera at eye level and it gives the impression of direct eye contact. 5. If you opt for a virtual background, test it beforehand to make sure it works smoothly.
Good lighting- sitting with a window in front of you rather than behind is so important. Getting your laptop camera at eye level is much more engaging that staring down with your audience listening looking up you nose! Sellotape bullet points of anything you wish to remember at eye level behind your computer as prompts if you get nervous!
Even though you are not meeting in person, you still need to dress appropriately for the role and the industry. Avoid wearing anything too flashy, casual, or distracting, and opt for solid colors and neat styles. Dressing professionally will not only show respect and interest to the interviewer, but also boost your confidence and mood. Make sure you also groom yourself well and avoid touching your hair or face during the interview.
Even you are meeting virtually, first impression still matters. A professional outfit indicates that you take the interview seriously and have made an effort to present yourself well. Virtual interviews may lack some of the in-person nuances, but a professional appearance enhances your virtual presence. It contributes to a polished and competent image through the screen. Also , wearing professional attire aligns with the general expectations of a workplace. It reflects your awareness of and respect for the company's culture. And a professional outfit helps minimize visual distractions, allowing the interviewer to focus on your qualifications and responses rather than being distracted by inappropriate clothing.
One of the challenges of virtual interviews is establishing rapport and trust with the interviewer. To overcome this, you need to make eye contact and smile frequently, as if you were in the same room. This will show that you are attentive, friendly, and engaged. To make eye contact, look at the camera, not the screen, and adjust it to your eye level. To smile naturally, think of something positive or funny, or imagine that you are talking to a friend.
In my experience practicing looking at the camera can help. Remember to look away as well so it doesn't become a staring contest. Putting arrows (on sticky notes) pointing at the camera can help to focus your eyes on the camera. Also removing self-view can help as you don't get distracted looking at yourself.
As I have interviewed people for many years, I would recommend the following: - Don't google your answers or search through other sources during the interview. Even the camera is in front of you and you think nobody will observe you searching, that's wrong. They will figure out and that gives a cheating impression. - If you use a second monitor where you have your CV or questions you want to address, make sure that your meeting application is opening on the screen where your camera is. - The virtual setup poses challenges in perceiving emotions. When you make eye contact and smile, you are communicating non-verbally that you are actively participating, listening, and genuinely interested in the conversation.
I have absolutely recommended multiple clients to intentionally look at the camera during meetings. It helps if someone actually invested in a teleprompter so they naturally look at the other person. The impact is real. People will not notice why, but it establishes very clear connection to establish the closest eye contact as possible.
Another challenge of virtual interviews is communicating effectively and avoiding misunderstandings or interruptions. To do this, you need to speak clearly and concisely, using simple and direct language. Avoid using filler words, jargon, or slang, and pause occasionally to allow the interviewer to ask questions or comment. Also, listen actively and attentively, and use verbal and non-verbal cues to show that you are following the conversation.
One thing I have found useful is to wear a headset as they make it easier for both parties to hear each other and they tend to eliminate any background noise, making it easier to hear what is being communicated.
The ultimate goal of any interview is to demonstrate that you have the skills and personality that match the position and the organization. To do this, you need to prepare relevant examples and stories that showcase your achievements, challenges, and learning outcomes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your strengths. Also, show enthusiasm, curiosity, and passion for the role and the industry, and ask thoughtful questions that reflect your research and interest.
The last tip for acing a virtual interview is to follow up and thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. Send a personalized email within 24 hours of the interview, reiterating your interest and value for the role, and addressing any questions or concerns that may have arisen. Also, mention something specific that you enjoyed or learned from the conversation, and express your availability for further discussion or feedback.
This is great advice. I once got a job after not getting it, because I had thanked the employer and the person they chose first turned the job down. They came back to me because I had been appreciative of them interviewing me. Reaching out and saying 'thank you' is also a great way to get feedback that can improve your chances for the next interview
My tip is make sure your background is appropriate. The simple answer is to blur the background as that keeps the focus on you. And if you can have an external source for sound. If your PC works well for sound and a microphone then great.
In the closing moments of a job interview, when asked, "Do you have any questions for us?" stand out with: "Are there any questions you asked that you'd like me to delve into with more detail?" This helps you leave nothing behind!
Research the indivdiuals interviewing you prior to the interview by leveraging LinkedIn. Connections truly matter in the virtual world. This means look for simliarilities with the interviewing team - maybe you worked at a similar organization, went to the same university or have a common connection. Share these findings during the interview to create a meaningful connection.