5 Tips for Virtual Interview Success

Congratulations! You applied for a job and have finally heard back from the hiring manager that they want to set up a virtual interview.

Virtual interviews have become increasingly common since Covid-19. From my experience nearly 75 percent of executives?use real-time video to interview leading candidates, while 50 percent leverage it to narrow down their applicants. The process enables employers to open their talent pool, while also cutting down on travel expenses and wasted time.

For prospective employees, trying to make a pitch via video such as Skype, Zoom and Microsoft Teams, can feel quite daunting. Here are 5 tips to reduce stress and help you get the job.

1.?????Test your Tech

The minute you agree to a virtual interview, test your technology to ensure you’re set up for success. Check your internet connectivity, and confirm your camera and microphone are working. If the picture is grainy or you’re experiencing an echo, you might need to buy a mini webcam with a built-in microphone—which is hard to do five minutes before the interview, so don’t procrastinate.

On the day of, test your equipment and internet connection again.?Technical savvy is one of the primary traits employers are looking for right now, and by fumbling around with your audio or lighting during the call, you give the hiring manager a reason to question whether you’re the right candidate for the job.

2.?????Be prepared

Just because you’re on a computer doesn’t mean you can search the web for answers mid-interview, so you want to avoid clicking around. Research the company ahead of time and jot down notes for easy reference. Also print out a copy of your resume or have it pulled up on another screen, so that you don’t forget any of the key talking points.

It’s also best to come prepared with answers to common interview questions, such as:

Why are you interested in this role?

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Why are you leaving your current role?

However, avoid memorizing each response, so you don’t sound overly rehearsed. Instead, write some high-level thoughts down on Post-it Notes that you can stick to your computer during the interview.

You should also be prepared to answer, “Do you have any questions for me?” Stay tuned for our next 2-minute Tuesday article for some of our favorite questions to ask.

3.?????Dress the Part

You might be sitting near your bed, but you shouldn’t look like you just rolled out of it. Dress as you would if you were going to an in-person interview. For men, that could be a button-up shirt with a blazer while women can consider a blouse, sweater and again – blazer! Wearing professional clothing will show you’re serious about the position.

Once you have on your professional outfit, make sure that your hair is dry and looking good. Showing up to your interview with wet hair may make the hiring manager second guess your ability to show up on-time and ready for work.

4.?????Be Yourself

One of the main tasks for a recruiter is to determine whether you would be a good fit for the company’s culture. This can be challenging during a virtual interview as they miss out on your body language. It’s more difficult for the interviewer to understand your enthusiasm through the screen, so make sure you’re expressive when answering questions.

Some people will be able to tell if you’re “vibe” fits their company culture right off the bat. Give them a reason to push you through to the second round of interviews by shining a light on how you can be an asset to the organization.

5.?????Immediately Follow Up

Within 24 hours of the interview, send an individual thank you email to everyone you met. Not only will it show that you value their time, but it provides you the opportunity to resell yourself to them and express the unique strengths you bring to the role, and/or share any talking points you forgot to address.

If there was something specific you bonded over, mention that in the email so you stay at the front of their mind. If an interviewer brought up a particular business challenge, use the follow-up as a way to propose potential solutions. Just keep the email concise; you want your note to leave a lasting impression, not immediately end up in the trash.

Ultimately, the key to acing a virtual interview is preparation, preparation, preparation. From ensuring your technology is working to conducting research before the meeting, sitting down at your computer poised and ready for any and all questions will help set you apart from other applicants. For more tips to ACING your interview – reach out to us at @ Precision Recruiting Solutions Group.

Grace joined Precision Recruiting Solutions Group? in 2022. She began her career as an HR Intern for Victorian Finance, then spent time as a Learning and Development Assistant with Levin Furniture. She graduated from Robert Morris University with a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences while minoring in Human Resource Management. When she is away from work you can find her reading and crocheting as she spends time with her Australian Cattle Dog named Pico. Grace and her fiancé, Brendan, can also be found exploring downtown Pittsburgh, and trying new restaurants.