The Best Virtual Interview Practices

After the pandemic, one of the companies asked their employees to show up at the end-of-the-year party in the outfits they used to wear during their online meetings.

The result? Priceless!

Elegant shirts, jackets and ties paired with pyjama pants, silk blouses and fancy tops complemented with fluffy-bunny slippers and yoga leggings. This colourful bunch looked absolutely adorable against the background of a posh hotel ballroom, holding flute glasses with bubbles.

But, as funny as it was, it made me think of the recent online interviews I conducted.

People showed up with their hair sticking in every direction, in the old, worn-out t-shirts, looking like they had just woken up.

I could not help but wonder – is it the new norm we agreed to?

Does it mean we no longer need to make an effort to ensure we look professional on screen?

Definitely, NO!

For me, how we show up at the online interview (or any other online or onsite meeting as it matters) is how we show RESPECT to our future employer and other people in general.

It goes even further.

Recently my friend told me about this podcaster who always wears a full-on suit and polished shoes during the recording even though no one can see him. When asked why, he replied: “Out of respect to my audience, but also out of respect for myself and my work ethic. I know that when I wear a casual outfit, my listeners will sense it in how I speak. They would spot giveaway nuances in the way I address them”.

Our outfit CHANGES OUR MINDSET AND THE WAY WE ACT. When we wear tracksuits, we act differently than when wearing proper office attire. And it does not matter if anyone sees us or not. Our audience would sense it.

But, with online interviews, it gets even trickier.

Apart from our decent looks, we must remember a few additional things we usually do not even consider during face-to-face meetings.

Let’s have a look at what you need to keep in mind:

* Connection – make sure your internet is up and running seamlessly to avoid any cut-offs and voice/video delays; these are both annoying and distractive;

* Audio – make sure to turn up your sound and that there are no background noises; check your mic way before the meeting; for your audio comfort, you can purchase noise-cancellation headphones;

* Video – MAKE SURE YOU CAMERA IS ON; position it appropriately, ensuring your whole face is in view, and the camera is at your eyes level – no one likes talking to the top of your head or only being able to see your nose and eyes or feeling like you’re looking down on them;

* Background – it is best to use your real background and not these fancy sunset-at-the-beach- wallpapers, and while on it, spare your future employer the sight of an untidy bed with Star Wars duvet covers; however, if that’s impossible, use a background that at least resembles a work-space;

* Distraction-free zone – turn off any email or calendar or any DING! notifications, and also, while children and pets are adorable, please ensure they do not take part in the interview (the same goes for your flatmates crawling on the floor in the background); do not take interviews in cafes or any other crowded, noisy places.

While you check all the above, remember that an online interview is an interview, so all the usual apply:

- Be focused, be prepared (in case of online interviews, do not read off scripts online), research the company and review the details of the role you apply for;

- Think about questions you want to ask about the role and team culture - this is your one chance to show you are interested, but if you cannot think of any – be honest;

- Be open, honest and transparent about your pay expectations, whether you are prepared to work hybrid or/and commit work at the location (if you want only a fully remote role, find that out before an interview; otherwise, it is a waste of time for everyone);

- Read verbal ques but also read the room; listen to the questions, and if you missed them, ask for them to be repeated;

- If you can’t make the meeting on time or at all (sickness, any other emergencies), contact your interviewer and reschedule;

Oh! And please, please! GET RID OF YOUR CHEWING GUM!

Remember, your first impression is the lasting impression, so be professional and respectful.

And you? What is the most inappropriate thing you’ve come across during the interview?

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