Creating a Positive Impact in a Virtual Job Interview

Virtual job interviews can simplify logistics for hiring organisations by reducing travel time, eliminating the requirement to bring together a diverse interview panel at one single location for a prolonged period and enable the organisation to interview potential candidates from across a wide geographical area.

When it works well, virtual job interviews are highly effective, make optimal use of the time available and can deliver impressive results for life sciences businesses. However, preparing for a virtual job interview can be more disconcerting than you would imagine. While there is no need to concern yourself with potential traffic delays or turning up at the wrong address, you will still need to pay attention to a few vital factors in order to make sure that you deliver a positive impact.

1. Never leave your internet connection to chance.

Before your interview, test that your internet connection is sufficiently stable to support an interactive videoconference. Contact a friend or relative using the platform that will be employed for the interview to ensure that you understand how it operates and are confident that you will be able to hold the call without any lagging, freezing or buffering.If your internet connection isn't sufficient, either ask for an in-person interview or find an alternative location from which you can hold the call. This could be a friend or family member's home, or you may prefer to book a pod in a local coworking hub.Alternatively, you may choose to update your video conferencing equipment or upgrade your internet speed if it is likely that success at the interview will require you to conduct business virtually on a regular basis.

2. Preparation is key to success.

Prepare both yourself and your environment. If you are dialling in from a co-working hub, your background will already have a professional appearance, so you will merely need to prepare yourself. If, however, you are dialling in from home, make sure that your surroundings are clean and tidy; that your telephone is switched to flight mode so that you are not distracted by an unexpected call; that no electronic equipment is beeping in the background; and that children and pets are being cared for elsewhere within the home.Make sure that you are dressed smartly, as you would if you were attending an interview in person. Although some early stage European biotech companies have a relaxed approach to office attire, if successful, you will be expected to project a professional appearance in formal situations. Not only is a virtual interview considered to be a formal setting, it is also a fundamental step in your job hunt so you should take it seriously and dress the part.Finally, make sure that you have printed your resume, any questions you may wish to ask, any aide memoirs and any pertinent information about the interviewing organisation that you may wish to discuss during the interview. Although you will be at home in front of the computer, you will not want to risk inadvertently ending the call because you are trying to find relevant information online during the call.

3. Maintain positive body language.

It can be hard to form a relationship with an interviewer when the interview is being held remotely. It is harder to find clues as to their personality and interests, and you are less likely to stumble upon areas of common ground. For this reason, it is essential that you engage in the process as wholeheartedly as you can. Pay close attention to what is being said and wait for the interviewer to finish speaking before you answer. It is easy to jump the gun and interrupt on a video call so be mindful and patient. Maintain eye contact through the camera rather than with the image on your screen, and always acknowledge the person who is speaking by inclining yourself slightly towards them.

4. Convey your enthusiasm.

Throughout the interview, make sure to project your enthusiasm. Explain what it is about the role that appeals to you, give strong examples of your previous work history and ask relevant questions. Whilst you should keep any examples concise, make sure to highlight any experience that you have that would be beneficial to the hiring organisation. This need not be limited to pure scientific experience but could include successfully bidding for funding from venture capital investors and other related soft or technical skills. This will not only prompt them to consider you more favourably, but it will also demonstrate that you have performed some prior research, that you understand the challenges that the organisation is facing and have given thought as to how hiring you could help them to overcome them. The interviewer will be assessing not only your preparedness and competence but, in particular for startup and scaleup organisations, also considering whether you will be a good fit for the team so it is important to make a personal connection wherever possible and to convey your enthusiasm for the organisation's past successes and their future plans. At the end of the call, you can make a positive impression by thanking each attendee by name for taking the time to interview you and wish them well with the rest of their day.

5. Follow up.

Always send a follow up email within 24 hours of the end of the interview to thank the interviewers for their time and to express your continued interest in the role. This will help them to remember you in a positive light and inspire them to keep you informed as their suitability discussions progress.Although a virtual interview may seem like a real innovation, it requires the same skills and preparation as an in-person interview, with an enhanced focus on equipment compatibility and patience. It is essential that, as a candidate, you take the time that is needed to prepare yourself and your environment in order to deliver a positive impact in your next interview.

If you need advice or support in preparing for a virtual interview, come and speak with one of our expert recruitment consultants at the Gold Group. Contact us at +44 (0)1342 330 500 or email?[email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.