How to ace virtual interview

COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the way we work. The changing circumstances have led recruiters to step up their game amid this global pandemic, making the interview process completely virtual. While remote job interviews are nothing new, they now have become the norm as companies begin to re-open and start hiring. Although some may not find it ideal for either the candidates or interviewers, it is the new normal for now. Whether we love it or loathe it, we all just have to accept it. As we prepare for it, there are a few important things that candidates should bear in mind, while facing the virtual recruitment process.

Here are eight useful tips to help you ace your virtual interview and impress your future employer.

Check your technologies beforehand:

Avoid potential technical errors by testing your equipment before the call. So it is imperative that you check and test your technology several times before the interview and that day to ensure success. Be sure to double-check your internet connection. Nothing stifles conversation quite like a call dropped in the middle of a conversation. Confirm your camera, audio, and video conferencing platforms are working seamlessly. Make sure all your devices are fully charged and to avoid disruptions if possible plug in a charger while attending the interview.

In the 30 minutes before the interview, check your internet connection, and sign in to the meeting link provided by the HR representative. Turn on the sound and video to ensure everything is in working order during the time of your interview.

Set the scene:

Once you are done with checking your technologies, determine where to take the interview. It is essential to choose a quiet, well-lit, neutral, and clean space to conduct your interview. Find a room with a closed door, optimal lighting, preferably near a window. If possible, sit in front of a blank background with a light color, so that you remain the focal point of the conversation. 

Once settled, eliminate all distractions. Turn off the TV, silence your cell phone, and close any nearby windows to reduce neighborhood traffic and noise.

Dress for success:

For virtual meetings, dress as though you are preparing for an in-person interview. Doing so not only makes you appear professional, but it will also make you feel more prepared and confident. Avoid bright colors, patterns, and bold accessories that could divert the employer’s attention. Wear light-colored, neatly ironed attire and by attire, I mean from top to bottom. Do not just put on your shirt/tops and leave it right there. Do not forget to comb your hair. Females should style their hair in a way to keep them away from their faces. 

Maintain your posture:

The way we typically greet employers during a face-to-face interview unfortunately will not be possible to convey via video. Instead, convey warmth and confidence through your body language. Sit up straight and keep the camera at eye level to maintain eye contact with interviewers as you converse. Hand and facial gestures are important during a virtual interview. So, it is imperative to make these gestures to create a good rapport and make the converse more compelling, engaging, and trustworthy. And do not forget to smile!

Prepare thoroughly:

Just like any other in-person interview, you should be ready to have in-depth conversations with the interviewers. Practicing common questions like “Why you want to join the organization”, “What values can you bring to the specific role” so that you feel comfortable and confident with yourself before speaking with the interviewer. 

Research the company ahead of time and jot down notes for easy reference. Have your resume with you so that you do not forget to share key points. Have a notebook/paper, pen with you too.

If any assignment or presentation is given, have access to them too. Sharing one instance that I experienced while taking an interview. For a specific position, we asked candidates to prepare a presentation. While taking the interview I requested one candidate to present a specific topic from the presentation. And he asked for some time as he could not recall in which folder he kept his presentation. Does not seem to be well prepared, right?  

Another thing that we often overlook is the importance of creating a professional email address and user name. Trust me the first impression recruiters get even before scrutinizing your resume is from your email address. If your email address is [email protected], chances are high that you will not be getting any interview call. We get it you are a big F.R.I.E.N.D.S fan but that’s a nah for us, recruiters. 

Be yourself:

When interviewing virtually, you have the opportunity to speak in a familiar environment. Recruiters will look for how you express yourself to understand whether you are a good fit for the company. So use body language, facial expressions, and interview preparations to convey your confidence and personality.

Make a connection:

You never know how many interviews a company may conduct for a position. You might be at the end of a long list of people the interviewer spoke to that day. This is why it's important to make a connection. Be spontaneous and enthusiastic to make the virtual meeting livelier. Ask questions about their thoughts on a certain idea that you shared. It is really good to smile, make eye contact, listen carefully, take pauses, and also try to connect on a personal level. Right now, a lot of companies are doing virtual interviewing, you can talk about your personal experience that way it will help with the conversation. You want the interviewer to be able to remember a personal story you told or a common interest you share. This is the best way to prevent yourself from blending in with the other applicants.

Follow-up:

Show your interest! Immediately after your interview, reach out to the interviewer by email to show how much you want the role and thank them for their time. It is good practice to send a follow-up email (if the email address is available to you) within 24 hours of an interview or you can reach out to them on professional platforms like LinkedIn.

If there was something specific you talked about, mention that in the email so you stay top of mind. Or if an interviewer brought up a particular business challenge, use the follow-up as a way to propose potential solutions. Just keep it concise. 

Virtual interviews are becoming increasingly popular as workplaces continue to evolve and adapt to the new normal. Those who are or will be navigating the job market are bound to encounter this new type of virtual interviews and should take the necessary steps to prepare themselves. Follow these eight tips to ace the virtual interview, and you will be one step closer to joining the team!