How to ace Virtual Interview

During this time of pandemic and lock-down, many organizations are preferring virtual interviews as a part of adapting to the new normal. With the help of evolving technologies, organizations are adapting new innovations to make every process efficient. Recruiters now prefer conducting interviews virtually over different video conferencing platforms. Virtual interviews are may call for same sort of attributes as traditional face-to-face interviews but there are definitely some new areas of finesse. Acing the virtual interview is often one of the first steps toward a follow-up interview and subsequent employment. In this article, our Talent Acquisition Lead Specialist, Tanzina Giash Tanni will share some basic tips to face virtual interviews.

1.     Check your technologies beforehand: Any virtual interview requires internet connection, reliable device with front camera or webcam and microphone. Before the day of interview, you need to check your internet connection and fix if needed. You should place your device close to your internet connectivity. Also, you need to check and recheck your front camera and microphone at least a day before. Make sure your device is fully charged and if possible try to plug in a charger at the time of interview to avoid any disruptions. Do a practice session with your friends/family to be sure about how you are doing it. There’s no harm to ask the interview before the interview “Am I visible and audible?” You will gain much confidence once you are confirmed everything is working properly. Lastly, do not move your camera too much if you are connecting from phone. Try to use a stand to fix the camera.

2.     Choose ideal location for the interview: Once you are done checking your technologies, it’s time to choose the perfect location for the interview. The best place to take an interview in your home is a quiet location with few distractions. It is always better to avoid common places like drawing room, dining space, living rooms and balcony. You must choose a room with closed door and make sure you do not have anyone with you for the next 60 minutes which includes preparation as well. Your background is very important and try to choose a blank background with light color to make it look professional. Make sure you have ample amount of lighting in the room, and if possible sit beside a window. Try to minimize background music, turn off the TV, silence your cell phone, and close any nearby windows to minimize neighborhood traffic, horns.

3.     Suit Up: You should prepare yourself as though you are preparing for face-to-face interviews. Wear your best business attire for any virtual interview and this will actually give you more confidence to face the interviewers. Try to avoid bright color and flashy ornaments which can divert interviewer’s attention. Also use a professional email address and user name before sign in.

4.     Maintain your posture: You should sit in a chair rather than any couch/sofa to maintain your posture. You should definitely sit up straight, smile, keep your camera to your eye level so that you can make eye contact. This will show your confidence to the interviewers and you will feel comfortable. Make hand gesture if possible to make a good rapport. Do not read from your screen and look here and there in between the interview. You might not get it, but interviewers will definitely understand the difference.

5.     Practice common questions: You can never know what questions interviewers are going to ask you but you can guess some of them. Usually interviewers start with your introduction, interest, strength, weakness and by answering it perfectly, you can give the best impression. Remember, you will get questions based on your answers. Before the interview you can record your answers or you can practice in front of a mirror and you will get to know how you are answering.

6.     Be yourself: Before any interview, recruiters will only have your resume with them and nothing else. You can present yourself in front of them in the interview and from that they will try to find the best fit for the position and organization. Be confident and enthusiastic about the interview and try to show this throughout the whole session. It’s not wise to lie in the interview and share personal information to get attention. Use facial expression to impress your thoughts and try to make the best impression by making necessary hand gestures.

Bonus tips: Don’t be late for your interview. Use a professional email address and user name before sign in. As they say, the more the preparation, the better it is!