Millennials are searching for work opportunities these days and post covid the world is accepting virtual interviews as a formal part of the hiring process. It is also one of the fastest-growing alternative interview styles today. And if you're a job seeker, you're bound to experience one.
In this blog, you will learn how to best prepare for your next virtual interview, as you enter with confidence and ease & hopefully land your ideal job offer.
What is a virtual interview & why is it trending??
Here is the thing, more and more companies are using video interviews to hire talent. It's just a standard job interview taking place over digital space. As of 2021, 99% of hiring managers and recruiters now use virtual interviews to streamline the hiring process.?
Why is that? You may ask.
Well, video interviews take less time, cost less, and decrease the overall employee turnover rate. Simply put, virtual interviews are becoming a more effective medium than any other form of an interview.
How do I prepare for a virtual interview?
Well, for most of us, having to give an interview remotely in the comfort of our homes is easier. However, if you are uncomfortable being online and technically challenged, this could make the interviewing process even more stressful.
So here are five tips to rock your virtual interview so that you feel comfortable & authentic while you bring out your best.
- Pick the right background- Treat your virtual interview like it is an in-person interview. Would you invite your interviewer into your messy bedroom or kitchen? I hope NOT. So pick a neat place, preferably a white(neutral) background wall or home office space with absolutely no distraction around. While you're in an interview, make sure you host no guests in your room & pick a spot that would be very quiet. This practice will allow you to give full attention to your interview process.
- Dress professionally - Fashion yourself as you would in the office space. Make sure you wear formal attire, preferably neutral tone shirts, because you don't want anything that would wash you out if you already have terrible lighting. You must also avoid anything too bright or accessories which will distract your interviewer.
- Check your Wi-Fi speed - If you know that your connection can sometimes be on-again-off-again or you live in an area with poor quality Wi-Fi, take steps to make sure it goes smoothly. For example, have nothing running or streaming in the background of your main device. Stop sharing Wi-Fi with any other family members' devices. Also, depending on your video chatting application try to lower the video and audio quality slightly; it will help you get a smoother connection without making you look like a '90s video game.
- Make sure you have good lighting- Please make sure you have good lighting as your interviewer needs to see your facial expression to get a better sense of your personality & character. No matter how perfect your answer to the interviewer's question is, if your lighting is poor, they will most likely forget about you. One of the best ways to make sure you are well lit is to position yourself in front of the window; this will help you provide a good natural light source while avoiding unwanted shadows and funky lines.?
- Test your Sound and Video equipment-To ensure that your voice is audible, make sure you use wired headphones; this is the most effective and convenient option. Make sure you test your audio before the interview begins. In terms of your camera placement, you don't want it too close to your face. My recommendation is to keep it within arm's length.
- Body Language- When it comes to your virtual interview, bring your A-game. Energy translates differently on camera than in person, so you need to? "Amp it up" for the camera. What I recommend before you log on for your interview is a few jumping jacks or pushups or any exercise that will get your energy level up. Make sure you’re engaging with your interviewer by making eye contact. Avoid slouching or looking uninterested?
- Prepare-Practise-Present - As with every in-person interview you go on. Similarly, with a virtual interview, make sure you're prepared. Read everything you can, get information about the company you have applied for via Glassdoor. Have your resume printed out in front of you, also, jot down notes you know you want to share in the interview. Go on LinkedIn to find out more about the person and do everything you can to make yourself feel prepared and fit for the role.
Pro tip: Practise your answers to commonly asked interview questions on camera & record them. This will help you correct your gesture prior and make you look well presented.??
If you're looking for a job today, which I'm sure most of you are, then follow the above tips and make sure you put your best foot forward. Also word your achievements and your skills exactly how you would want your interviewer to understand, and how you would make a difference in the organization.
Hope these tips get you your dream job!?Best of luck!
-Darshan Shetty, Marketing Manager at Passion Connect.
