How to Survive a Virtual Interview

5 Tips every interviewer should know.

It's no secret that virtual is the new normal. Not just in the way we work and collaborate, but also in the way we interview. 

With unemployment steadily rising, there is plenty of work to do just to find work. The options of where to look are pretty obvious, everywhere right from the comfort, or for some, the discomfort of your home. No judgment here. As our country heads towards recovery, we are limited to where we can go physically, but there are no limits virtually. Hence, "shelter in place" is the new "interview in place". Welcome.

It's now time to locate that place in your home you called an office some years ago and transform it. Clear the clutter, purge the waste, trash the stash, sanitize, reorganize, and create a new space that makes you go woo-sah. I warn not to do this alone. Red wine is a great help.

Thankfully the cleansing process has started because you were just informed that a company wants to schedule a virtual interview. By the way, they won't be in attendance. This interview will just be you, your webcam, and the questions you have to answer in less than one minute. Sounds familiar?

More increasingly, companies are conducting one-way interviews for the first round. For those candidates invited, though excitement is high, anxiety is even higher. You have everything you need to prepare except for one thing, faith. What if I don't get it right the first time? What if my mind freezes in the middle of a thought? What if my technology goes bonkers? What if I lose my wireless connection? What if I don't have an answer to the question? What if it's not my best? What if it is my best, but someone else is better? And worst, what if they do not select me for the next round?

All are valid. The reality is your what if's could come true. Faith believes what's for you is for you. Fear is the opposite. It believes what is not for you is for you. Think about it, you could do great on an interview and not get the job, while also doing horrible on another one and land the job. How do you make sense of that other than what's for you is for you? When you spend time harping on what could go wrong you lose valuable time focusing on what's right. This is not permission to accept mediocrity, it's a reminder to have faith and know there is a job for you, regardless if it turned out to be an epic fail.

"Stay full on faith so fear has no room." - Malika Humphries

Let's focus your energy on what's needed to prepare for a virtual interview, no matter if it's a timed-question, person, or robot on the other end. Keep in mind, the hiring manager wants who is best for the role. With the many qualifying candidates, it's not just about what you know or how well you know it, but your human reaction in conveying it - when no one is watching.

I created five simple tips, called The R.E.A.C.T Model?, that will help ease your anxiety and equip you with the right mindset for your next virtual interview. Here is a good glimpse into what the hiring manager's virtual gage is looking for in determining the right fit.

• Respond under pressure. How you respond under pressure says a lot about your ability to handle challenges or conflict, which every workplace has. I know it can be intimidating but think about something that makes you laugh. Laughter is known to reduce stress and calm the nerves. Now, roll up your sleeve and prepare for your big day with a big smile on your face. And keep it there for the big day.
• Engage with others. How you relate and interact with others says a lot about your ability to influence and lead teams. From C-level to Entry-level, we are all apart of a team. Be yourself, not a robot. Let your personality show, regardless of who is on the receiving end. If you can't be yourself, you will be miserable anywhere you go.
• Articulate with clarity. How you clearly express yourself says a lot about your ability to remove roadblocks and explain complex issues with clarity. Let your expertise show through the use of relevant industry terms and key examples applicable to the role. Have a conversation on a specific topic with like-minded peers to better prepare.
• Communicate with confidence. How you confidently relay your thoughts says a lot about your ability to present and build trusting relationships with others. Own your knowledge you worked so hard to obtain. Record yourself having a conversation with you as the expert. Playback and be honest about improvements needed to strengthen your confidence.
• Think before you speak. How well you listen says a lot about your character and ability to respect others. Apply the THINK test and ask yourself is my response: True, Helpful, Inspirational, Necessary, Kind? Sometimes the best answer is not the right answer for right now. Respond positively.

It's worth repeating, the hiring manager wants who is best for the role. You want the role that's best for you. With that understanding, everyone wins. Stay tuned to part 2 on strategies to answer complex questions in less than 60 seconds. If you found this article helpful, please comment and share it with those seeking better outcomes. 

Malika Humphries | Emerging Consultant Solutions, LLC | [email protected]