Online/virtual interviews are getting more and more common. For many job seekers, the interviewing portion of the application process is the scariest part. But what if you didn’t have to leave your house to accomplish it? Many companies are resorting to virtual interviewing because of the simplicity of using video conferencing to speak with candidates “face-to-face.”
It’s difficult to make a solid first impression when video interviewing because you can’t provide a firm handshake. It’s possible to impress potential employers from behind a computer screen.
Online/Virtual Interviews: 13 Tips for Success
Prospective employees may be put off by the prospect of making a video conferencing software pitch, such Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts A video interview can be stressful, so here are 15 tips to help you relax and perform well. To prepare and polish your online/virtual interview skills, use this guide.”
- Wear a suit and tie.
- Login early.
- Similar to your resume’s profile name.
- Make sure your laptop’s battery is fully charged before using it.
- Close all the unneeded apps on your phone.
- Make sure there is adequate electricity to light the area.
- Avoid distractions.
- Be prepared and keep a pen & paper for essential notes.
- Keep the necessary documents and files close at hand.
- Position yourself so that the light is coming from the direction you want it to.
- Backgrounds that are free of distractions.
- Make eye contact and nod if necessary to show that you’re paying attention.
- Leave the phone call with a kind farewell.
As though you were going for a typical interview, dress up in a suit and tie.
Even if you’re conducting an interview over the phone, dress to impress. Don’t look like you just rolled out of bed, even if you’re sitting right next to it. Make an effort to present yourself in a well-groomed and business-like manner. Consider wearing a button-up shirt or blouse, just like you would for an in-person meeting. In addition to helping you impress the interviewer, wearing clothes that inspire confidence can also help you focus on the task at hand!
Log in at least five to ten minutes early.
One of the simplest ways to get things moving in the right direction is by arriving on time. Video chats don’t necessitate 15 minutes of preparation before the scheduled start time, but you should start the video chat immediately at that time. Make sure you have all the necessary software installed before making a test call with a trustworthy buddy (if necessary).
Using the same name on your CV and the tool/software is a good idea.
Although it may seem inconsequential, a profile name that matches your resume’s name makes a good impression.
Make sure that your laptop’s battery is being charged properly.
Guarantee that the laptop battery is fully charged before beginning an online/virtual interview to ensure a smooth interview procedure. In order to avoid any disruptions, it is preferable to leave the charging plugged in.
Close all the apps you don’t need during the interview so you don’t get notifications.
We often have all of our laptop’s apps open at once. These apps constantly deliver messages in the form of pop-ups, which can be quite distracting during an interview. It’s a good idea to turn off all of your other apps when you’re doing an online or virtual interview so that you can focus your attention solely on the interviewer.
Make sure you have enough power in your room so you can see clearly.
Make sure you have adequate lighting in the space where you’ll be doing your interview. In order to avoid using overhead lights throughout the interview, make sure the room isn’t too dark.
Do not allow children, dogs or other household appliances to interrupt your concentration.
The location of the interview can be determined when you’re testing your software. Look choose a room with good lighting, such as a window or a blank wall, to ensure that you’re the center of attention. Regardless of where you are seated, your home office or living area should be free of clutter. Because of the mess in the corner, potential employers will have a hard time believing that you are organized and meticulous. Remove all sources of distraction once you’ve become comfortable. Turning off the TV, muting your phone, and closing any windows that might be blocking the sound of passing cars is the easiest approach to avoid being disturbed by the noise.
Keep a pen and paper on hand in case you need to jot down anything.
If you’re using a computer for an interview, you won’t be able to search the internet for answers. To be successful in a job interview, it’s critical to demonstrate concentration and preparation without the aid of the internet. Get a head start on the interview process by learning as much as you can about the business and taking notes. Just in case you require a copy of your resume during the interview, make a second copy. It’s always a benefit if you’re prepared for popular interview questions. In addition, write things down! Take notes of any questions or insights you gain from the interview in a notepad.
Keep all necessary files and papers close at hand, as well as website URLs saved in your browser’s clipboard.
Prepare to show the interviewer examples of your work if necessary; keep a few tabs open and offer to share your screen if the matter is brought up. It’s always helpful to prepare a list of questions in advance of an interview. This shows a desire to learn and a willingness to act.
Make sure your face is visible during the video call by putting yourself in a bright facing position.
Make sure your light source is in front of you when you’re on a video conference. Try to face the light away from a window if at all possible. You should always put your best foot forward (in this case, your face).
It’s best to have a clean, plain background to avoid any visual clutter.
You probably don’t want your future boss to see a sock-filled house when you bring them around for dinner. Avoid giving them a chance to see it in video form! When you receive a call, answer it in a clean and peaceful area of your home. Make sure no one is walking behind you or making loud noises while you discuss your professional strengths and weaknesses.
Make eye contact and nod if necessary to show that you’re paying attention.
Keep your gaze fixed on the camera’s lens at all times. Keep your webcam visible if necessary by placing some googly eyes near it. Make eye contact with the person across the table instead of staring at your computer screen. Even if you’re using a laptop to conduct an interview, maintaining eye contact with the interviewer might make all the difference.
A smart way to show an interviewer that you’re interested and motivated is to actively listen. Don’t be afraid to inquire about what they’re saying by nodding and asking questions while they speak.
Leave the phone call with a kind farewell.
Make sure you’re still able to answer after you’ve waved goodbye. Ensure that you don’t “ghost” your interviewer after you hang up the phone.
Final Words
Make sure you don’t come across as rehearsed during the interview, whether you’re answering or asking questions or giving your elevator pitch. Because a friend or family member can tell if you’re being dishonest, it’s best to practise with them. Prepare for the interview by interacting with diverse people and answering a wide range of questions. Even if you find it awkward at first, you’ll be better prepared for the real thing because you can make mistakes in a safe setting and learn from them.
Keep it as basic as you can with the details. Don’t feel pressured to provide a lengthy response if the question doesn’t warrant it. The ability to express oneself succinctly and effectively is an absolute necessity in any job interview.
The interview should be treated as a discourse. In order to succeed in your online/virtual interview, adhere to these guidelines.
