Virtual interviews are on the rise, partly due to the change in working structure for many companies after the global pandemic and partly because the technology gets increasingly better and cheaper.
If you’re trying to land your dream job or just your next job to tide you over, you may face having to do an interview digitally rather than in person. If you’ve never had a virtual meeting like this before, it can be rather daunting, so it helps to know some top tips for success.
Ensure You Have Your Tech Set Up Well
Since you’ll be using technology to chat with interviewers online, it’s imperative that you correctly set up the software and hardware you require for this task and that you test it on the day. The last thing you want is for systems to crash or freeze or have your Wi-Fi cut out when trying to connect to the digital call.
As such, in the period leading up to your meeting, test whether your internet is working and running fast enough and ensure you have the right software installed for the digital chat. Update software as needed and close tabs and other programs that might make your computer run slowly, too. Plus, don’t forget to test the speakers and audio on your computer and ensure the camera is working and the audio levels are high enough.
You need to set up a secure network so that hackers can’t broach your computer and interrupt your interview, too. It also pays to install quality security software that keeps hackers at bay and offers comprehensive identity security. In addition, you might want to utilize the firewall that is likely already pre-installed on your device.
Remove as Many Distractions as Possible
Next, think about ways to remove as many distractions as possible during your virtual interview. You’ll likely be at home during the meeting, where noisy children or pets, loud traffic noise or televisions, and other issues could derail you. To give yourself the best chance to not only concentrate effectively but be heard by interviewers, too, take care to shut windows, place pets outside or in another room, and get your partner or parent, etc., to babysit your children for you or tell teens to keep things quiet while you’re online for your interview.
It’s also worth asking your partner or flatmates to keep noise from stereos, televisions, computers, and the like to a minimum during your meeting and look for a space where you can chat in relative privacy, such as an office or bedroom with a door you can close. Don’t forget, too, to turn off any alerts that might make a distracting noise during your interview, whether from reminders, emails, social media accounts, or other programs. You should also turn your smartphone onto airplane mode or put it in another room. The same goes for your smartwatch, if you wear one.
Excellent Presentation is Vital
Another tip for a successful virtual interview is to focus on having an excellent presentation of yourself and your environment. Just because you won’t see people in person doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care about your appearance and look professional and well-groomed. Avoid wearing clothing that’s too casual because you think people won’t spot it because you never know if you’ll have to get up to grab a document or something else during your interview. Plus, dressing well will help you feel more confident and in charge and affect how you come across to interviewers.
Don’t forget to scan your environment where you’ll set up your computer for your virtual chat to see if there’s anything inappropriate you need to put away or mess you should clear up. It’s easy to forget about items and not see clutter after a while, so try to view the area with fresh eyes and spot anything that could give the wrong impression of you to those you meet with digitally.
Prepare in Advance
Lastly, preparation is vital. Spend time prepping for your virtual interview just as you would for one you attend in person. Research the company you’d like to work for and the people you believe will be interviewing you, and create a list of questions you can ask when time permits.
Read over the job description numerous times so you’re familiar with it, and have your CV and cover letter on hand in case people want to refer to anything in it. Plus, practice answering some likely interview questions to help you respond more seamlessly, especially to trickier queries.
A virtual interview might seem rather daunting initially, but it can have pros and cons, just like when these meetings are held in person. If you follow the steps above, though, you’ll help yourself stand out as an ideal candidate to those you chat with and give yourself a better chance of landing the job.
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
