As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread and social distancing measures remain in place, many industries are opting to conduct their interviews virtually.
Here’s how you can prepare:
- Check your technology beforehand
- Dress appropriately
- Practice common questions
- Limit Distractions
- Express enthusiasm
What is a virtual interview?
A virtual interview is an interview that takes place remotely, usually via software systems such as Zoom or Skype.
It is usually conducted much the same way as face-to-face interviews. That being said, it does require a slightly different type of preparation.
1. Check your technology beforehand
Virtual interviews require you to have a camera and microphone on your computer, a software program (such as Skype or Zoom) and a dependable internet connection.
However, the internet is not always reliable. At least a day before your interview, check all of your technology to ensure that it’s all working well. Double check things such as the sound, camera and internet connection quality.
Do so again a half hour before your interview when you sign in to the meeting link provided.
2. Dress appropriately
You should expect all remote interviews to be just as formal as a face-to-face one would be. This means that you have to dress accordingly.
Doing so not only makes you appear professional, but it will also make you feel more confident. If you’re unsure about what to wear, business casual is your best bet.
3. Practice common questions
Just because there won’t be that pressure of physically sitting in front of your interviewers, you still need to practice in order to get the best results.
To ensure that you don’t freeze up and that the conversation flows naturally, we suggest preparing just as you would for an in-person interview. Read and practice the most common interview questions so that you don’t get caught off guard.
4. Limit distractions
A remote interview can mean being surrounded by quite a bit of distractions, especially if you do not live alone.
Choose a quiet area in your home that is clean and professional looking so that the focus is solely on you and not your surroundings.
Also inform the people in your home of the interview time and the area you will be using to avoid any possible disruptions.
6. Express enthusiasm
When communicating virtually, it’s still necessary to find ways to express enthusiasm. Hiring managers essentially want to hire someone that conveys excitement for the position in the way they answer questions.
Virtual interviews give you the rare opportunity to show yourself in a relaxing and familiar environment. Take advantage of this by using your body language, eye contact and interview preparation to showcase your personality.
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We are dedicated to helping professionals begin their dream careers.
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Author: Layla Theunissen
Date Published: 13 January 2021