Virtual interviews will remain as a staple in the corporate work world. One recent Forbes article claims 54% of those hiring leaders surveyed said virtual interviews resulted in a speedier recruitment process, and 41% said it helped them identify the best candidates. The same survey also relays how 50% of interviews in the United States take place outside of typical work hours. Another study from CareerNet Consulting says three in four companies believe they can hire remotely effectively. With these statistics in mind, lets look at some helpful tips in performing well in virtual interviews.
1. Test all of your equipment and connections
Make sure prior to the interview that you test your computer, camera, and audio equipment thoroughly. Download the software needed to conduct the interview to ensure it works well with your set up. Because technical skills are a competency employers look for in new hires, especially if you will be working remotely, you definitely do not want to wait until an hour before the interview to ensure everything is ready to go. Also check your Wi-Fi connection and consider using the ethernet as it may be more reliable.
2. Prepare your remote workspace
Clean up the area where you will conduct the interview. Even if you decide to select a virtual background, you still want a clean space to take notes or keep your resume or job description handy. Turn off any televisions nearby, silence your cell phone and close all the windows. You don’t want a neighbor’s lawn mower being heard in the middle of your interview. Are your pets and children secured, kept busy or being watched by someone? While you may not be able to prepare for any distraction, the better prepared you are for potential mishaps, the better.
3. Virtual background and good lighting are your friends
Set the stage of your virtual interview by making sure your background works well and you have good lighting. Instead of relying on a small built in laptop camera, either consider purchasing a better camera that might also provide you with a better microphone or purchase exterior lighting designed to fit onto the laptop or monitor. Consider using a virtual background that is clear of distractions and wear contrasting colors so your body does not morph into the background.
4. Research and focus
Like any job interview you will need to research and prepare in advance for the questions. Make sure you go through the company website, the company’s LinkedIn profile, as well as the profile of the person interviewing you, and check for any recent news or additional external information you can uncover. Understand the role or job description by knowing thoroughly what the important skills are for the job, then prepare relevant examples from your own experience to those skills. Be prepared to address any areas specified in the description in which you might fall short. Also, as with any interview be ready with questions that are relevant, direct and demonstrate your knowledge of the company.
5. Monitor your body language and dress for success
While virtual interviews may limit your ability to display body language, you want to make sure that what you do convey is professional and clear. Sit up straight, use hand gestures, and ensure the camera is placed so your face is in the middle of the screen. Maintain eye contact by looking into the webcam. Research shows that employers are more likely to remember those who look at them. Dress professional as you would for a face-to-face interview but be aware of not wearing stripes or patterns that might be distracting to the eye, as well as flashy accessories. You should be the focus of the interview and not your wardrobe.