Preparing for Your Virtual Interview – 8 Success Tips
Very quickly virtual interviews have become the necessary norm. In many ways the virtual interview is similar to an in-person interview, however, there are some key differences. Making sure you embrace the reality of the virtual interview and adjust will likely make the difference between interview success and failure.
Below are 8 Success Tips for having a successful interview.
1. Test Your Technology
Test your technology to ensure you’re set up for success - you want to make sure there are no glitches. Check your internet connectivity, and confirm your camera and microphone are working. Also, be sure your Skype or Zoom is pre-loaded and working.
2. Interview Setting / Minimize Distractions
Find a room with optimal lighting, preferably near a window, or a blank wall to guarantee you’re the focal point of the conversation. Plan and eliminate all distractions. Choose a quiet space, turn off the TV, silence your cell phone.
3. Be Prepared
Research the company ahead of time and jot down notes for easy reference. Also print out a copy of your resume, so that you don’t forget key talking points.
4. Monitor Your Body Language
The best way to communicate virtually with confidence is to sit up straight, smile, and keep the camera at eye level. Remember, don’t look up at the ceiling, your hands, or other computer icons. Employers are more likely to remember what you said if you maintain eye contact, so keep your focus on the camera when talking.
5. Dress for Success
Dress as you would for an in-person interview. Choose non-distracting clothes and solid colors - certain colors, like many shades of blue—royal, navy, sky blue—look great on video.
6. Make a Connection
You might be at the end of a long list of people interviewing that day - this is why it's important to make a connection. You want the interviewer to be able to remember a personal story you told or a common interest you share.
7. Be Yourself
Organizations want to get a quick sense of who you are, so they can determine if you would be a good fit for the company’s culture. Instead of trying to be the person you think the interviewer is looking for, be yourself.
8. Follow Up
Send an individual thank you email to everyone you met. Not only will it show you value their time, but it provides you the opportunity to resell yourself and express the unique strengths you bring to the role, or share any talking points you forgot to address.
While it may seem like a daunting task, these virtual interview tips can help ensure that you’re fully prepared and able to make the best impression possible.
