How to prepare for a virtual interview

Virtual Interviews are here to stay, like it or not - as a job seeker, you might as well arm yourself accordingly

 

Virtual job interviews have become increasingly common as companies are increasingly shifting their hiring process online, especially with the spike in remote work opportunities. If you're preparing for a virtual interview, whether it’s the initial meetup with HR or the final round, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.

 

 

Do a dry run before the big day – familiarize yourself with the platform!

• You would likely receive a meeting invite from the company conducting your interview. Based on this invite, you would know which video conferencing platform you’re interviewing on (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc). Install the platform on the laptop that you’ll be using on the day itself and work out kinks in the logistics (account access, microphone & video functionality).
• On the installed software platform, record videos of yourself answering mock questions. Replay these videos and share them with friends and family for honest feedback.
• If possible, when recording these videos, have someone who is good at interviewing act as the interviewer and ask questions while you're looking into the camera lens, just like they would during a real interview.

 

Mute when you're not speaking.

• During the interview, mute when you're not speaking. This is a big one. When it's your turn to answer the interviewer's question, don't say anything until they are done talking. If you begin answering before they finish asking the question, they might think that what they said didn't make sense or that it was unclear. You should also try not to interrupt them as much as possible because this can be seen as rude too.
• Avoid saying "um" or "uh." At all costs. These little interjections can really make your answers sound unpolished and unprofessional.

 

Dress to impress.

 

The importance of dressing well cannot be overstated, even if you’re not meeting your interviewers in person. First impressions count! When it comes time for your virtual interview, make sure you look the part and give yourself every advantage by making sure your attire is appropriate for the occasion. We like to recommend dressing up as if you were attending an in-person meeting (ie. properly pressed bottoms as well) because this adds to your overall confidence and ability to focus completely on answering each question.

• Wear a suit: if you don’t have one, loan or rent one from a friend! In this age where hybrid and remote work arrangements are king, your interviewers will likely be in cardigans or polo shirts; but as the interviewee, you should always show up in a full suit. It shows respect for your interviewers’ time and shows them that their company means enough to warrant such an effort from your end.
• Dress up in general: If wearing formal clothing is not possible, try dressing slightly more professional than normal rather than downgrading completely—a button-down shirt with slacks or jeans is better than just wearing t-shirts. You don't need to go overboard with designer labels but make sure everything fits properly and looks clean and pressed (or washed).

 

Look into the camera when you're speaking.

• Look into the camera when you’re speaking. The person on the other end of the call can see and hear you, but they can also see that you're looking at them and not just blankly staring into space.
• Don't look around or down at your notes. If you have questions about what to say before your interview, write them down so that you don't have to worry about them during it—but make sure those notes aren't visible during the interview itself!

 

Create a "studio" space in your home.

• Create a "studio" space in your home. Prepare the room by making sure it's quiet, free from distractions and well lit. You'll also want to make sure your internet connection is strong enough to support video chatting—anything less than 3mbps will result in choppy video and audio quality, which can make you look like you're struggling to hear or understand what's being said during your interview.

 

Consider hiring an expert for a mock interview.

 

If you find that you're struggling with the idea of a virtual interview, consider hiring a Career Consultant like us to help you prepare. You can practice your answers and get feedback from the interviewer. You'll also have a chance to practice your body language and facial expressions (which are particularly important for video interviews), as well as presentation skills in general.

 

Watch your body language and facial expressions.

• Smile. It's important to be cheerful, upbeat and helpful throughout your virtual interview. While you're not physically in the hiring manager's office, they can still get a sense of your personality by watching your body language and facial expressions.
• Don't fidget or slouch in front of the camera—sit up straight, stick out your chest and make eye contact with the camera lens rather than at yourself in the monitor (this is called looking at "the horizon").
• Avoid looking away from the camera for too long—try to maintain direct eye contact with it whenever possible (you can also ask for permission if you need to look down for any reason).
• Don't look bored or tired; try to appear excited about being interviewed even if it's not something you really want!

 

The final word - smart work & practice make perfect

 

Hopefully, you found these tips useful. With the right preparation and a little bit of luck, you’ll be able to ace your next virtual interview! Remember that this type of interview is not only common but also something many people struggle with. Don’t let this intimidate you—just ask yourself what kinds of questions they might ask and prepare some answers ahead of time. If all else fails, remember that there are people who can help you out!

 

 

Reach out to us if you would like to have a chat about employment interviews! Jonathanseah.87@gmail.com