The virtual interview was once a rarity, but now they’re a permanent feature of the job market. The shift from in person to virtual interviews has caught many experienced people off guard.
Consequently this has resulted in lost job opportunities, because of a lack of knowledge and preparation. Therefor avoid this and succeed at a virtual interview.
Here we delve into the world of virtual interviews and crack the code to excel at them.
What is a virtual interview?
A virtual interview is known by many names, some include: video, remote or online. Additionally it can be known by the platform name, such as a Zoom call.
Simply put a virtual interview is an online video call between two or more people in different locations. This can be through the use of desktop, laptop, phone or any other technology with a camera, microphone and connectivity.
Although most of use this type of technology, not everybody has used it in a virtual interview context, therefore could fall short without this guidance.
Why a virtual interview for recruitment?
The virtual interview has been a thing since the technology has been practical, moving from location based to telephone interviews to virtual interviews.
However things have accelerated the use of virtual interviews, including:
COVID-19 pandemic
The requirement for social distancing in the workplace, virtual interviews are a safe means to hire people.
Globalisation
The normality of globalisation now means businesses have the ability to access a global talent pool.
Environment impact
A virtual interview prevents the need for polluting road, air or rail travel.
Cost viability
Virtual interviews prove cheaper for companies and potential employees, they also mean that smaller companies can recruit globally without expensive travel costs.
Time efficiency and flexibility
Virtual interviews save time and are flexible for both employers and candidates. Virtual interviews save travel time and provide busy interviewers the flexibility to schedule around other responsibilities.
However, the trend of virtual interviews may evolve because of the end of the pandemic, and the return of workers to the office. With this in mind, there may be a trend toward a combination of the two – a pre-screening interview, and if successful, an in-person interview.
Furthermore, it’s important to recognise that some jobs will traditionally remain in-person, jobs which require hands on practical skills, by which specific task require demonstration.
This also includes jobs which require a physical presence or in-person assessments, however a combination of the two may be used.
Preparation for virtual interview success
The key to success is great preparation, it’s much more complicated than it first appears. Indeed, on the surface it just appears that we just need a computer, to dress well and answer a few questions. But as we’ll find out there’s more to it than that.
Equipment check
Here we consider which kit to use for the virtual interview, the main choices include the use of your laptop, desktop, tablet or phone.
Whichever you select you need to test it, to make ensure it works:
Camera – test the camera works, ensuring its clean and the privacy settings are off.
Microphone – is it functioning properly without interference from other devices?
Headset – these give a better-quality experience for both you and the interviewer, they block out external noise and mean that you are clearly heard by the interviewer, they also look professional.
Check they work, not all headsets are instantly compatible with all devices. Also, avoid gaming headsets, ones with flashing lights and other distractions aren’t suitable.
Full-power – if you’re having to use your device on battery make sure its fully changed and will last for the interview. Alternatively, hook it up to the power to ensure consistent usage.
Internet connection – a stable internet connection is essential. If possible, use a wired connection to minimise the risk of broken audio or lagging video. Having Wi-Fi drop out will be embarrassing and interrupt the flow.
If you share the internet, ask if you can have sole use to reduce risk of a poor signal.
Platform use
Ensure you’re comfortable with the video conferencing platform which is being used. This can include Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams. With this in mind some considerations include:
Do you have an account?
Is the platform loaded and updated on your device?
Can you navigate around the platform? Turn audio on video on or off.
Are you logged in?
Does it have limitations? Paid vs. free
Do you know how to sign into the meeting?
Considering that many jobs require IT and other technical skills this is an opportunity to demonstrate your competency.
Set the scene for the virtual interview
The background and scene you set will demonstrate your professionalism or make you look like a bad option. Therefore, consider carefully the background and scene you set for the interviewer, for example:
Clutter free and tidy – have a simple background which demonstrates how you are organised and tidy.
Lighting – well-lit but not too bright, you can experiment with this, lighting will be different depending on the time of day.
Things on display – if you have items on display ensure they give off the right image, the latest kittens calendar may not be ideal, what would be better are qualification certificates or other achievements.
Be aware that not everybody shares your tastes in belongings so try to keep them neutral and appropriate.
Alternatively, you can generate a background which is neutral, either blur it or make it one standard colour. Having a whimsical scene like a beach scene may not be professional.
Virtual interview personal presentation
How you present yourself will impact on how you are perceived by the interviewer. Hence its a great idea to dress as though you’re attending an in-person interview.
Consider the following for your virtual interview outfit:
Well-fitted – not too tight or too loose
Clean – including no pet hair or lint
Wrinkle free or dry cleaned
Damage free – no rips, tears, missing buttons or loose threads
Colours – not too bright or too dull
Comfortable and smart
Appropriate – for the job and businesses culture
Do not underestimate the power of dressing properly, you are portraying a professional image of yourself. Click here for a more in-depth look at what to wear for a job interview. In addition to above also consider:
Tattoos – on display or covered up
Jewellery – subtle and professional
Hair – clean and well-groomed
Makeup – subtle, not bold or distracting
Body language during the virtual interview
We communicate a great deal through body language. For those who like to people watch you can distinguish a lot about the people around you from their body language.
Within the virtual interview body language would take the form of facial expressions, posture, gestures, eye movements and body movements.
Consider what body language you should use within the interview, here are some tips:
Eye contact – make sure you look at the camera and not your own image on screen. Consider where you look, would it be appropriate to look at your phone in an in-person interview? It’s useful to make this comparison when unsure.
Posture – sit up straight with good posture, slumping may give the impression that you’re uninterested. Also, good posture makes you appear positive and confident.
Facial expressions – use natural facial expressions as though you were speaking face to face. Stifle those yawns and don’t admit them.
Head-movements – use nods and head shaking when necessary to communicate your thoughts.
Keep your body language natural as though you were speaking to a person in the room. Consider that you are in the spotlight and assume that you are being watched at all times.
Ensure that you keep fidgeting to a minimum and don’t play with things on your desk, if you want to look at your phone or notes for information explain this to the interviewer.
If you do find that you’re nervous and this is obvious through your body language learn to calm your nerves.
Practice the virtual interview
The importance of practice cannot be over emphasized. If you regularly use Zoom for example you will feel comfortable and adept at using it.
However, if it’s new and unusual to you, practise speaking to someone on the platform, it’s a different experience which not everyone is comfortable with. So it may take a little getting used to.
Once you’re comfortable communicating with people virtually, practice interview questions, predict what they may ask and have someone ask you these questions to formulate answers.
When answering interview question make sure your answers are structured, a popular method is the STAR method. This is a way to structure your answers and is simply:
Situation – set the scene for the interviewer
Task – tell them what the task was that required completing
Action – explain to them what you did to achieve the task
Result – identify what the outcome was and any learning you took away from it
Virtual interview etiquette
The principles are very similar to a traditional face to face interview:
Punctuality – login and be ready ten minutes before the start time, it will give you time to deal with any issues.
Minimise distractions – let the people within your vicinity, family or colleagues know that you will be doing a virtual interview. Silence any gadgets, notifications and shut pets out.
Interruptions – if for whatever reason you are interrupted apologies and give a reasonable reason.
Note taking – let the interviewer know if you’re making notes or wish to refer or read from documents or prompts.
Language – use appropriate language, avoid swearing or slang.
Addressing the interviewer – ask how the interviewer would like to be addressed, by first name or Mr, Mrs…
Other virtual interview considerations
Here are other considerations which will help you ace your next interview:
Documents – ensure you have relevant documents to hand, such as your resume or the application form, these are useful to refer to if necessary.
Questions to ask – have a list of questions you would like to ask, not from the application form necessarily, but questions which will reflect positively on you. For example: is there scope for further training for personal development.
Active listening – it’s not enough to just hear, you need to listen to what the interviewer is saying to respond appropriately.
Listening is a skill, which can be practised, it helps build rapport and gives you the best opportunity at getting the job.
Use of your voice – use your voice to demonstrate interest, and prevent sounding as though you are bored.
Additionally consider the pace of your words, speak too fast and you will sound nervous, may be misunderstood or appear poor at communicating.
After the virtual interview
Immediately after the interview, reflect on how it went. Make notes of things that went well and things which did not, this will prepare you for the next interview.
Each time your have an incremental improvement you will become increasingly competent at virtual interviews.
Finally, after all your hard work, the interview is completed, give it a little while and then follow-up with a thankyou message. This is simply to acknowledge your gratitude for the opportunity and their time.
Conclusion
Here we have a wealth of information to succeed at a virtual interview. Indeed, it’s a skill which you must learn, virtual interviews are no longer the poor relation to the in-person interview.
They are a permanent feature in the job market, you need to give yourself the best chance and ultimately get the job.
Don’t waste the opportunity over something seemingly small like a poor Wi-Fi signal, poor appearance or other silly mistake.
With the right preparation you will gain the confidence necessary to be great at virtual interviews, this will be evident to the interviewer.
Virtual job interviews may feel different from traditional face to face interviews, but they offer opportunities to showcase your adaptability and tech-savviness.
By following this advice for the technical setup, platform use, scene setting, personal presentation, practice and virtual interview etiquette – you’ll have an advantage over your competition. For even more tips for job interview success click here, but for now – good luck with your virtual interview!