Virtual interviews...they’re all the rage right now! Rightfully so, given this whole global pandemic we’re experiencing...
If you’re progressing through interviews right now, chances are at least one of your interviews will be virtual. This is uncharted territory for a lot of people, seeing as we’re all still getting used to doing them in person or over the phone. Because of this, I wanted to make sure you all were armed and ready with the best tips and tricks to be as professional as possible.
Step #1: Figure out what tool you’ll be utilizing during the interview. Do you have a laptop with a webcam? A PC with no video capabilities? A tablet? Your smart phone?
This should be the first thing on your mind after confirming the interview. After all, the quality of your display sets the stage for the entire interview. Before you even think about it, do not use your cell phone and hold it up to your forehead the whole time.
A laptop with a built in webcam should always be your go-to. In lieu of that, you have a few options. Buying a webcam that plugs into your PC works, as does borrowing a friend or family member’s computer. A tablet could work too, but make sure you have it set down on a flat surface and it’s turned horizontally (so your display fills their screen). If using a tablet, double check to ensure the app or website works correctly without needing to download anything additional. Webex, for example, has an app that needs to be downloaded when on your phone or tablet.
If using your phone is your absolute last resort, do plenty of test runs beforehand to make sure you’re displaying correctly. Also, find a way to mount the phone to avoid looking down at the screen or risk it falling during the interview.
Whatever your setup may be, ensure you’re showing your entire top half and are eye level with the camera. You should be looking into the camera to maintain eye contact, just like you would look at someone’s eyes in person. They should see your whole face head on, not staring at the top of your head or looking up your nose.
Step #2: Make sure the environment you’re interviewing in is professional and distraction free. Think first about where you’ll sit. I suggest a plain wall, the less to look at the better. This way the interviewer is listening to the things you’re staying, rather than looking at your band posters or wall art. They’re humans too that get distracted very, very easily.
This brings me to pets: put them somewhere they’ll stay put. I knew a recruiter once that had interviewed someone who had their pet parrot on their shoulder during the interview. There is only one thing I would’ve been focused on at that point, and it wouldn’t have been their amazing answers. Leave dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, etc. elsewhere as to not distract you or the interviewer.
If other people will be home, make sure you’re alone and that the area you’re in has a door that can be shut. Ensure the people in your home know you’re on an interview, and maybe ask them to keep the noise levels down. The shut door should help with that.
Step #3: Familiarize yourself with the website or application you’ll be using. There are a lot of options: Zoom, Skype, Teams, Webex, and more. Whether you’re familiar or not, try to create a chat with someone in that tool beforehand to see what buttons are where and how to use it effectively. Some will require you to turn on your video and microphone while others have it automatically enabled.
Just as you should show up to an in-person interview a few minutes early, log into your computer and click on the link a few minutes beforehand to make sure it works. This way you can check that your video and audio are working, as well. If it doesn’t allow you to enter the “room” until the interviewer has started it, ensure you’re ready to go and join right after they do. This shows that you’re timely and prompt: two great qualities of a candidate.
Step #4: Dress the part! If you normally wear a suit to an interview, put one on for the virtual interview too. If you gained a few pounds in quarantine and are unsure if your dress pants fit, opt for black sweatpants! Either way it should be noted, wear pants. Sometimes people on the other end can see more than you think they can: be on the safe side. Whatever you normally wear to an interview is a safe bet to wear for a virtual one.
The reason I suggest wearing nice clothes is because A) it’s still an interview and you should still look professional and B) because then you’re in interview mode and have the mindset you need rather than feeling sleepy in your pajamas.
Step #5: Per usual, send a thank you note to the manager afterward. This is something I suggest you already do after in-person interviews too. In the case of a virtual interview, it can be even easier to forget details about a candidate because it’s over a screen rather than in person. A simple email thanking them for their time, expressing interest in the job, and highlighting a part or two you enjoyed will do the trick. You’ll likely already have the manager’s email address as well this time around, since they probably sent you the link beforehand. Utilize that as an avenue to shoot over a quick note and hopefully stand out among the rest of the candidates.
Overall I understand how scary and daunting interviews can be whether they’re virtual or not. By following these few steps, you’ll be well on your way to getting an offer.
Any questions or comments? Leave them below and I’d be happy to answer.
This article is my own and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of TEKsystems.
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