As the new year rolls in, many businesses may be beginning their virtual interview process. If you manage to secure an interview, make sure you’re prepared for an interview online. It can be quite different from an in-person interview.
Here are our top 5 tips for succeeding in a virtual interview:
Test your technology.
There’s nothing worse than sitting down minutes before an interview only to realise your web-cam isn’t working or your audio is scratchy. Avoid this by checking your technology as soon as you find out about the interview, to ensure there is enough time to get it fixed if there are any problems. Virtual interviews can take different forms, and various organisations use different platforms, so find out what software you will need. You could try a practice run with a friend or family.
Minimise distraction and noise.
It can be hard to find a quiet place needed for a virtual interview, especially if you live with many other people. Let the people around you know in advance that you need one room cleared and quiet for the interview. Remove things from the room that might distract you; if you are worried about fidgeting in the interview, get a stress ball to squeeze as you speak.
Dress professionally.
Just because you are at home, it doesn’t mean you can do the interview in your pyjamas! Getting dressed in smart, professional clothes will give a good impression and get you into the right frame of mind to do an interview. It’s essential that you feel focused and ready to talk about work even though you are in your own home.
Don’t just read off notes.
It can be tempting in a virtual interview to stick some notes up behind the camera to read off, but even if the interviewer can’t see the notes, they will be able to tell you are just reciting lines. While you must prepare for the interview, especially if they have given you an idea of what they will ask, it’s also important to show that you listen and respond to what they are saying during the interview.
Don’t panic: a virtual interview is new for everyone.
Doing a virtual interview can be daunting, and it can take you longer to warm up. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself at the start of the interview if you sound a little wooden, the more you talk, the more relaxed you will become. And remember, this virtual world is new for everyone.
For more employment resources, visit our useful guides to CV writing and cover letters.
