Tips for Virtual Interview

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How to make a good impression in a virtual job interview?

Phone and video interviews became particularly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when governments around the world issued social distancing guidelines to limit the spread of the virus. As and after these guidelines ease, it’s likely that many companies will continue to rely on virtual interviewing to make hiring decisions. So, in this article, we review the best ways to be successful during your next virtual interview.

What is a virtual interview?

A virtual interview is an interview that takes place remotely, sometimes over the phone, but often using technology like video conferencing and other online communication platforms. Virtual interviews are often conducted much the same way as face-to-face interviews. That said, virtual communication requires special considerations and adjustments due to the limited ability to read body language and facial expressions.

How to attend virtual interview

Here are a few considerations to set yourself up for success during a virtual interview:

Test your technology beforehand

A virtual interview requires tools like a camera and microphone on your computer, a software program (such as Google Meet or Zoom) and a reliable internet connection. At least a day before your virtual interview, check all of your technology to ensure it works effectively and can be used to communicate effectively. That means having a functional computer that meets technical specifications, downloading any necessary software and ensuring the connection is strong enough to sustain streaming video.

Ensure you have a fast & reliable internet connection

A poor connection means you risk unclear audio on the call, which is a real deal breaker. No matter what excellent preparation you do for the call, if your interviewers can’t hear you or if your video freezes, you’re cooked. You can also test your connection through a simple Google search for “Internet speed test.” We can’t stress how important this is — 88% of recruiters told us that their number one pet peeve during an interview is an internet lag, as it breaks the flow of the conversation.

Wear professional attire

In a virtual interview, you should dress the same as you would in a face-to-face interview. Doing so not only makes you appear professional and excited about the opportunity, but it will also make you feel more prepared and confident. When an interview takes place from a remote location like your home, you should expect it to be just as formal as one that takes place in an office—if you are unsure, business casual is a good standard to follow. A great outfit example for men and women is a button-down shirt and blazer with slacks.

Stay out of distractions

Our advice here is not for you to start rearranging your entire room. Just find a spot that is simple and free of distractions (like a blank wall or one that has a few pictures hanging on it).The best place to take an interview in your home is a quiet location with few distractions. Choose a room that is clean and professional-looking so the interviewer can focus their attention on you and not what is around you. If you do not have a dedicated office space, you can also use a bedroom or guest bedroom, your kitchen table or even cleared-out closet space. Try to place your computer on a table or desk instead of your lap or couch.

Check light in a Room

You want recruiters to view you in the best light possible; both figuratively and literally. During your call, light yourself from the front. If your light source is behind you, you’ll turn into a mysterious silhouette, and the recruiter will spend their time trying to see you as opposed to focusing on what you have to say. If you have a desk light, position it towards your face so you’re clearly visible. Try to use cool rather than warm light. Cool light emits a modern, clean, and brighter look, which was favored by 95% of the recruiters we spoke to.

Keep calm

If you feel stressed or overwhelmed at any point during the call, it’s okay to ask your recruiter for a moment to gather yourself. You could say, “Could I take few seconds to think and answer?” Recruiters will appreciate your ability to stay calm under pressure instead of fumbling. This was a major deciding factor in 72% of the interviews observed.

Professional body language

Because interviewing via video or phone limits the ability to communicate with body language, it is important to utilise body language in a clear, professional way. For example, if you get a question that is unexpected, make sure to stay poised and take a moment to collect your thoughts.

Sit up straight and ensure your camera is placed so your face is in the middle of your screen (not too much blank space above or below your head). In most interviews, you shake hands with your potential employer at the beginning and the end of the discussion. It's an important body language cue that helps you establish the relationship. Instead, find other ways to greet and exude enthusiasm, like smiling and giving a confident wave with eye contact.

Use hand gestures

In our study, 89% of successful candidates used wide hand gestures for big and exciting points, while moving their hands closer to their heart when sharing personal reflections. Your body language can impact what you’re saying and how you come across. Our research also found that you can connect to your interviewer just by keeping an open posture and remembering not to cross your arms. When people connect with you, they’re more likely to trust the information you are sharing.

Look into your webcam, not at your reflection

Our study is consistent with previous research that found making eye contact is the first step to building trust with your recruiter, because “eyes play a key role in human social encounters.” We found that 79% of unsuccessful candidates didn’t do this well. We recommend framing yourself in a way where you’re not too far from the camera (we suggest no more than two feet). Make sure your head and top of your shoulders dominate the screen, and as you’ve heard before, look into the camera when you speak.

Be Genuine

When interviewing virtually, you have the rare opportunity to speak in a relaxing, familiar environment and show the interviewer who you are and why you are the best person for the job. Recruiters will look for how you express yourself to understand whether you are a good fit for the company. Use tools like your body language, facial expressions and interview preparations to convey your confidence and personality as it relates to the position.

Don’t perform a monologue; spark conversations

Zoom calls are more monotonous than their in-person alternatives. Your main challenge during the interview itself will be keeping the conversation lively.

Ask questions

There’s always an opportunity to ask questions about the office and the culture in an interview, but when you interview remotely, you’re going to be left with more questions than usual (what the office and facilities are like, how big and diverse the team is, how the company culture feels, etc.). Whatever you want to know, ask. Don’t worry about looking silly. The recruiter will appreciate your curiosity.

If your interviewer is looking bored — maybe they’re flicking through their notes or starting to fidget — they probably are. Wrap up your answer before you lose their attention. And always remember to bookend your answers with personality!

Turn off your notifications

Your video interview won’t start with a reel from the movies asking you to turn off your cell phone, so add this to your pre-interview checklist! Also make sure to turn off notifications for other online services that might ping, ring, or otherwise play a jaunty tune and distract you from your interview.

Sign out of messaging services, turn on do-not-disturb in any tool you can’t close, close out of social media sites that give you notifications, and close any browser windows or tabs that might surprise you with an auto-play video.

Have a backup plan

No matter how much you prepare, a video tool can break, and your call can fizzle out into the electronic ether. Do a test run the day of your interview to make sure everything is still working, and be prepared to send an alternate suggestion, such as a traditional phone call, to the interviewers in case your technology fails.

Have fun

Smiling, laughing, and showing you’re enjoying the video chat are absolutely encouraged.

It’s show time!

In the end, interviewing for a remote job is no different than interviewing for any job at a co-located company: You need to convey your passion for the company and display what value you can add to their business.

Preparing thoughtfully so you’ll have comfort and confidence in the technology powering your call will allow you to focus on the important work of presenting yourself as an excellent candidate and knocking your interview out of the park.

Follow up

After your interview, plan to send a well-timed follow-up. It's good practice to send a follow-up email within 24 hours of an interview, thanking the interviewer for their time and letting them know you are available if they have any additional questions. Reach out to the HR representative or hiring manager you have been speaking with to get a list of your interviewers’ emails.