Michael Mwenda

Virtual Interview: A Comprehensive Guide to Prepare You for a Virtual Interview Are you a job seeker or hiring manager preparing for a virtual interview? Do you want to put your best foot forward and land your dream job? Job interviews are daunting, primarily virtual interviews. As much as you’re trying to connect and impress your future employer, there are some things you must achieve to make the interview successful. According to a survey, 75% of business executives interview leading candidates using real-time video, while 50% leverage it to narrow down their pool of candidates. This comprehensive guide prepares you for a virtual interview and makes it a success. Read on to learn more; What Is a Virtual Interview? Virtual interviews leverage video technology using a computer with an in-built camera or external webcam and microphone connected to a reliable internet connection. Hiring managers or recruiters use different online platforms with video capabilities, such as Zoom or Skype, to conduct interviews. How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview A successful virtual interview should have similar ingredients to an in-person interview. The difference is that there are no handshake formalities. You need to accommodate the virtual interview settings to make your interview a success. You must adapt to the medium and adjust your preparations, expectations, and strategy to achieve this. Here is a step-by-step guide to assist you in preparing for your virtual interview and help you stand out from other candidates; 1. Prepare Your Environment in Advance Always take time and prepare your environment in advance. Poor preparation can be a deal breaker if you have a poor internet connection, a disorganized background, or muffled or unclear audio. Here are ways you can prepare your virtual interview environment; Set Up and Test Your Technology When you agree to participate in a virtual interview, assemble and set up all the hardware and software you need. Connect your computer to a reliable internet connection and test and confirm that your microphone and webcam are working. Buy a new mini webcam with an in-built microphone if you’re experiencing grainy images or echo. Pick an Appropriate Background Your background may send mixed signals to the other person or people on the other end of the video call. A disheveled or messy background could send the wrong impression. Go for a blank wall or a bookshelf to create a neutral background. If you pick a bookshelf, keep politically charged or controversial books out of sight. Always choose a scene with minimal distractions and background noises. If you have kids or pets, keep them out of the line of sight. Distractions and fumbling around while struggling with your audio due to background noises make the hiring managers question your suitability. Inform your housemates in advance to ensure they will not cause distractions during the interview. Set up the Webcam Be mindful of your angle/proximity to the camera. Set up your webcam two feet away and level it above your eyes. Your goal is to simulate a face-to-face conversation as much as possible. Have a light source from the front to illuminate your face and avoid shadows. Take advantage of natural light and sit down facing a window or place a light source in front of you. Test run a video call using the software provided by the interview to simulate the actual interview and make any needed adjustments. 2. Wear Professional Attire Virtual interviews are formal, so dress as you would for an in-person interview. For men, consider a blazer, button-up shirt, and chinos. Women should opt for a skirt and blouse or dress. There are many reasons you could need to get up during an interview, don’t make the mistake of your bottom half not matching your top half! 3. Show Up on Time To avoid starting things on the wrong note, show up on time just like you would with an in-person interview. Show up a few minutes early (in case of tech issues), but no need to be in the ‘waiting room’ 15 like when attending an in-office interview. Consider running a test call to a trusted friend to ensure your setup and connections function optimally. It buys you time to troubleshoot any arising issues before the interview kicks in. What to Do During a Virtual Interview Here are the things you can do to optimize your virtual interview and make it a successful one; 1. Use Notes Do your research in advance and write down a few questions to ask the hiring managers about the organization’s values, culture, and job descriptions. Have a pen and notebook within reach to take down questions, lest you forget to answer some questions. 2. Maintain Confidence Unlike an in-person where you get to shake the hiring manager’s hand as an act of enthusiasm, with a virtual interview, monitor your body language and communicate confidently. Sit upright, smile, and focus on the camera. In case of an expected question, stay poised and take a moment to recollect your thoughts before answering back. When interruptions happen, and you start talking over each other, pause and smile and give the interviewer a chance to speak. 3. Make a Connection Ask the hiring managers about their day or interest to detach them from their routine interview questions. It enables interviews to remember your personal story or the common interests you share to set you apart from other pools of candidates. 4. Be Yourself During a virtual interview, ether is a physical disconnect that makes it difficult for the panel to understand your enthusiasm on the screen. To compensate for this, be more expressive when answering questions. Give the panel a reason to push you to the second interview by highlighting your potential and capabilities. 5. Make a Follow-Up Before the interview, contact the hiring manager and request the interviewer’s email. Twenty-four hours after the interview, send a thank you email to your interviewers> it represents value for their time and presents an opportunity to resell any forgotten vital points. Make a point to mention any common interests to make an impression. Proper preparation is critical when you want to ace a virtual interview. You must conduct good research and ensure that your technology is functioning well before you do your interview. Good preparations set you apart from other pools of candidates. Do you have burning top talent questions? 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