Virtual and phone interviews present unique challenges to any applicant. You need to show that you’re the best candidate for the job by effectively showing your enthusiasm and sending the right vibes despite the lack of in-person interaction. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the interview and position yourself to get that sweet job offer.
Technical issues such as bad internet connection, bad audio, or equipment breakdown (gasp!) can ruin what could’ve been a good interview. Moreso, experiencing technology glitches on the day of your virtual appointment could send a wrong message to the employer. They may doubt your interest in the job or your ability to handle such problems.
Let this mini checklist guide you when preparing your hardware prior to your interview:
Test your internet connectivity. You’ll be applying for an online job so your internet connectivity and speed are crucial. Make sure to have a back-up connection as much as possible so you won’t have to rush at the nearest co-working space at the last minute. Or worst, cancel your appointment.
Test your audio and speaker volume. If using a headset, test the sound quality and the microphone to make sure everything’s working properly.
Test the camera or webcam and work with the positioning. This is to make sure you can see the interviewer properly and they also have a good view of you.
Check the lighting. You don’t want to look like you came out of a horror movie because of poor lighting in your working area. Consider adding a desk light or find a space with more natural light to make sure you’re projecting the best image.
Also, don’t forget to confirm that any app or technology you will need for the virtual interview is installed and working. If possible, conduct a mock job interview or a simple test run with a friend or co-worker to make sure your real interview will go on without a hitch.
Be it a video call or a phone interview, your goal is to be as professional as possible. Choose a room in your house where there is minimal interruption. Make sure no one can disturb you and there’s no background noise like barking dogs, roosters, TV playing noisily on the background, loud music, or children screaming. Inform your family that you’ll be having an interview so they can at least lessen the interruptions.
Similarly, you don’t want the interviewer to see a cluttered room. Best to position your computer and webcam where there’s a blank and clean wall at your back. If you don’t have a home office but want to appear like you are in a professional setting, think of organized bookshelves in the background, rather than showing your untidy bed.
Remember that although it is a virtual interview, it is still an “interview” for a position you are applying for. As a candidate, your appearance is crucial to making a good first impression. You must dress like you’re going to an in-person interview — even if the interviewer won’t be able to see under your desk. Be presentable and wear appropriate business casual attire. Avoid wearing clothes with bright colors or prints, or jewelry that could be distracting. You want the interviewer to focus on you and your capabilities, rather than on your outfit.
There’s a good chance that the interviewer might have questions related to your resume. Rather than memorizing every detail you’ve provided, prepare a copy of your CV so you can refer to it during the interview. Feel free to open it from your computer or best to print it out so you’re better prepared than be surprised by the questions.
Minutes before the appointment, don’t forget to give the interviewer a heads-up that you are already online. This way they’ll know you’re on time and they can also decide whether to begin the interview at any moment. Insider tip: It’s also a good habit to practice for any meetings you’ll have in your future online job.
But if something came up and you need to reschedule or cancel the interview, give the hiring manager as much notice as possible. Reach out to them via email or phone and tell them your reason. Likewise, don’t forget to suggest alternate times when you can accommodate the interview. And when you’re done with the rescheduled interview, make sure to mention the interviewer’s accommodation in your thank you note.
We get it: you can feel the butterflies in your stomach even with a phone interview. But that’s only natural, especially if you’re really enthusiastic about getting the job. But your mantra before and during the interview is to stay calm and just be yourself. Virtual communication may have its setbacks, but you just need to position yourself to win by focusing on the interviewer and his or her questions.
Be honest about your knowledge and skills, as well as your weaknesses. If you’re asked about something you don’t know, just answer truthfully. You don’t want anything to backfire to you once you are hired, especially when it comes to your skills and capabilities. Also, avoid talking about how weird it is to attend a virtual interview or tell the recruiter that it is your first time. Remember to sit up straight; don’t slouch, fidget, or yawn. Lastly, don’t forget to crack a smile, especially if you can see the person you’re talking to. You never know: your good behavior and positive disposition could be the last ingredient for you to get that job offer.