Author: Victoria Krstev on behalf of Inflo HR Ltd.
Due to COVID-19, the way companies conduct interviews has drastically changed. Gone are the in-person interviews that we’ve all come to know over the years. They have been replaced with the new virtual interview method, which I don’t think will be leaving anytime soon This new way of interviewing may seem overwhelming as it is a new experience for most people. I’ve decided to share a few tips that will help you succeed during your interview!
Seeing how technical skills is typically a top requirement, this is a perfect chance for you to show that you’re prepared. Do a test run before your interview to ensure the internet connection is working along with your camera and microphone. There’s nothing worse than fumbling around trying to figure out why your microphone is not working and risk looking unprepared. Have a friend call you to make sure that they can hear you clearly on their end. Try and spend 10 minutes prior to the interview to figure all of this out.
Even though your interview isn’t in person, you still have to act equally as professional. This starts off with your email and your name on the video call platform. It’s likely that your email is part of the first impression that your potential employer sees. Cutie_Pie_xo@gmail.com doesn’t look very good! Make sure you try your best to have a simple email such as your first and last name, or your middle name. The same applies to any username that appears when you are on a video call.
You’d show up early to an in-person interview, so make sure you do the same for a virtual interview. Have yourself set up at your computer in advance with anything important already open to avoid searching for items such as a portfolio or anything else you’d like to share with the interviewer. Remember to close all other unnecessary tabs because the last thing you want happening is the notification of a Facebook message coming in.
During any sort of video call, we all typically stare at ourselves and overanalyze how we look, what our face is doing, etc. During a virtual interview, you’re obviously not going to be able to shake the person’s hand and your enthusiasm may not come through. Doing things such as sitting up straight, try your best to make “eye contact” by keeping your camera at eye level, and remember to smile! Remember that it is important to look engaged and not be slouching over in your chair. Try and use a stable chair and not a swivel in the case you fidget and are constantly moving.
Try not to focus too much on how you look, but remember to think about how you sound as well. Are you talking fast? Are you making sure that you are speaking clearly? When you do your tech run through with a friend, take some time to practise going over how you look and sound on camera as well. Have them tell you if you’re speaking too fast or if you are mumbling.
Take note of when they are speaking and try not to talk over the interviewer. This can make it difficult to hear the other person. It’s okay to take a second to make sure they have finished their sentence before jumping in with your answer.
Just because you are at home, doesn’t mean you should complete your interview in something else rather than what you would show up for an in-person interview wearing! You should still wear business attire. You can stay in comfy clothes such as sweatpants if they will not be seen during the call (I always get away with my black yoga pants…) BUT! If there’s any chance this can be seen, you should be dressed from head to toe in your professional attire. We’d personally recommend skipping the sweatpants for a skirt or dress pants. Ultimately, you will feel better if you’re all dressed up and it will help with your confidence.
I understand that you’ll be at home during your interview. Although your setting may not be ideal, try to have it look as professional as possible. The way you present yourself is very important. Having an extremely messy desk or room may give off the impression that this is the way you will handle your work as well. You want to make them believe that you actually are detail-oriented and well organized.
What do you think looks better in the background: a stack of books or a stack of clothes that need to be put away. Something as simple as having a plant or a photo in the background not only helps liven up the space but allows you to show off your personality as well. This also includes things such as TVs or other people in the background.
Don’t forget to consider things such as the lighting in the room. Open your blinds or make sure that your lights are already on. Especially if your interview is at a time where the sun starts to set, you don’t want to be getting up halfway through the interview because you realize the interviewer can’t see you.
Feel free to send me a screenshot of your background and I will happily give you feedback!
So, I just mentioned that you need to have our interview in a professional setting. This should mean there are no distractions around you. Your phone shouldn’t be beside you tempting you to check who just texted you or liked your Instagram photo.
If you don’t have a designated office area, that’s fine. Try to find a secluded spot in your house where you can set up your computer rather than just putting it on your lap.
Although you’ll never have the exact list of questions that your interviewer is going to ask you, it’s always a good idea to go in prepared for the possible questions that are typically asked.
A few questions that I would recommend reviewing and coming up with answers include:
These are only a couple of questions they could ask you. Spend some time coming up with answers for them but you don’t want to sound overly rehearsed! How you answer these questions can help the interviewer see that your passions values and strengths with the company’s values. If you want some more interview questions, check out our bundle here!
Just as you would with an in-person interview, you should follow up and thank the interviewer for their time. This is also another opportunity to resell yourself and mention those strengths that make you the perfect candidate! It is recommended to wait a day to send this email.
Overall, the most important part here is to prepare for the interview. Spend the necessary time going over questions, have someone do a test call to ensure that your lighting, microphone and camera are all working and try not to overthink. Write down a few stories that align with questions they can possibly ask you and how you can relate them back to this position.
Wishing you all the best in this virtual interview and send over any background pictures so I can give some feedback! Rooting for you from the sidelines.
