What is a virtual interview, anyways?
It's just a standard job interview taking place over a digital space.
Whatever the reason may be as to why you are virtually interviewing—applying to a remote company, distance, or a global pandemic—virtual interviews are something all of you may experience very soon (if you haven't already).
So, here are five virtual interview tips that will help you get one step closer to landing the job.
1. Prepare Like You Would For A Traditional Interview
Research the company and make a list of questions to ask the hiring manager. Practice your interview answers until you know them by heart! Use the Experience + Learn = Grow model, too. It will help you stand out in a pool of candidates.
2. Get Digitally Smart
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Virtual interviewing has a few technicalities that you should familiarize yourself with:
- Have a professional background, not your bed or your dog or your posters. Keep the background neutral and distraction-free.
- Make sure there is ample light.
- Put your camera at eye level, even if that means placing a small stack of old books underneath your laptop. Remember: the interviewer shouldn't be looking at your ceiling or chin. Anything lower than eye level could signify you're looking down on them (literally and figuratively) OR anything too high could come off as you being insecure and unconfident.
- Make sure your camera is close to your face. You don't want it to be too zoomed in or too zoomed out.
- Look at the camera, not at the screen!
3. Practice, Practice!
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Practice your talking points beforehand. Also, do a test run. Try completing a mock interview with yourself and your camera before your real interview takes place.
You want to come off as confident and mature. You also want to make it clear that this company and job mean something to you, and you're not just desperate. The more you practice, the more relaxed you'll be when the time comes for you to prove you're the best candidate for the job.
4. Dress Professionally
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Just because you're home, doesn't mean you should be in a sweatshirt or sweatpants. Wear your best business attire and present yourself in a clean and crisp way. Make sure your shirt doesn't have stains. Wear a pressed and wrinkle-free blazer.
Some general tips also include:
- No loud prints or colors; they can be distracting.
- Wear neutral colors.
- Women: professional makeup and minimal jewelry.
- Men: clean haircuts and grooming.
5. Complete The Appropriate Follow-Up Steps
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Even though you can't physically shake your interviewer's hand or walk out of the office space, you still need to email and thank them afterwards.
Here's a quick guide on how to follow up after a job interview.
Also, please don't forget to create a sign for your door so no one knocks or disrupts you. Spouses, maintenance, the mailman, whoever! It can be super awkward if you are interviewing and have to get up in the middle to answer the door.
Preparing for your next job interview? Download our FREE list of common interview questions today!
We hope these virtual interview tips will help you prepare for your next one!
Remember: Interviews are a great opportunity for you to make up for any lack of experience or skill sets you may not have. It's a key time for you to build a relationship with your interviewer, not just sell yourself.
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