The adoption of remote work has created a need for companies to conduct virtual interviews with candidates. So how do you prepare for a virtual interview as a job seeker? Here’s How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview.
All you need to know about Virtual interview:
Virtual interviews are usually conducted in the same way as face-to-face interviews. However, virtual communication requires special considerations and adjustments due to the limited ability to read body language and facial expressions.
Virtual interviews are simply interviews conducted online, mostly via voice or video call. This is the main difference from the personal interview, and sometimes the only one. Virtual interviews have become commonplace in today’s interconnected world. Whether it’s a job, an internship, or an educational program, organizations have found that interviewing candidates hands-on is faster, more convenient, and more cost-effective.
There are different types of virtual interviews. From one-on-one calls to one-way video calls, group interviews and recorded responses, each of these types requires slightly different preparation. In any case, we will focus on a type that is more adopted: video call one-on-one.
Virtual one-on-one interviews are just like traditional video calls. Sometimes they involve only one person. Sometimes you have to face a full jury. However, your preparation determines your success.
So how do you prepare for a virtual interview?
Here’s a complete guide on how to prepare for a virtual interview, wherever you are. First, let’s talk briefly about the virtual interview
1. Determine the type of virtual interview
The first step in preparing for a virtual interview is to determine what type of virtual interview it will be. Is it a one-way video call where there are pre-recorded questions to which you must provide video-recorded answers?
Will it be a regular meeting with video calls? Will it just be a voice call? Deciding when to interview will guide your preparation. If it’s a one-way video interview, you know you won’t be meeting your interviewers in real time, so you won’t have to worry about keeping your credentials handy.
Remember to confirm the time zone in case you are interviewing with a company located in a different time zone than you.
2. Own your technology
Technical skills are considered one of the main skills that employers look for in new hires. Hiring managers can easily assess your skills during a virtual interview.
Once you’ve accepted a virtual interview, test your technology to make sure you’re set for success. Check your internet connection. Check that the camera and microphone are working. If the image is grainy or you have echo, you may need to buy a mini-webcam with a built-in microphone, which is difficult to do five minutes before the interview, so you don’t delay. On the day of the interview, try your devices and internet connection again.
About 15 to 30 minutes before the interview, check your video and audio to make sure everything is working properly.
You don’t want technical difficulties to be the reason they wonder if you are the right candidate for the job.
Technical preparation is very important because it can break your interview if it is not set up properly. Imagine you’re trying to answer a question you’ve practiced a few times and your call drops or your device turns off. It would be a complete disaster!
The technical preparation includes three parts: preparation of the equipment, the software and the platform.
Devices: Make sure your device has a good internet connection. Make sure you connect quickly to your internet connection source. Check that the camera, microphone and buttons are working perfectly.
Platform: If the virtual interview is done via Zoom, test the platform. Try whether it’s Google Meet, Skype, or some other platform. If your application is out of date, you don’t want to find out 2 minutes before the interview. It’s the perfect recipe for disorientation.
Software: Familiarize yourself with the interface and know where to find everything you need to make your presentation run smoothly. You may be asked to share your screen or send a document during the call, or even leave a message in the comment box. All of this should be in hand before your big interview.
3. Create a professional environment
This step is pretty self-explanatory. But surprisingly, this is the step that many job seekers forget.
Some recruiters have complained bitterly about the funny scenes they witnessed during a virtual interview. Do your best not to be one of the bad examples. How to create a professional environment?
Location: Find a quiet space with adequate lighting. Natural light is more effective. Use artificial light sources if you don’t have enough natural light. Adjust so that your face and the surrounding area that will appear as part of your video call are clearly visible, but not in the way.
Background: Choose a neutral background with little or no distractions. Distractions can be anything… or anyone! Don’t let a friend, spouse, or child walk across the room and appear in your video interview. It is better to conduct a virtual interview in a room where you are alone.
Dress: It goes without saying that your dress should be somewhere between business formal and casual. However, to be on the safe side, always choose professional clothing. Avoid excessively bright colors, accessories or makeup. Use neutral tones like white and gray or blue. They make you look competent. In short, dress like you would for a personal interview.
4. Gather Your Credentials
The next step is to prepare your documents. Your CV should be accessible in case you need to share a copy with your interviewer during the call. Other documents you may need are your work samples, depending on the position, or a letter of recommendation (recruiters rarely ask for this, though).
However, it is imperative that you can quickly find and share your resume during a virtual interview, just as you would have a hard copy in a folder handy if it were an in-person interview.
5. Practice interview questions
Think you have it all covered? There are several important interview questions that you should prepare before your next interview.
How strong is your argument? Can you answer the question “Tell me about yourself” in 2 minutes without any embellishments or filler words? You should also research the company. Know your product and target audience and understand how your future role will contribute to the growth of the company.
Quick tip: Always answer questions about performance or skills by giving examples of problems that came up in your previous or current job and how you solved them. Also add the numbers. Recruiters are very impressed by the numbers.
6. Find options for fallible people
This step is obvious. Have a plan B for your equipment, internet connection, and anything else that might interfere with your virtual interview. If electricity is a problem, arrange an alternative power source or make sure your device is fully charged before the interview. Always have a plan B to avoid unforeseen problems.
7. Test, test, test
Finally, do a mock interview. You can ask a friend or colleague for help. There are also online resources that can help you prepare. Check that your body language is correct and that you can answer the questions consistently, without too much or too little information.
Make sure you test your equipment, connectivity and ability to answer questions before the day of the interview.