In the new world of remote work, hiring managers are trading out the in-person interview for the video call. For a potential employer, an online job interview diminishes travel costs and allows the hiring manager to conduct more interviews. For candidates, a remote job interview represents a new skill to master in order to stand out in the hiring process and score the job.
The virtual job interview can be daunting, but we're here to help you prepare! Here are five important things to remember when getting ready for your next virtual interview.
1. Do a Test Run
With an in-person meeting, you just need to show up on time. With the virtual interview process, there are several technological issues that can interfere with your virtual communication. Luckily, these potential issues are easily avoidable. The best way to prevent technical difficulties is to test your technology before the interview. Make sure that you have access to a reliable internet connection and that your internet speed is strong on the day of the interview. Before the interview, practice joining a meeting to ensure that accessing the chosen video conferencing software goes smoothly. If the company uses a different platform than you're used to, make sure you're familiar with the software and that your computer settings allow you to access sound and video. The last thing you want is to troubleshoot during the real interview.
If you've done everything to prepare and something still goes wrong, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan. Keep your cell phone nearby just in case!
2. Minimize Distractions
In a face-to-face interview, you'd likely be in an office or a quiet space where you can focus and talk in private. The same should apply for a remote interview. Identify a home office space where you can focus and minimize distractions. If you have to set up in a living room or another common area, be sure that your family or roommates steer clear for the duration of the interview to keep background noise to a minimum. There's nothing worse than someone or something disrupting your focus.
3. Be Professional
Another element of a successful virtual interview is dressing the part. Although you're interviewing from home, it's just as important to dress as you would for a traditional interview. To make a good first impression, you should dress in professional clothing. When it comes to creating a professional virtual environment, ensure that you have access to good light and your computer is angled at eye level. If you don't have access to natural light, find an alternative light source. Your virtual presentation is key to making a great first impression with the hiring manager.
4. Practice
A great way to prepare for your online job interview is practicing. Researching common interview questions and coming up with key talking points to showcase why you're the right candidate for the position is essential during the preparation stage. A pro tip is to research a list of common interview questions and write out answers beforehand. Then, you can practice your response verbally so your answers feel organic during the real interview. We recommend using the STAR method to practice your response technique. Also, be sure to look up the company ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the company website and all aspects of the job description so you can ace the online interview. For more tips, check out our article "How to Ace Your Interview: 5 Tips to Get You Your Next Job".
5. Be Yourself
It may feel strange to interview in front of a computer screen, but it's important to act exactly as you would during a live interview. Maintain good eye contact with the screen, use proper facial expressions and communicate with body language during the meeting. This is your time to showcase who you are and why you're a good fit–the computer should not detract from making a lasting impression.
We hope these virtual interview tips help you throughout your process. Good luck on your next video interview!