10 Tips to Help You Rock Your Next Virtual Interview
As companies are heavily relying on virtual interviews to fill positions and onboard new employees, it may seem daunting to figure out just how to make a great impression and connect with hiring managers virtually. Don’t worry, I got you!
Here are 10 tips to help you knock your next virtual interview right out of the park.
1. Test your technology ahead of time to make sure your audio and video are working optimally. I suggest doing a test session with a friend just to make sure they can hear and see you clearly. This includes adjusting the lighting in your space.
2. Avoid distractions by silencing all computer and phone notifications. The last thing you want is a ding from your email notifications every 10 seconds during an interview. Also try to find the quietest space in your home and notify others you are sharing the space with that you will be in an interview.
3. Dress the part. Dress as you would for an in-person interview. Typically, this means business casual. Dressing the part can do wonders for your confidence level during an interview.
4. Set your background to look professional and speak to your personality. Since you are not able to meet in person, your background is another window to who you are. Art, photographs and a bookshelf make great background settings. Think of it as an extension of your personality. What do you want to say?
5. Set the computer at eye level and be sure to make eye contact. Post a sticker to remind yourself to focus on the camera instead of the image of the person you are talking to.
6. Show enthusiasm via body language. Don't let your enthusiasm get lost in translation. You can authentically show your enthusiasm via hand gestures and / or facial expressions. Overall this takes practice, record yourself answering questions so when it’s time for that interview your personality will come through.
7. Print out a copy of your resume and have it on hand as a point of reference. The hiring manager is likely looking at your resume during the interview so be sure to have a copy on hand to reference key points.
8. Take notes by hand. It shows initiative to take a few notes during an interview, however, it is super annoying to hear that clicking sound on the other end so keep a paper and pen handy to take notes on the key points you want to remember.
9. Practice don’t memorize your answers to potential interview questions. It is very obvious when you are reciting a memorized answer to a question or worse, reading it from a document. It can come across robotic and very dry so take the time to practice potential interview questions.
10. Follow up after the meeting. Take the time to send an individual thank you email to everyone you met in your interview. Ideally, Within 24 hours of the interview. Not only does this make a great impression, but it also allows for a second opportunity to re-share some of the key points / unique strengths that you bring to the role and perhaps any talking points that you forgot to address. Be sure to keep your email short to one paragraph or less.