24 Aug 5 Virtual Job Interview Tips to Get Hired
With the normalization of remote work, virtual job interviews have been on the rise. And though virtual job interviews sound no different than in-person interviews—they’re both an interview for a job, they both include the same kinds of questions, they both have the same hiring manager carrying out the meeting, etc.—there are a few things you should prepare for beforehand.
If you’re not sure how to go about preparing for your virtual job interview, check out these five tips and tricks to ensure your interview goes as smoothly as possible.
#1: Prepare for Your Virtual Job Interview like it’s In-Person
One of the biggest misconceptions of virtual interviews is that there isn’t as much to worry about in preparing. You don’t have to drive somewhere, you don’t have the added worry of being fully presentable, you don’t need to have your resume printed out, etc.
The truth is, though, that you should still do all of that.
Get Dressed (fully, not just the top part of the outfit)
We’ve all seen those advertisements of virtual meetings where someone accidentally exposes their pajama bottoms while dressed in a suit on top. While funny and a bit true at times, most remote workers will stand by the fact that you need to get fully dressed for the workday in order to make the most of it.
It is far easier to get in the work mindset when you’re dressed for it. Plus, it also helps prevent incidents where you expose your pajama bottoms to the interviewer. It’ll get you ready both physically and mentally ready for the virtual job interview, so don’t try to put in half the work with dressing.
Review Possible Questions, Research the Company, and Prepare a Few Questions
Much like an in-person interview, you shouldn’t be walking into your virtual job interview blind. You need to show that you’re paying attention t0 what the interviewer is saying and putting thought into your answers.
By preparing things in advance, it will be much easier for the interviewer to understand your interest in the job and the company. Remember that body language and verbal communication are a couple of ways the interviewer can know how involved you are. In the virtual setting, this is more important than ever, since the physical presence of the other person isn’t quite there.
#2: Declutter Your Desk and Background – Know What Your Setup will Look Like
Though you will be having this virtual job interview in the comfort of your own home, you need to make sure the environment around you is fitting for the interview.
Make sure your desk is clean of unnecessary or distracting objects—you don’t want to be fiddling with something off-screen or paying attention to something other than the interviewer. Put away anything that could be distracting and make the desk more open so you can feel comfortable and less cramped.
If you can manage it, make sure to have a solid background. Usually, you can do this by having a blank wall behind you. Sometimes having a painting/picture behind you is okay (as long as it’s not distracting). You have to make sure there isn’t anything distracting for you or the interviewer. It will show how serious you are taking the interview.
Lastly, ensure the lighting is adequate and your camera lens is clean. Even if you have a blank background and a decluttered desk, the interviewer might not be able to see you well through a dirty lens or too low of light. Make sure you have even lighting to properly show your face and no unwanted specks of dust covering your lens.
#3: Check Your Mic, Camera, and WiFi Before Your Virtual Job Interview
This is insanely important. Your interviewer will need to be able to hear and see you throughout the entirety of your virtual job interview. Give yourself enough time before the interview to double and triple-check your microphone, camera, and WiFi works. By giving yourself enough time, you can find a replacement if any of the three don’t work the way you want them to—for instance, you could buy a new webcam or microphone and find a quiet location (perhaps a library) that offers better WiFi.
You can’t be too careful with this. Make sure to check these things a few days before the interview and the day of the interview. Technology doesn’t always work the way we want them to, so have backups and plan accordingly.
#4: Practice Your Video Call Skills for Your Virtual Job Interview
If you’ve only ever conducted interviews in person, you should consider practicing how to carry out virtual ones. Though it follows the same concept, there are different mannerisms you use during your virtual job interview.
Do You Know Where to Look? How You Can Speak?
Staring at your computer screen might seem like the obvious choice, but it’s not always the right choice. Virtual eye contact is just as important as it is in person.
When listening to the interviewer, it’s one-hundred percent okay to be watching them on screen. That’s actually preferred so you can see the motions they express. However, consider looking at your computer’s camera lens often when you’re talking. If you’re staring at your screen when speaking, your eyes could be looking in a different direction. This, while not too noticeable, can give the impression that you’re distracted while speaking or reading off of something else.
Show how confident you are in this virtual job interview by making eye contact with the lens of your camera and, by default, with the interviewer.
Similarly, make sure you aren’t mumbling your words or screaming at the interviewer. Depending on your microphone, you may need to speak a tad bit louder than you would in person. This does not mean you shout your words, but perhaps project them in a crisper way. Don’t speak too fast or too slow, but make sure your interviewer can understand your words clearly through the technology between you.
Sit Up Straight
It’s almost second nature for us to slouch in our desk chairs—especially if you’re used to sitting in them for long periods of time. Make sure you straighten your spine, keep your shoulders back, and hold your head high. Don’t be stiff, of course, but show your professionalism.
By keeping a good posture, you show the interviewer that you are well-prepared and serious about this job interview.
#5: Things to Be Cautious of During Your Virtual Job Interview
Alongside the things you should do prior to your virtual job interview, there are some things that you should be aware of. These things aren’t massive or too demanding but will help your interview go along smoothly.
Taking Notes
While taking notes is something you can do in both an in-person interview and a virtual one, make sure you’re not dedicating all of your time to it without explaining that to your interviewer.
Similar to eye contact with the camera, your interviewer might think you’re not paying attention if you keep your head down to take notes. This is especially worrisome if your interviewer can’t see the actual act of you taking those notes. A camera can only show so much.
To remedy this, perhaps let your interviewer know before everything starts that you will be taking notes throughout. You can also let them know you are taking notes if there is an extended pause between what they say and what you say if you’re busy writing something down.
“Show Up” Early
Another helpful tactic for a virtual job interview is to show up early. As mentioned earlier, you should be checking your technology thoroughly before your job interview to ensure nothing is wrong. By showing up to the interview a bit earlier, you can help smooth out these issues.
You never know what curveball technology will throw at you that day, so show up five to ten minutes early (if you can) and hope to smooth out the bugs before the interview begins.
Be More Expressive
Unlike in person, the interviewer can only see what’s shown through your camera. Not everything in your body language will transfer through the screen or audio. Make sure you’re being more expressive with your face and using full words to express your thoughts—a simple “mhm” won’t make it through the audio.
By nodding or smiling more in response to things the interviewer says, it shows that you’re engaging with the interview. And reacting outwardly to the things you’re hearing will be super beneficial to you and your interviewer. Don’t be afraid to be more expressive or show what you’re thinking; it will help a lot during your virtual job interview, promise.
Let the Other Finish Talking Before You Start
If you’ve ever been part of a virtual meeting, then you might know how chaotic it can get. Even if it’s not intentional, lagging video calls can cause an overwhelming abundance of noise. People will accidentally end up speaking over one other or cut each other off before the other is finished speaking.
This isn’t something you want to do during your virtual job interview, so make sure to pause before answering. Ensure that your interviewer has finished speaking their thoughts and don’t try to speak over top of them. More times than not, this will lead to you both not hearing each other correctly.
Overall, the biggest issues with virtual job interviews stem from technology failures and a lack of understanding of how to act. Prepare carefully and double-check your technology is working properly before your interview.
If you want to practice your interview, check out the mock interviews we offer through The Jonus Group. Among our other Career Services, we can help get you feeling confident for your virtual job interview.