After the COVID-19 pandemic, companies and hiring managers had to think of new ways to meet with prospective employees. Video call interviews were the perfect solution to this problem, and despite the lifting of restrictions, many still rely on this platform. With these tips, you can ace your virtual interview.
Understand the Video Software
Unlike in-person interviews, virtual interviews rely on technology that lets you communicate with your potential employer. Take time to play with the video platform you’ll use for the call. Doing this helps you understand how the software works so you can utilize key tools within it. For instance, you should know how to mute and unmute your microphone. Most importantly, you should be able to get into the call or waiting room for the interview.
When in doubt about how to use a specific video calling software, search the developer’s website and read through their how-to guides. Sometimes, there may also be tutorials on YouTube to help you understand the basics of navigating the software.
Why This Matters
Knowing how to use the needed platform makes you less likely to stress about something going wrong. Similarly, it keeps you prepared for various situations that may come up during the call. The interviewer may also ask you to write something in the chat, and when you can expertly navigate the software, you can complete the task without stress.
Make Sure Everything Works
The night before the interview, you should double-check that everything on your computer works properly. Open your camera software to verify that your webcam and microphone work properly; record a video and play it back to confirm this. It’s also recommended you check the following:
- You have a steady internet connection
- There’s ample light around you
- Your audio puts out quality sound
After this, you should also ensure you can open the video calling program needed to talk with the employer. You don’t want to wait until minutes before the interview to discover the software needs to update before usage.
Interview Tip
You should verify that you get an email from the employer. At most, wait until the week of the interview for this invite. If you do not receive one by then, reach out to request the information. By doing this several days in advance, you also give them ample time to respond to your concerns.
On the interview day, log in at least 15 minutes early to get yourself situated. You may have to wait in a virtual room, which is fine. When it comes to a job interview, 15 minutes early is considered on time. Now’s your chance to prove to the employer that you’re punctual and have great time management skills.
Sit in the Right Space
Thanks to webcams, we can interact face-to-face with people worldwide. In some ways, you’re inviting the employer into your space during a virtual interview. Keep your background neat and professional looking. If you work from home, tell all household members that they cannot enter the room during your call.
Additionally, try to keep your background free of other distractions. For example, if you have a window behind you, pull the shade down so things going on outside don’t steal the interviewer’s attention. Hiring professionals also advise against using digital backgrounds since they don’t look authentic and sometimes become a distraction.
Dress Professionally
When your interview is over a video call, it’s tempting to dress in comfortable clothes. After all, the employer can only see you from the shoulders up. What’s the harm in wearing slippers and some pajama pants? But dressing as if you’ll attend an in-person interview boosts your confidence and puts your brain into that business mindset.
You should fix your hair, put on your best business clothes, and then give yourself a pep talk in the mirror. Also, wear an appropriate skirt or dress pants just in case you need to stand up during your call; you may have to grab your resume, notepad, or pen. Professionalism is key.
Plan What You’ll Say
Having an idea of what you’ll say is another tip for acing your virtual interview. This goes beyond the typical elevator pitch employers look for at the start of an interview. Usually, hiring managers ask questions such as:
- What are your weaknesses?
- What do you do outside of work?
- What experience do you have?
- How could you benefit the company?
Thinking of answers to common questions and noting them on paper prevents you from feeling tongue-tied. However, aside from the times you glance at your notes, you should maintain eye contact with the employer.
Talking About Weaknesses
When asked about weaknesses, some people assume the best answer is “I have none,” but this is far from true. Claiming you have no weaknesses isn’t honest, and employers see right through this claim. Instead, admit your downfalls but follow it by explaining how you’re working on self-improvement.
Research the Company
Study the company you want to work at by taking notes on its origin story and top achievements. Then, bring these up during the call when asked what you know about the company. This shows the employer you did your homework and that you understand their workplace.
Take Notes
Keep a pen and paper handy so you can jot down what the employer tells you throughout your interview. They may share some essential information about the company or position. Taking notes also shows them that you’re paying attention and care about what they say. Simply nodding your head in agreement signifies that you hear them but not necessarily that the hiring manager has your full attention.
Calm Your Nerves Beforehand
An interview can feel stressful even when you’re in the comfort of your home. Your feelings are normal and a reminder that this is important to you. Take a few deep breaths and say some positive affirmations aloud. You did all the prep work, so you’ve got this. By going into things with a positive mindset and displaying high confidence, you stick out for all the right reasons.
Send a Follow-Up Email
No matter what type of interview you have, you should follow up with a thank-you letter or email. Show gratitude to the employer for their time and express your excitement about the position. Thank-you letters help you stand out among other candidates, and this is a competitive process. Additionally, thank-you letters show the employer that you’re highly interested in the open role.
Companies don’t solely want someone who can do the job; they also want an individual who will fit in with the culture. Write a sentence or two regarding what you admire about the company based on what you learned in your interview. Doing this shows them that you left the conversation remembering information about the business.
Work With Burnett’s Staffing
Burnett’s Staffing is a staffing agency in Dallas Fort Worth, TX. We strive to help employers and job seekers with finding an appropriate placement. We can help you find the ideal position to further your career and ensure you find the best job match.
