Compared to the past with monotonous working life, the working life currently has provided people with more elasticity and freedom. Meetings can be done virtually, work from home is the trend now, not to mention staggered working hours and dressing more casually to work etc.
Virtual interviews have also become the trend for employers to narrow down the applicants or even using it to directly hire someone!
For prospective employees, there might be some issues on virtual interview such as difficulties to acquit themselves well on cameras. Afraid not, J-Recruit will be your reliable partner in assisting you to prepare for virtual interview.
We have complied Six Simple Virtual Interview Tips to reduce the stress and help you get the job.
Test your devices
Like real life interview, once you have agreed to an interview, you will have to research on the venue of interview and the ways of getting there. Similarly, for virtual interview, you will have to test your technology devices to ensure there will be no unforeseen circumstances happening during the virtual interview.
Double check if your devices are working and check your internet connectivity. On the day of interview, test your devices and internet connection again. Technical savvy is one of the top 10 traits employers are looking for, and by fumbling around with your audio or lighting during the call, you give the hiring manager a reason to question whether you’re the right candidate for the job.
Choose an optimum background
Find a quiet room with optimal lighting, preferably near a window, or a blank wall to guarantee you’re the focal point of the conversation. Whether you sit on your living room couch or in your home office, tidy up your surroundings.
Once settled, eliminate all distractions. Turn off the TV, silence your cell phone, close any nearby windows to muffle neighborhood traffic and lock the door to prevent distractions.
Prepare and practice
We all have the urge to search the web for answers during mid-interview. However, it is not plausible as it would show the interviewers you are not fully prepared and easily flustered.
Hence, be prepared.
Research the company
Knowing the in-depth background of the company could really help to give a nice impression to the interviewer.
Study common interview questions, such as:
Why are you interested in this role?
What do you know about our company?
What are your biggest weaknesses?
What do you consider to be your biggest professional achievement?
Tell me about a challenge at work and how you dealt with it.
What are you looking for in a new position?
Why are you leaving your current role？
Prepare questions for the interviewer that shows your interest on learning more on the company, such as:
What does a typical day in the life of this role look like?
How long would you expect the hired candidate to pick up the work?
How would you describe the ideal candidate for this position?
Where does this role sit in the organization, and what other groups will I be working with?
Can you walk me through the next steps of the hiring process?
Practice to be yourself natural, not to memorize
By memorizing the interview answers, most people will sound robotic and not genuine.
It will be a good idea to run through mock interviews with friends or family member. This will give you a chance to rehearse with different personalities and answer a variety of different questions.
Keep things simple
It is important to keep things simple. If the question does not deserve the explanation, just answer it clear and concise. Avoid being long-winded and not getting to the point as it is simply not a quality most employers are looking for.
Monitor your Body Language
The main way to communicate confidence in virtual interview is to sit up straight, smile, and keep the camera at eye level. Research by Fullwood and Doherty-Sneddon (2006) shows that employers are more likely to remember what you said if you maintain eye contact, so keep your focus on the camera when talking, not on the image of the hiring manager.
Dress formally
Professional clothing will show you’re serious about the position, but there are personal benefits, as well: Studies by Peluchette and Karl (2007) show that people would be feeling more competent and trustworthy wearing formal business attire, in turn able to attend the interview confidently.
Tips: At least wear formally on the top 😊
Follow up
Within 24 hours of the interview, send an individual thank you email to everyone you met. Not only will it show you value their time, but it provides you the opportunity to resell yourself and express the unique strengths you bring to the role, or share any talking points you forgot to address.
If there was something specific you bonded over, mention that in the email so you stay top of mind. Or if an interviewer brought up a business challenge, use the follow-up as a way to propose potential solutions. Just keep the email concise; you want your note to leave a lasting impression, not immediately end up in the trash.
There it is, the 6 tips J-Recruit have compiled. As your reliable recruitment partner, we hope these tips will be assisting you in your job hunting. Good luck, and we wish you all the best!