How to ace your next virtual Interview

Due to current events like the Coronavirus pandemic and the sudden need to bring many positions online, virtual interviews have also become a necessity when traditional interviews cannot take place face-to-face. Many professionals are now working from home or pursuing new positions remotely, and the hiring process has become increasingly virtual as a result. But how do you ace a virtual interview? 

• Test your Technology - Avoid potential technical glitches by testing your equipment before the call. If your video conferencing software produces grainy visuals or muffled audio, it might be time to invest in an external webcam or microphone. You should also secure your internet connection. Nothing stifles conversation quite like a call dropped mid-persuasion point.

• Keep your Virtual Identity Professional - In today’s digital world, your email address or username is often your first impression. Don’t give the hiring manager a reason to question your professionalism before they even meet you by providing a once-hilarious high school email address you still might be using.

• Dress for Success - Projecting professionalism goes beyond your email address and username. For virtual meetings, dress as though you’re preparing for an in-person interview. Wear your best business attire.

• Create a Set - The color of your backdrop can also help determine what to wear for a virtual interview. If possible, sit in front of a blank background, so that you remain the focal point. Always make sure the space is clean before embarking on a video call; the messier the background, the harder it is to convince a hiring manager of how detail-oriented and organized you are as an employee. Lastly, check your lighting. Sitting near a window works best, as the best way not to appear washed out is to keep the light in front of you.

• Monitor your Body Language - Unfortunately, that firm handshake and enthusiasm you typically greet employers with during an in-person interview won’t translate via video. Instead, convey confidence through your body language. Sit up straight, smile, and keep the camera at eye level to avoid looking up or down. 

• Rid yourself of Distractions - Virtual interviews come with a slew of distractions you wouldn’t normally have to deal with when you travel into an employer’s office. Be sure to do what you can to eliminate these potential interruptions on your end prior to beginning the video call. Turn off the TV, silence your cell phone, and close the window to muffle any honking horns or blaring sirens. 

• Practice your Answers -There’s no way to know exactly what a hiring manager will ask, but there are some common interview questions you can prepare for. Consider prepping answers to common interview questions.

• Follow up - Treat the video interview as you would an in-person meeting and properly follow up. Within 24 hours of the meeting, send an email to whomever you chatted with, thanking him or her for taking the time to speak with you. If there’s a question you wish you had answered differently or a point you wanted to elaborate on, here’s your chance. Just keep the email concise.