After nearly two years of complete disarray, the past few months have seen many businesses return to the office on an almost full-time basis. Regardless of this considerable step being taken in the direction of normality, chances are good that many meetings, as well as job interviews, will still be conducted remotely via platforms such as Zoom and Google Meets. Although job interviews, in general, can be somewhat unsettling, virtual interviews have the potential to be even more nerve-wracking. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your virtual interview and nail your dream job.
Test You Tech in Advance
It is important to test all your technical equipment the moment you agree to a virtual interview, not only on the day of the actual interview. Whether you are going to use a computer or smartphone for the interview, make sure both your camera and mic are working well and that you have downloaded and installed the correct program or app. If you do not have faith in your current tech, make an effort to either borrow or invest in quality equipment. A full HD USB webcam and USB mic will make you look better and sound more confident during your interview. Also make sure that you will have access to a strong internet connection during your interview as the last thing you want is to lose connectivity while trying to impress a potential employer.
Make an Effort with Your Appearance
When attending a virtual interview you need to pay as much attention to your appearance as you would for an in-person interview. This includes making sure everything from your outfit and hair to accessories and makeup are conducive of a good professional impression. Solid colors and bold prints display very well on camera while well-fitting items of clothing exude an air of professionalism. If you look professional on a video call, you will not only feel more confident but also illustrate to your prospective employer that you are serious about the position you have applied for. In addition to your own appearance, also pay attention to your background and the lighting to ensure that you look and sound your best.
Prepare but Be Yourself
As with any in-person interview, adequate preparation is essential if you want to make a good impression during your virtual interview. Although there is a chance that prospective employers may provide job candidates with a list of questions in advance to help them prepare, you can’t go wrong with researching and compiling answers to common industry-related interview questions. Fight the urge to over-exaggerate your voice, facial expressions, and body language just because you are in front of a camera. Instead, be as natural as possible. Never, under any circumstances, make use of any of the filters available on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or any other virtual meeting apps. If you want to ensure that you look and sound right, make a recording of yourself introducing yourself and explaining why you believe you are the right candidate for the job and view it without bias.
Over the past few months, it has become apparent that video interviews are here to stay. Even with more and more businesses returning to the office, many continue to leverage the benefits of technology and conduct interviews online.
