Getting Ready For A Successful Virtual Interview
You finally get a positive response from a company’s hiring manager, and they want to schedule an interview. But there’s only one thing a little bit different- it is virtual!
With the onset of the pandemic that took off a year ago, more and more businesses have changed their business model. Meetings are now conducted via video conferencing software such as Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, etc. So, it is not surprising to find prospective employees asking for virtual interviews. IN this article, we’ll help you knock out your virtual interview and possibly get hired.
Tips To Prepare For A Virtual Interview
Before we look at the tips, let’s try to find out what a virtual interview really means. A virtual or video interview is a type of job interview that utilizes the power of technology and takes place remotely. To have a virtual interview, both parties must have an internet connection and a computer with a built-in camera, microphone, and headphones if possible. Here are tips to help you get ready for your next virtual interview.
Do a proper hardware setup
Before conducting any virtual interview, get all your equipment ready. You’ll need a laptop, microphone, and most importantly, a webcam (if your laptop doesnt have one). While you can use a mobile phone, having it in an interview does not look professional, and you might lose points for that. If you have to take the interview via mobile phone, make sure it is stable and won’t interfere with phone calls.
Wearing headphones is important in virtual interviews as it gives you clearer audio and minimizes the chances of getting background noise. Earphones with microphones on the cord can also do the trick.
Light from the front
To ensure that your interviewers can see you properly, light the front and not behind facing the camera. You want to avoid shadowing yourself and have a poor interview experience. Properly lighting your face shows that you have prepared yourself for the interview and are ready to take on the hiring team.
Keep things as professional as possible
Even though it is a remote interview, don’t be fooled that you can wear that Backstreet boys t-shirt and a cap. Some rules still apply, and the hiring team expects you to act as a one-on-one interview. So try to wear something respectable; even if you decide to wear casual, keep it simple and professional.
Also, keep your email addresses professional as well. Don’t use that high school email with your cool nickname for interview applications. Try to get something with a mix of your first, middle, and last names and avoid adding numbers. Sometimes numbers can create confusion, and your email may go elsewhere.
Check your body language
Body language in video interviews is slightly different from the usual firm handshake you get from a staffing agency. Here, you need to work on your body language. Stay on the camera, sit straight, and occasionally put on a smile throughout the interview. Also, if you have jotted down talking points somewhere, it is better to place them on a computer screen to avoid shuffling through papers during the interview. Your eyes should be focused on the screen at all times.
Set up the stage
For a proper interview, you need to have your background ready and, if possible color-coordinated to what you will wear during the interview. If possible, make the background something of a plain color so that you remain the focal point. Clean up space before scheduling the video interview. It tells a lot about you if you have a messy background.
Make sure the main camera is directly facing in front of you. Interviewers don’t want to see the side of your face as you will look unfocused.
Do a test run
No matter how prepared you might be for the interview, it is crucial to have a backup plan and do a test run before the interview. Ensure every piece of equipment is working and stay ready with a backup plan if something fails midway.
Do not memorize points
One thing interviews hate is the whole process sounding too generic. Don’t be too focused on giving the right answers as much as it is important. Staffing agencies have conducted thousands of interviews, and they can easily tell a genuine answer from a generic one. What you can do instead is practice for model questions and get an idea of what to answer. Keep things simple and make sure you are as concise as possible.
Make a connection
Since this interview is conducted online, making a connection with one of the staffing agencies can put you ahead of others. Find something that is a little bit out of context and sort of takes a break from the interview questions. Of course, it has to be for a short while. Even recruiters get bored at some point asking the same questions to over 100 people or so. It is not an easy task to connect to anyone remotely, but grab it without hesitation whenever you see such an opportunity. Creating a connection is ideal for carving out your personality and avoiding blending with other candidates in the virtual interview.
Follow up immediately
After about 24 hours of the interview, create a quick email thanking the team and the time they took to conduct an interview. Doing so will show you that you value the whole team. Plus, it is also an opportunity to show off your strengths and taking any points that you may not have mentioned in the interview.
Final thoughts
As you can see, everything in this article revolves around preparation. When you are properly prepared for an interview, you will adjust easily to the recruiters. Virtual interviews may not be similar to one-on-one interviews, but they still follow the same process. The above tips will help you get your feet wet and gain confidence. If you need to contact one of the top staffing agencies in Columbia, SC, contact us today.
Defender Services
9031 Garners Ferry Road
Hopkins, SC 29061
(803) 776-4220
https://www.defenderservices.com/
