Let’s face it: the time for pajama-clad interviews from the comfort of your own couch is upon us. With remote job interviews becoming the new norm, it’s time to practice those virtual skills and impress your potential employers through the screen.
Like the Avengers, I’ve assembled the best and most effective tips for acing your first virtual interview with confidence and grace. So, grab your favorite mug of coffee (or tea, I don’t judge), and let’s work on crushing your first interview!
Preparation Tips Before the Interview
1.) Set up your interview space
a.) When preparing your space, the first thing you need to do is set up your backdrop – make sure that it doesn’t resemble a crime scene. You can also take advantage of the virtual background feature or background blur. Just make sure you’re going for “professional office” vibes and not “alien in space” vibes.
b.) Test, test, and re-test your equipment. The last thing you need is your sounding like a robot halfway through discussing your qualifications. Turn off any voice modifier you might have, and if you can, practice with your friends! This way, you can get someone else’s feedback about your audio.
2.) Familiarize yourself with the platform you’ll be using
a.) Usually, potential employers will have a preferred platform for the interview, such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype. So, before that, spend some time and get to know that platform before the big day. You don’t want to accidentally share your screen, revealing your questionable collection of SpongeBob memes.
b.) Familiarize yourself with where everything is. Where the chat box hides, how to mute and unmute yourself, what each button does, and all the other features. It’s better to be prepared than to look like a lost puppy.
Tips for Dressing and Presenting Yourself Professionally
1.) Since it’s a virtual interview, consider a remote worker’s favorite quote, “business on top, party on the bottom.”
Make sure that from the waist up, you look professional and presentable. While you can prioritize comfort for the bottom half, it’s really up to you if you want to wear full professional attire or opt for a more casual look. The most important thing is that you feel like your best self. Feel good, look good, right?
2.) Remember, posture is key.
Sit up as straight, shoulders back, and exude as much confidence as you can through your screen. You might be tempted to slouch in the comfort of your own home, but maintaining good posture not only showcases professionalism but also boosts your own sense of self-esteem. Bear in mind that a job interview is not just about selling your skills, but you’re also selling yourself as a confident and capable candidate.
3.) Think of things that might be distracting during your interview, like your pet or your phone.
As much as you love them, it might be best to keep them away from your chosen interview location. If, for some reason, you can’t do that, make sure to keep your phone on silent. As for your pet, well, a cute pet photobomb can actually add a touch of charm to your virtual interview. Just make sure that they don’t steal the spotlight for too long.
Tips for Communicating During the Interview
1.) Active listening is your new best friend. When listening to your interviewer, show your agreement by nodding. Even if it’s just the interviewer explaining the company’s snack policy, this is exciting stuff!
a.) Pro tip: Avoid nodding off. No one wants to hire a professional napper.
b.) Keep the urge to interrupt at bay. Your witty comment about the weather can wait.
2.) Speak clearly and confidently, but don’t just rely on your practiced answers, as you might end up sounding monotone. Instead, inject some personality into your responses. Trust your gut. If it tells you that you can add a joke here or there, follow that.
a.) Practice your elevator pitch until you can recite it in your sleep. Or at least until you stop tripping over your own words.
b.) Remember, you’re selling your skills, not auditioning for an infomercial. Keep it authentic.
3.) Hate small talk? So do I! But believe it or not, mastering the art of small talk could be the key to unlocking the next stage of the hiring process. Engaging in casual conversation can help establish rapport and build a positive connection with the interviewer.
Tips for Highlighting Your Skills and Experience
1.) Customize your responses to fit the job description.
Sure, your experience leading a local food drive might not seem relevant, but if the job requires strong leadership skills, it’s a fair game.
2.) Paint a clear picture with your examples and achievements.
Instead of saying you’re a “team player,” tell them a story about how you were able to save a project from certain doom, and briefly mention the roles your teammates played. This shows your ability to work effectively in group settings, come out successful, and acknowledge other’s work, which is a strong characteristic of a leader.
Tips for Dealing with Technical Issues
1.) When it comes to technical issues, expect the unexpected.
No, seriously. Some technical difficulties are unavoidable. So, you should always have a backup plan ready, especially when your internet connection decides to go for a break or if your mic suddenly stops working.
2.) Remember to stay calm.
If your screen freezes mid-sentence, resist the urge to panic. Take a deep breath, count to three, and gracefully pick up where you left off.
3.) Communication is key.
If there is an error on your end that you can not troubleshoot on the spot, let the interviewer know ASAP. They just might appreciate your honesty and might even share their own struggles with virtual interviews.
Tips After the Interview: Follow-up!
1.) After the interview, make sure to send a thank-you email faster than you can say, “You’re hired!”
Don’t ghost your potential employer or just wait for their next response. Express your gratitude for the opportunity and reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position.
2.) Keep it professional and personal.
Reference something from the interview that resonated with you, whether it was a story of their own struggle, the color of the shirt they wore, or a question that they asked you. By doing this, you increase your chances of leaving a positive impact on the hiring decision.
3.) End your message by asking about the next steps.
This shows them your eagerness to move forward in the hiring process and ensures that you stay informed about what comes next.
To sum this up, acing your first virtual interview is all about being ready, looking professional, and presenting your best self. If you follow these tips: set up your space nicely, dress smartly, talk about your skills well, handle any tech problems calmly, and don’t forget to send a friendly thank-you email afterward, you’ll be ready to impress and land that job you’ve been dreaming of!
