Congratulations on landing an interview for a job that has you excited! Well done! Let me guess, it’s a virtual interview, isn’t it? These days, many employers opt for video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts for their initial interviews. So, if you’re currently on the job hunt, chances are you’ll be facing a virtual interview as your first point of contact. While you may not have anticipated playing the role of tech support during the interview process, here we are.
But don’t worry, nailing a virtual interview isn’t much different from acing an in-person one. With a little preparation and effort before clicking that “join” button, you can make yourself memorable. So, let me share a few pointers to help you excel in your virtual interview. Rest assured, you’ve got this!
There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with a choppy virtual interview due to lousy internet. Not only can it annoy the interviewer, but it can also give off an unprofessional and unprepared vibe.
Well in advance of your virtual interview, make sure to do a quick online speed test. Even if you think you have a solid connection, don’t assume it won’t fluctuate when the interview rolls around. That’s why it’s important to run another test on the day of the interview to make sure your connection is strong enough for smooth video streaming. If it’s not up to par, have a backup plan in place (more on that later).
You may already be feeling jittery, and the last thing you need is an interview that keeps dropping every few minutes. So, make it a priority to have a reliable and high-quality internet connection for a seamless experience.
Having a good, quality webcam can be just as crucial as having a fast internet connection for your virtual interview. While it’s true that many laptops come with built-in webcams, they don’t always have the best picture. A webcam with a sharp, clear image helps you express nonverbal cues in an interview that would come across in a face-to-face discussion like enthusiasm. Considering how prevalent remote and hybrid work has become, there’s really no excuse to not invest in a better option. Luckily, there are plenty of webcam options available.
Speaking of nonverbal cues, here are some ideas to make sure you make a connection with the interviewers:
Eye contact: Look directly into the camera regularly to show interest and engagement.
Facial expressions: Smile to show friendliness and enthusiasm and use other facial expressions the same way you would in person.
Body language: Sit up straight and adopt an open, confident posture. Show active listening and agreement by nodding your head occasionally., and use subtle head movements to show understanding. Definitely don’t slouch or rest your head on your hands.
Hand gestures: Use natural and purposeful hand gestures to emphasize key points.
Your webcam might be high-quality, but if you’re sitting in what appears to be a dimly lit dungeon, it’s not going to make much of a difference. Make sure your room has good lighting during the virtual interview so the interviewer can see you clearly. Avoid backlighting, as it can obscure your facial features and make it harder for the camera to capture your expressions.
It’s tempting to dress down for a virtual interview. After all, you’re nervous and probably at home. But resist the temptation! First impressions matter, even over video. That means no sweatpants, pajamas, and no t-shirts with offensive slogans. You don’t want to give the hiring manager silly reasons not to take you seriously as a candidate. Just because you’re not meeting in person doesn’t mean you should show up with a sleep mask around your neck. Besides, the extra effort shows you value the chance to talk and you’re serious about the job. So, try to look polished. First impressions matter, even if they’re virtual ones.
Just because it’s a virtual interview doesn’t mean you can show up from bed (as tempting as that may be).
Find a quiet room in your house or apartment where you won’t be interrupted during the interview. If you have roommates (including kids and pets), make sure they know not to (or can’t) come barging into the room while you’re on your call. And if someone does anyway, how the interviewer responds can tell you a lot about the culture they value (but testing it isn’t recommended).
If you don’t regularly use the software you’ll need to queue up for the interview, you should test it out first. This will make it more likely to work without technical glitches when the time arrives. Nothing says “unprepared” like troubleshooting audio or video issues for the first half of an interview.
You should also consider updating your operating system, video card, and any other relevant apps well in advance of the interview. An unexpected restart is truly anxiety-provoking.
Even after you test the software, you know you can’t always count on technology to work as expected. So, it’s smart to have a plan in case your power goes out or your internet connection starts acting up as soon as the interviewer opens their mouth.
As a fallback for the internet, set up a mobile hotspot and test it with your device.
You should also write down or print off any questions you have for the hiring team and have your resume in front of you. Then, if there’s a glitch, you can move on without skipping a beat until you can sort the rest out. This shows the interviewer you aren’t phased by day-to-day tech challenges. Technical difficulties are going to happen, just lean into it by being prepared and quick on your feet.
While virtual interviews may seem daunting at first, there are some simple steps you can take to make a good impression. The bottom line—look clean and professional, prepare, and have a backup plan. These tips will help your virtual interview go off without a hitch—and increase your chances of moving to the next phase of the hiring process.