Virtual Interviews: 5 Steps to Success
5 Tips to help you excel when interviewing remotely
As someone who has been working remotely for the majority of the last decade, I’ve seen the narrative around remote vs. in-person shift over the years. The debate on ideal working conditions rages on to this day…
In recruitment, virtual interviews offer a lot more flexibility for both the interviewers and interviewees. That said, they can be nerve-wracking.
It can be strange preparing for an interview in your living room, especially if it’s your first time (or you’re not used to interviewing).
Here are my five top tips to acing your next virtual interview.
Tip One: Test Your Set Up
The build up to the call is often more anxiety inducing than the conversation itself.
There is an extra layer of a terror added by the technology needed: camera, microphone, internet connection etc.
To help with this, test your set up before the call. Hop on a video call with a friend and check;
your camera quality and angle (no-one wants to see up your nose).
your lighting (especially if the interview is early or late in the day) - basically they’ll want to speak to you, not Batman.
the microphone (headphones are ideal but make sure you there isn’t any echo with whatever mic you are using).
your internet connection.
your laptop is charged fully.
your backups - phone, ipad or alternative laptop and location.
Some of this might be overkill if you are working virtually currently, but all is good to double check!
Tip Two: Find a Quiet Space
Interviews can be stressful at the best of times, let alone if you are in a space with lots of interruptions.
The best place to be is a quiet room with a closed door and a desk. Somewhere you can close off to external noise.
If you have to take a call in a public location - libraries, co-working spaces or quiet cafes can be great alternatives.
Wherever you are, try to place yourself in a corner or so your background is a wall. You won’t have to worry about what’s happening behind you!
Tip Three: Mute Notifications
Finding a quiet physical location is important. Protecting your virtual space is too.
Phone calls, Social Media notifications, Alarms etc. can all knock you out of your flow. To help prevent this, mute your phone and notifications on your laptop.
On top of this, let your close friends and family that you’ll be unavailable during the time of your interview. (It might not stop them but at least you tried!)
Tip Four: Active Listening
On the call itself, make sure you listen.
Sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people I’ve seen over the years not pay attention when I’m interviewing them.
They’ll be looking around the room, typing loudly, checking messages, basically anything else apart from being engaged in the interview. Crazy!
Remember;
Make sure you are looking at the camera and engaging in the conversation. The camera doesn’t stop rolling just because you’re not talking.
If you are using notes, try to position the notes close to the camera so you aren’t looking down or off to the side.
If you wear glasses, the screen reflects! So if you’re checking emails or Facebook, we’ll know!
Tip Five: Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff
Tip Five is the most important one. Nobody is perfect. Neither is any interview.
You could have the clearest audio, the best camera and be super engaged, only for the power to drop and the connection to crash.
You could be in the middle of a wonderful answer and your new puppy could break lose and require urgent attention.
The point is this. Shit happens.
Don’t beat yourself up about it. Chances are your recruiter or interviewer has been in a similar position before too.
Don’t sweat it. Take a deep breath, hop back on and go again.
You got this.