Five Tips To Nail A Virtual Interview

With the world being in the midst of a pandemic, everyone has had to adjust their normal routine to fit what is now a virtual and socially distanced atmosphere. When it comes to job interviews, this can be a daunting change for both interviewees and interviewers. However, these 5 tips can ease the fear that may come with completing a virtual interview.

Do your research

Just as you would an in-person interview, it is important to come well prepared on what exactly you are applying for. Take the time to sit down and read and learn about the company and its working environment. This will give you better insight on the job position as well as allow you to think of questions you would like answered. Another great thing to do before your interview is to look up the recruiter that you will be talking to on LinkedIn. This will give you a better understanding of their background, as well as give you the opportunity to ask them more specific and personal questions. That will be memorable to the recruiter.

Dress as if the interview was in person

I am sure you have heard of the phrase, “Look good, feel good!”. Dressing business professionally for a job interview is important, even if it is over Zoom. Not only will this show the recruiter that you are taking the interview seriously, but it will also make you feel more confident. Prove to them that you are as professional as your clothes make you seem to be.

Keep your background clean and appropriate

Although your interview may be happening live from your bedroom, make sure that you are the focal point of the screen. Not only should your background be clean and appropriate, but it should also be non-distracting. While it is good to be memorable in a job interview, you don’t want to be remembered as the person who had a cool tapestry hanging on your wall. Position yourself in front of a background that will force the recruiter to focus on you and your accolades rather than what is sitting behind you.

Check your lighting and WIFI connection prior

Continuing off a clean background, good lighting and a strong WIFI connection are very important things to check prior to your virtual interview. Obviously, you want to be seen by your recruiter. Good lighting can ensure that the recruiter doesn’t have trouble seeing and paying attention to you. Same goes for a good WIFI connection. Everyone knows that the Internet is uncontrollable but do your best to position yourself in a place where you are confident in the wireless network. The last thing you want to do is drop a call from a person interviewing you for your dream company.

Make your virtual mark

While this may seem obvious, it’s so much more important now in a virtual setting. Everyone has Zoom fatigue, including the recruiter interviewing you. Be sure to make yourself, your accomplishments, and your skills memorable. Going back to ‘do your research’, having a genuine but professional conversation can be memorable. Asking the recruiter questions not only about the job position but also about themselves can bring forth a positive memory for them when it comes to thinking about who to hire.