Preparing for Your Virtual Interview

by Simon McCune

​It’s not breaking news that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much about the way we live. How we travel. Where we work. When we can show our faces in public. In one way or another, the ongoing health crisis has forced all of us to adapt to a new normal. And, as we at ExecuSearch continue to advise business leaders and job seekers alike, one aspect of change we wanted to focus on was virtual interviewing. 
 
Phone and video calls are the way most candidates are screened and interviewed now. For many job seekers, that means adjusting their interview preparation so that they feel comfortable connecting with hiring managers in a virtual environment. While presenting your credentials and building a rapport through a laptop screen may not be what many candidates are used to, there are strategies any job applicant can adopt to help them excel in our new digital atmosphere. Just keep reading…

Tips For Virtual Interviews

• Set Up Your Space: When interviewing virtually, you have control over your surroundings. Use this to your advantage by finding a clean, well-lit place in your home free from background distractions from which to conduct your video call. If you must use a virtual background, 97% of recruiters say they prefer ones displaying office settings, as opposed to beaches, mountains, or outer space.
• Test Your Technology: Whether the interview is being conducted through Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or another platform, it will require a solid internet connection. The last thing you want is for video to buffer or disconnect while answering a question. So, consider asking a family member who may be using your WIFI network to log off during the meeting, and be sure to spend some time practicing on the proper technological platform beforehand so there won’t be any surprises once the interview starts.
• Control Your Body Language: During a virtual interview you cannot shake your interviewer’s hand or look them dead in the eyes while talking to them from across a desk. What you can still do digitally, however, is utilize body language to make a good impression. Research shows that 89% of successful job candidates use hand gestures to illustrate points, and that an open posture can help applicants connect with their interviewers even in a virtual environment. Also, you can still maintain solid eye contact through a screen. Just be sure to look directly into your webcam, and not at your reflection.
• Ask More Questions: There’s always an opportunity to ask questions during a job interview, but that opening is usually magnified when the interview is conducted virtually. As we shared in our blog, "Interview Prep 101", ask thoughtful questions that reflect your research and that arise during the interview. In addition, you can ask questions about any changes brought on by the pandemic, and what that may mean for your future role and flexibility.
• Be Sure To Follow Up: A digital interview is still an interview. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain good etiquette. A follow up sent within 24 hours is an important part of the process and will let the interviewer know that you appreciated their time, you are enthusiastic about the opportunity, and you are available to answer any additional questions.

 
These are just a few ways for job seekers to thrive in a virtual interview environment. Reach out to ExecuSearch for more information on how to ace the next step in the job search process, whether it’s virtual or in person!

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