The combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with evolving technology, many companies are adopting virtual interviews. As well, allowing employees to work remotely has many benefits. The pandemic isn’t the only reason workplaces are allowing remote work.
To land a remote work role, you usually must pass a virtual interview. As an award-winning career development practitioner and interview coach, I can provide you with insight on how to prepare for a virtual job interview.
- Types of virtual interviews.
- What is a virtual interview like?
- How to prepare for a virtual interview.
- What to wear to a virtual interview?
- How to ace a virtual interview.
- Common virtual interview challenges.
Types of Virtual Interviews
Videoconferencing Interview
Videoconferencing interviews are popular and typically utilize software such as: Zoom, Skype, GoToMeeting, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. When conducting a videoconferencing job interview it’s essential to be mindful of the importance of eye contact. With videoconferencing interviews, this is achieved by keeping eye contact with the computer camera.
One-Way Video Interviews
To conduct a one-way video interview, your interview answers with be recorded for the employer to view later. If used, a one-way video interview is typically employed at the beginning of a hiring process.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Job Interview
Artificial intelligence (AI) has entered to the job interview market. A leading AI recruiting platform for hiring team is Mya, which stands for My Assistant. Companies are utilizing this platform to engage both passive and active job applicants through dynamic conversations, providing end-to-end life cycle support. Mya guides job applicants through the entire hiring experience.
According to Mya Systems, “Mya is cloud-based and integrates directly into a company’s applicant-tracking software. Her responses are so realistic that, even when applicants are told they’re talking to a bot, 72% of interviewees still thought they were chatting with a human.”
Phone Interviews
Phone interviews have been, and still are, a common interview practice. During the interview, have a notepad, the resume you sent, and the job description readily available.
Virtual Interviewing Prep
- Mindset: Answer with confidence as though you’re in the same room as the interviewer(s).
- Technical Issues: Always test out the selected platform well before the interview so that you can troubleshoot any issues. This preparation should include a mock trial. On the day of your interview, complete your interview “setup” 20 minutes before the scheduled start time so that you can check your appearance on the screen and ensure that sound is working properly. Check your camera and microphone to ensure that they are working properly
- Battery Life: Charge your laptop or device the night before.
- Wifi Connection: If your WiFi connection is not strong, move closer to the hotspot or router. The more wireless devices using the network, the less bandwidth is available for each device to use. In some regions, inclement weather may also affect WiFi.
- Practice with Audio and Video Recordings of Yourself Practicing: Practice hearing your own voice and content by recording yourself answering a question on your smartphone. Video record yourself to see how your energy comes across.
- Smile and Sit Tall: Whether you are going to be on camera or not, your voice and body language can truly reinforce and represent your personality. Smiling can project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
- Eye Contact: Look at the camera, not ay your image on the computer screen, this strategy will maintain the impression of eye contact. I advise clients to tape an image of someone right above the camera to help maintain “eye contact”.
- Water: Have a glass or bottle of water next to you.
- Visible Clock: Have a clock in view that’s not on your smartphone. This is important so that you’re recognizant of the time. If there is any particular information you want to share with the employer, you want to ensure that you have time to do so.
- Consider Verbalizing Pauses: If you need a few moments to collect your thoughts before answering a question, it’s okay to say, “please allow me time to consider the question.”
- Background: Consider the area where you will be sitting for the interview. Make sure that the background is tidy and profession. As well, position the webcam, so that you are centered.
- Dress Professionally: Dress as though you’re going to an in-person interview. I suggest even putting on dress shoes so that you don’t inadvertently tuck your feet under a knee out of habit.
