Be a Master at Virtual Interviews
“The greatest superpower is the ability to change yourself.” - Naval Ravikant
With many people taking online classes or telecommuting to work, the world has made a major shift into the digital space. In this case, the typical physical interview may now not be the norm. There are many aspects of a virtual interview that are no different than a physical in-person interview, but there are also unprecedented things you may not be prepared for. Here are some tips on how to ace your virtual interview.
Prepare Your Environment
Even if the other person will only see a small fraction of your space, be sure to clean up your space to create an appropriate background with no messy distractions. Make sure it is clean, quiet, and has ample lighting. Make sure the tv is off, your cell phone is on silent, and windows are closed. Visual distractions can be as bad as auditory ones. Make sure you have an appropriate and simple background. Additionally, make note of the lighting in your interview space. Do you get a lot of natural light? Is there a glare? Do you need to bring in a supplemental lighting source? If you’re having a video interview, make sure you’re seen in the best way possible. But no filters, please.
In certain cases, if you need to share your screen with the interviewer for whatever reason. Make sure your digital space is clean and appropriate as well! Change your background/wallpaper. Organize your tabs. Filter through your desktop folders and browser bookmarks, etc.
Set Boundaries
Whether it’s with your roommates, parents, siblings, or whoever you’re living with, let them know you have an interview, videocall, etc., and would like to create a space where they aren’t intermittently crashing your interview. Life happens, but you’ll save yourself an embarrassing situation if you at least let them know beforehand.
Avoid situations like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKxqy9SJ-0I
Test Your Audio and Visual Setup
Whether it’s through Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, Cisco Webex, or other video conferencing platform, test your setup prior to any meetings you will be having. You’ll never know if something is going to go wrong. Or perhaps you’re just not familiar with the platform. Do a practice run and call a friend or family member. Minimize technical issues by doing a test run and how you can solve any issues that occur. Test your microphone and make sure there’s no to minimal feedback. Additionally, check yourself to see if you’re talking clearly and at a good pace.
Come Prepared
Like any interview, come prepared with the documents appropriate for the interview. This could include your resume, cover letter, portfolio, and of the like. Have them open already on your computer. If you can have them printed and physically in front of you, even better. Additionally, do your research beforehand. Just because you’re in front of the computer doesn’t mean you should be taking the time to search up your answers. Practice typical interview questions, history about the company, etc. Otherwise, your interviewer will see you stalling and typing away.
This tip from Scott at CostaRicaFire is also one to consider: “…write important notes on Post-Its that you can place on your screen and near the webcam, so you don't have to look down to remember them.”
Dress Appropriately
Just because the video only showcases your upper half does not mean you shouldn’t wear pants. You never know if you’ll have to get up to get something. Wear what you would normally wear to an interview.
Make Eye Contact
Most people aren’t used to videoconferencing, especially in a formal setting. Don’t forget to make that connection and try to make eye contact with your interviewer. This means, not only watching their actions, but also looking directly at the camera and not your screen when you talk.
After all, it’s an interview. Treat it like any other.
Show up (log on) on time, if not early. Act appropriately. Sit straight. Ask questions. Send a follow-up thank you.
How to ace your virtual interview.
