7 Tips for Your Next Virtual Interview

Are you preparing for a virtual interview? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done a few in the past, there are some key tips to keep in mind that can help make the process go smoothly.

1. Research the company before your interview

When it comes to virtual hiring, research is key. You’ll want to learn as much as you can about the company before your interview so that you can be sure you’re a good fit.

Start by checking out their website and reading any available information about their culture and values. Then, take some time to look up reviews from current and former employees. This will give you a sense of what it’s really like to work there.

You can also see if you can find any articles or interviews with employees. This will give you an insight into what kinds of questions you might be asked in your interview. By doing your research, you’ll be better prepared to make a strong impression during your virtual hiring process.

2. Dress professionally for your interview

While it’s true that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, first impressions still matter, especially when it comes to job interviews. If you’re hoping to land a virtual job interview, dressing professionally is just as important as if you were meeting in person. After all, you want to make sure you look your best and come across as polished and professional. Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips:

First, consider your industry and the company culture. If you’re interviewing for a legal, finance, or executive job. A suit or business casual attire is generally your best bet. For more creative roles, though, you may have some more options in terms of what to wear.

Second, take into account the format of the interview. If you’re meeting via video conference, pay attention to what’s visible on camera. Make sure your clothing is free of wrinkles and that any logos or branding are not too distracting.

Finally, don’t forget the little details! In addition to choosing the right outfit, be sure to groom yourself well and style your hair in a flattering way. By following these tips, you can help ensure that you make a great impression during your virtual job interview.

3. Make a good first impression

In a virtual job interview, it’s more important than ever to make a good first impression. With only a computer screen to rely on, you’ll need to find ways to project confidence and convey your personality. Here are a few tips to help you ace your next virtual job interview:

• Be sure to smile. It may seem obvious, but smiling is one of the best ways to project confidence and approachability virtually. If you’re feeling nervous, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself to smile throughout the interview.
• Make eye contact by looking into the camera, not at the screen. On a video call, it can be tempting to stare at your own image on the screen, but this gives the impression that you’re not making eye contact. Instead, look into the camera so that it seems like you’re looking directly at the interviewer.
• Find ways to showcase your personality. In a face-to-face interview, your body language and tone of voice can help convey your personality. In a virtual job interview, you’ll need to find other ways to do this. Consider using a few personal anecdotes to show how you can bring energy and enthusiasm to a role.

4. Answer questions honestly and succinctly

It can be tempting to try and “game” the system by providing false information or embellishing your qualifications, but doing so is likely to only hurt you in the long run. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills and accomplishments in a straightforward manner.

5. Sell yourself during the interview

When applying for a job online, it’s important to know how to present yourself in the best possible light. One of the key elements in any virtual hiring process is your written communication, as employers will likely be reviewing your resume and cover letter to assess your skills and experience.

This means that you need to make sure that all of your materials are well-written, accurate, and engaging. In order to do this effectively, it’s important to be clear and concise in describing your qualifications and experience. You should also focus on outlining the specific skills and attributes that make you a strong candidate for the position.

Additionally, it can be helpful to include relevant examples or anecdotes that illustrate your abilities and strengths. Overall, when applying for a job online, it’s crucial to put your best self forward in order to capture the employer’s attention and set yourself apart from other candidates.

6. Ask questions during the interview process

Rather than simply interviewing with a recruiter over the phone or via video chat, you should take an active and engaged approach, asking questions and sharing their insights on the role and the company. By being proactive in this way, you can show that you are well-suited to succeed in a completely virtual environment.

So if you’re in the market for a new job, be sure to embrace innovation and ask smart questions during your virtual interviews! For example, you can ask questions about the team you’d be working with, about the company’s remote work policies, and about what the day-to-day work would entail.

7. Practice makes perfect

Now that you know how to nail a virtual job interview, it’s time to put your skills to the test. The best way to do this is by practicing, so set up a Skype call with a friend or family member and run through a mock interview. This will help you get used to the format and make sure you’re comfortable with the technology. It will also give you a chance to try out different outfits and backgrounds to see what works best on camera. And finally, it will help boost your confidence so you can go into your real interview with ease.

8. Follow up with the interviewer after your interview

Just like with an in-person interview, you should always follow up with a thank-you note after a virtual interview. This is a chance to restate your interest in the position and reiterate your qualifications. You can also use this opportunity to address any concerns that came up during the interview or to ask any questions that you may have forgotten to ask.

The follow-up note is another opportunity to make a good impression, so take the time to craft a thoughtful and well-written message. Email is the best method of communication for a follow-up, but you could also send a text message. Whatever method you choose, be sure to send your note within 36 hours of the interview.