10 Top Tips for a Successful Virtual Interview

Video conferencing has been around for years and by necessity, it became one of the main methods of communication during the pandemic when face to face meeting were off-limits. The benefits of convenience, less travel etc, have flowed into the recruitment environment, and although face to face interviews will not disappear completely, we are seeing extensive use of virtual interviews by our clients as they recruit.

Attending an interview can be stressful and a terrifying experience for some. The fact that it is a virtual interview should not be treated any differently from a face-to-face interview. Remember that your prospective employer has as much to prove to you as you do to them. The unfamiliar objectives are bridging a connection gap created by technology and troubleshooting potential technical hiccups.

Here are our top tips to help you make a good impression in your virtual interview:

1. Confirm your acceptance of the interview and check that you have all the details you need. Check your spam folder in case your interview confirmation ended up there.
2. Prepare yourself in advance by researching the company, dress code, and role. Identify common questions and prepare answers for them, just as you would for a face-to-face interview.
3. Recap the contents of your CV in preparation for any specific questions about your past achievements. Think how you would describe why you are a strong candidate by asking yourself, “Can I see myself doing the job? Will I enjoy working with them? Do I see myself staying long term?”
4. Test your tech setup beforehand. Make sure your camera and microphone are up to standard and that your camera is set to eye level.
5. Be on time to troubleshoot any technical hiccups.
6. Be prepared to get technical and potentially share your screen.
7. Set the scene and limit any distractions. Where possible, try and have a plain clutter-free background behind you during the call to avoid the interviewer getting distracted and ensure you are the only person in the room to limit distractions. Close all the windows. Close all tabs, windows and turn off any notification that could pop up on your computer screen. It just takes a second of distraction, but it can throw you off the interview.
8. Set your camera at eye level. Be aware of your body language and remember to keep regular eye contact.
9. Dress to impress. First impressions count. You should still dress the same as you would for a face-to-face interview. Wear comfortable clothing. The way you dress will help you feel more confident during the interview.
10. Remember to relax and be yourself.

Follow these top tips to help you ace your upcoming virtual interview. The more you do, the more confident you will feel, and the more normal they will become. Good luck!