Virtual Job Interviews

Many employers conduct virtual job candidate interviews. One reason employers hold virtual interviews is to ensure they meet with all candidates, especially those who have excellent qualifications. Some individuals may be hesitant to travel and attend an in-person interview, which means an employer may miss out on an ideal candidate. Virtual interviewing tends to be more convenient for the employer and the candidate. If an employer requests a virtual interview, here are some tips to improve your chances of success.

Preparation

As true in preparation for any interview, you should do your homework. Research the employer, their competitors, and the industry itself. The better you understand their values and culture, the more familiar and relatable you will appear during the interview. You should also pay particular attention to the job description and duties. You should be able to match your education, experience, and applicable skills with the requirements of the position. The better you can align your attributes with that of the job you are applying for, the more the interviewer(s) will see the value you bring. Often, employers will provide the interview questions ahead of time. The most equatable duration is one day which allows an applicant to fold preparation within their schedule and preparation routine. However some employers provide the questions less than an hour before the interview time. Unfortunately, this places some candidates at an advantage over others who might not have the time immediately before the interview or have particular preparation methods. Additionally, people with learning differences my require a bit more time to review the questions. It doesn’t hurt to ask for additional time to review the questions. Some of these best practices can help you prepare:

1. Make a list of common interview questions and comprehensive answers to those questions.
2. Prepare responses to questions that will likely be asked in relationship to the job description and key responsibilities of the role.
3. Write down memorable stories that you can share that align with the employer’s needs. The stories should have a discernible structure that includes a beginning, middle, and end. Use the STAR method when sharing your story. A distinct beginning describing the situation creates interest, provides context, and employs the primacy effect. The primacy effect refers to our tendency to remember the first piece of information we encounter better than information presented later on. The middle provides substance to the story. It informs the listener about the task in the story. The ending should communicate the action and the results of the story. The result/outcome is significant because it expresses your value. The story outcome is often remembered due to the recency effect. The recency effect refers to our tendency to remember the last thing we heard.
4. Prepare two to three thoughtful questions for the end. Asking some thoughtful questions at the end of your interview is a simple way to show your interest and enthusiasm for the job.
5. Practice! You can even record and watch yourself tell your stories and responding to the commonly asked questions. This will build your confidence for when you are in the live interview. Don’t memorize! Avoid writing a cheat sheet or scripts because using them will cause you to sound rehearsed and inauthentic.

The Interview

It goes without saying you should be well rested prior to the interview. Avoid cramming the night before if possible. Many employers give candidates choices for scheduling interview times. If you can, chose a time when you are most alert. Most people are more alert in the late morning hours. Here is a list of additional best practices for the interview:

1. Test your technology. Ensure your device’s audio and video are working well, and that the conferencing software is updated and functioning properly. Make sure you have a stable Internet connection and that you have the interviewer’s phone number in case something goes wrong. Log in 10 to 15 minutes early to verify the technology is working.
2. Remove environmental distractions. Try to find a quiet place to conduct the interview and be mindful of what is in your camera frame. Some conferencing software have image and background enhancement features. Instead of using backgrounds, choose a blur feature instead. Digital cameras often have a difficult time rendering contrasting images, causing your head to appear blotchy.
3. Posture counts on camera as much as it does in-person, so sit up-write and consider leaning in slightly to show you are engaged in the conversation. Consider nodding your head to give affirmations of understanding.
4. Appearance counts, so dress for success. A rule of thumb is to dress one level above that of the usual attire for the position. For example, wear business formal if the normal attire for the job is business casual. Even though the interviewer(s) will only see the upper potion of you on the screen, you will feel more confident if you are dressed well from head to toe. Another note about attire: Digital web cameras may also have trouble properly rendering clothing with contrasting patters and prints. Consider wearing cloths with solid colors. Adjust your camera so your head and shoulders appear in the frame. If you wear spiritual head-ware, you may need to sit further back from the camera.
5. During introductions, be sure to acknowledge each interviewer by name. Greeting people by name is a basic, but influential social skills strategy found to make a positive impact when engaging someone in conversation. In most interviews, the interviewer(s) introduce themselves first. Pay attention to and respect personal pronouns if shared, and reciprocate by sharing your own personal pronouns.
6. Try to smile and look at the camera as much as possible. Eye contact is important. It is acceptable to occasionally scan the gallery, just like you normally would when answering questions for a group of people in-person. I tend to look at the gallery more often to watch for non-verbal cues from the interviewers. Be aware that this practice also makes it more apparent when you aren’t looking into the camera. A best practice in videography is to position a camera pointed at your face at eye level or slightly above your head. Positioning the camera lower than your chin, such as when using a laptop computer on a desk, makes it less apparent when looking at other portions of the screen. Be sure your face is well lit. Avoid back-lighting that will make your appearance dark or shadowy.
7. When speaking, remember that a job interview is intended for the interviewer(s) to learn who you are. Its not a race or a test, unless the interview has a competency component. Pause before and after answering questions. It is also a good practice to have drinking water near by in case of cotton mouth or a dry throat.
8. There may be time toward the end of the interview to ask questions. The questions you ask have a direct connection to how interested you are in the position. As stated earlier, ask informed and thoughtful questions. This indicates your ability to think critically. Asking clarifying questions during the interview is fine, but be mindful of your time. You don’t want to run out of time before the last question(s). Taking hand-written notes is a good idea, especially for customizing your questions toward the end. Many people ask questions about the interview process or next steps. Those questions are important, but they should not be the only questions you ask. The best questions are customized for each position, but here are some possible high value questions to ask:
   • “How would you describe the role in your own words?”
   • “Who is your ideal candidate for this role?”
   • “What additional responsibilities do you anticipate for this position?”
   • “How is success measured?”
   • “What have been the biggest challenges for this role?”
   • “What is it about the organization you appreciate the most?”
   • Other questions you can ask have to do with the culture and team environment. Avoid asking about compensation and benefits in the first interview. That is better left for when you are presented with a job offer.
9. Follow up with a concise “thank you” email right away. It is a common practice to reaffirm how you are qualified for the job and to express your enthusiasm about the position.

Conclusion

Following this advice will greatly improve your chances of making a positive impression when interviewing virtually. The keys to a successful virtual interview are proper preparation and active engagement. Remember to be yourself. Interviewers can often tell if you’re “vibe” fits their organization right away, so give them the best of who you are.