Virtual Interview Tips

Employers were increasingly using technology to conduct interviews before the pandemic, but due to current circumstances, the majority are now forced to conduct interviews remotely. Outlined below are six tips that I trust you’ll find helpful to prepare for a successful virtual job interview. 

There are several options available to conduct virtual meetings. Zoom has become quite popular in recent months, but there are many other platforms that can be leveraged to conduct virtual interviews. Be sure to confirm the application or platform that the employer will use. You don’t want to schedule an interview and don’t know where to go. That’s the equivalent of being invited to a party, but you don’t know the address. 

Once you’re certain of the interview platform ie. Zoom, Skype, Go to Meetings, etc., be sure you know how to access and navigate within the application before the interview. On the day of your interview, plan to test at least 15 minutes before your interview is scheduled to start. This gives you enough time to either troubleshoot any issues beforehand or reach out to the employer to make them aware of any technical issues you’re having. 

Turn off all notifications for the duration of your interview to minimize distractions.  

Interviewing in a quiet space ties in with minimizing electronic distractions. It helps you stay focused during the interview. If you’re interviewing with relatives or friends around, let them know you’ll be unavailable and off limits during the interview.  

In addition to being ready to answer questions that you anticipate the employer asking you, show up prepared with questions that you’d like to ask the employer, a copy of your resume, and a pen and paper to jot down notes. You also should dress as if you’re meeting in person. A virtual interview is not the time to show up dressed like you’re going to work on a farm or to turn up at a party. 

Refer to the notes that you jotted down, and  follow up 24-48 hours after the interview. You may follow-up by saying “thank you” or you may reiterate your interest in the position and highlight some topics that were discussed during the interview. Candidates don’t follow up like they did once upon a time so this could be a strategic tool that would make you stand out from the crowd.