6 Tips on How To Prepare For a Virtual Interview

Imagine this scenario: you see a job vacancy post advertised by your dream company, you get so excited because the skill set required matches with your capabilities, and, within minutes, you’ve sent in your application.  You say a prayer hoping for a positive response and then when you’re asked to prepare for an interview, you realise it is virtual. Now you’re nervous – it isn’t a TikTok video or a ‘bussitchallenge,’ it is a career path you’ve always longed for and you don’t want to mess it up.

A virtual interview is a job interview that allows employers to leverage technology to measure the suitability of a candidate. Instead of the usual face-to-face interview, the employer or hiring manager connects with the candidate online via video software. Most times, a virtual interview is the first-stage screening method used to narrow down applicants.

Virtual interviews are becoming more common these days due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the social-distancing safety measures. Most industries are hiring online as they obey the set safety rules and also helps them save time and cut down on expenses.

Now that you know what a virtual interview is, let’s get you prepared to ace it with these 6 steps:

Step1: Research the company

This is where you do your homework.  Do your research on what the company values are. Don’t be the lazy candidate who won’t review the company’s website, LinkedIn page, and other social media platforms and then stutter when asked questions about them.

Being familiar with the company will help you get ready to answer common interview questions without having to search the web during the interview. Trust me, you don‘t want to mess this up. So do your research.

Step 2: Prepare your notes

Now that you’ve equipped yourself with the necessary information about the company, prepare your notes. Your notes should include the information you’ve garnered about the company, the people you’ll be interviewing with, and a few prepared questions about the work environments, your job role, and any other thing you need to know.

Your notes should also be your mini resume and should contain your experiences and accomplishments.

Step 3: Choose a quiet and neat place

First impression matters a lot. You need the interviewer to focus on you and not get distracted by your environment. Ensure that the place you choose has good lighting or better still make use of natural light by sitting close to a window, this will make you clearly visible on the phone or computer screen.  Make sure you’re in a quiet space where your virtual interview won’t be interrupted by external noises.

Also, ensure that the place is well kept and not cluttered with unnecessary items as this is proof that you have good organisational skills.

Step 4: Have a strong mobile connection

“Hello, hello, can you hear me? I’m sorry; I think the network is bad.” Does this sound familiar? It can also be discouraging too. If you’re scheduled for a phone interview, you need to ensure you are in a place that has a good cell reception that’ll enable both you and the interviewer to be heard properly; you don’t want your interview to be cut short because of poor reception.

If it is a video call, you need to ensure you have a strong internet connection where the video will be clear and sharp. Don’t download or run programs in the background during the virtual interview as this will slow down your connection.

Step 5: Dress the part

Because it’s a virtual interview where you’re most comfortable, it’s possible you’ll display a lackadaisical attitude towards your dressing and look like you just got out of bed. It is advisable to dress just as you would for a face-to-face interview.

Wearing smart attire, such as a skirt and blouse or a dress for women, chinos paired with a button-up shirt for men, would make you comfortable and feel smart, as studies have proven that people feel smarter and competent when dressed in formal business attire.

Smart attire will also put you in a professional right mindset, worthy of an interview.

Step 6: Know your CV cold

If you’re awakened from a deep sleep in the middle of the night and asked to recite your CV, can you?

Knowing your CV cold will help you answer questions from your CV when asked, and also enable you to defend every experience and accomplishment stated in it. You don’t want to stutter in the middle of an interview and give a wrong impression of yourself. You and your CV should be in communion and you should be able to prove every word in it.

Finally, imagine you’re in a face-to-face interview and act like it. Don’t forget to stay calm and smile during your virtual interview, have a positive attitude, and ask questions to gain clarity. It is advised to send a follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview. Send a concise ‘thank you email’ to whoever interviewed you, as this will show you have good communication skills and that you also value their time. It will also give you the chance to reinstate your interest in the job and how your skills make you perfect for the position.

Ensure to follow these steps and you’re ready to make a good impression and move to the next stage.

Have a productive week.

Featured image: istockphoto