How to Ace Your Virtual Interview: Tips & Insider Secrets
Virtual interviews have become a popular mode of conducting initial job interviews, especially in the era of remote work. While virtual interviews offer several advantages, they also bring their unique challenges.
To stand out and impress the interviewer, it’s important to understand the secrets to a successful virtual interview.
10 Tips & Advice for Virtual Interviews:
1. Test Your Interview Tech
Technical issues can be a major hindrance in a virtual interview. Ensure that your computer, internet connection, webcam, and microphone are in good working condition and that you have a backup plan in case of technical glitches.
2. Dress Professionally and Be on Time
Even though the interview is virtual, it’s still important to dress professionally, as you would for an in-person interview. This helps you to feel more confident and sets a professional tone for the interview. Being punctual is just as important in a virtual interview as in an in-person interview. Ensure you’re logged in and ready at least five minutes before the scheduled interview time.
3. Create a Professional Virtual Interview Setting
Your virtual background should be neat and professional. Choose a background that is not too distracting and doesn’t give away personal information. Ensure the lighting is good so the interviewer can see you clearly.
4. Do Your Research Before the Virtual Interview
Research the company and the position you’re interviewing for. This will help you to understand the company culture, values, and what the interviewer is looking for in a candidate.
5. Know What’s Important to You
Be able to articulate what’s important to you — is it compensation, strong culture, learning and development opportunities, the ability to travel, etc.? You want to make sure both the role and the organization are also a good fit for you. Ask these questions directly during the interview and pay close attention to how the interviewer answers them.
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6. Make Eye Contact and Use Good Body Language
Just like an in-person interview, you need to make eye contact and smile in a virtual interview. This usage of good body language shows you’re engaged, attentive, and interested in the conversation.
7. Be Prepared with Examples of Skills & Experiences
Be prepared to give specific examples of your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. This will help you to showcase your value and give the interviewer a clearer picture of your capabilities.
8. Ask Questions to Show Your Interest
Asking questions shows that you’re interested in the company and the position. Prepare a list of questions in advance and ask the interviewer questions about the company and the role.
9. Practice Active Listening
Pay attention to the interviewer’s questions and show that you’re listening by nodding and making appropriate eye contact. Repeat the interviewer’s questions before answering to ensure you understand the question and give yourself time to think of a good answer.
10. Follow-Up with the Interviewer
After the interview, follow up with a thank you note or email to the interviewer. This shows that you’re professional and interested in the position. Be sure to use enthusiastic language and reference a point or two from your interview that you really identified with.
Virtual interviews aren’t going away any time soon. Just remember, they require a slightly different approach compared to in-person interviews. By following these tips, you can be confident, well-prepared, and ready to impress the interviewer in your next virtual interview. Good luck!
Before applying these tips to your interview, you need to get one first. That’s where we can help. Addison Group has over 20 years of experience placing candidates with organizations that align with their career goals and values. Contact us today for more on our open jobs!
