4 Tips for a Successful Virtual Interview

April 6, 2020 4:26pm

With technology evolving every day, allowing more of the workforce to work remotely, it’s likely you will one day find yourself interviewing for a job virtually. Even the most tech savvy people may not think about some simple factors when preparing to interview online. Here a few things to consider when prepping for your next virtual interview.

Tip 1: Dress your best

Even though you aren’t going to be interviewing in person, you should still dress professionally for your interview. Consider wearing a suit and tie or other appropriate business attire. Bare shoulders, T-shirts, or even polo shirts are not going to come across as professional and could hurt your chances of being taken seriously as a candidate. Even if the position calls for you to work mostly from home and travel very little, your prospective employer will want to be assured they can count on you to look appropriate when conducting business virtually.

Tip 2: Be mindful of your surroundings

We’ve all seen or heard the horror stories. Someone accidentally forgets to mute their phone or turn off their mic. Or they forget what is going on behind them while they are on video. While these embarrassing moments may be relatable, they can cost you the job you are vying for.

Be sure that your surroundings are both professional and non-distracting. For starters, don’t place yourself in a room where there is a lot of clutter. This could lead the interviewer to think you are unorganized and lack attention to detail. And it could be distracting. You want them to hear everything you have to say. It’s best to set up your space in an office setting if you have one. If not, you can always position yourself in a room with simple furniture in the background such as a side table with a lamp. When in doubt, choose a blank wall to sit in front of during your time on video.

You should also be mindful of background noises. If you are doing an interview at your home, find the least noisy room you can away from other family members or pets who might interrupt. And be sure your cell phone and other devices are turned off and that all other windows and websites are closed so there is no chance ads or videos could start playing during your interview.

Tip 3: Be sure to ask plenty of questions

Even though you aren’t positioned across a table from those interviewing you, you should still practice the same communication skills you would if you were. This means looking directly into the camera when you are speaking in an effort to make eye contact. And you should ask and answer questions as if it were an in-person interview as well. A potential employer will want to know you have the ability to communicate well in a virtual job setting.

Tip 4: Rehearse

When preparing for an in-person interview, it’s always a good idea to practice what you are going to say out loud and in front of a mirror so you come off as professional and poised as possible. The same is true when you are getting ready for a virtual interview. But along with practicing communication, you should practice using the technology required to conduct the interview. Before the interview, log in, test your web camera and other devices, test your audio, and be sure you are comfortable and somewhat familiar with the communication tool being used. Try it out with a friend or family member beforehand if you are able. Make sure the camera is positioned at a good angle and your surroundings are appropriate. Taking these extra steps to prepare will minimize the chances of technical issues on your end and lead to a more successful virtual interview.

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