CAREER TIPS WITH ERIN

BEST PRACTICES FOR VIRTUAL INTERVIEWS BY ERIN WOLFRAM

When interviewing, there are certain universal recommendations no matter whether you will be talking to the hiring committee in-person, over the phone, or via video. These include researching the company, being prepared to share outcome-based stories that demonstrate your strengths and value, and asking questions to help you evaluate the organization and culture so you can make a well-informed decision if an offer is made. However, when interviewing virtually through a video platform, there are a few more important facets to consider to help you represent your best self and prove you are the best candidate for the job!

Over the past year and a half, whether we like it or not, most of us have gotten pretty comfortable participating in virtual meetings and webinars. However, I’m guessing many of you have been in a virtual meeting that did not run very smoothly or something strange occurred in which the person may not even have been aware that others could see or hear what was happening on their screen or through their sound. While interruptions and technology glitches may not be professionally detrimental in a typical meeting, they could be in an interview. In order to make sure you can be fully focused on delivering strong answers and landing the job, here are a few specific tips to help you during your next virtual interview.

Maximize Your Space & Equipment

First, find a quiet place to conduct the interview that will eliminate the opportunity for distractions. This may be a room in your home that has strong internet access where you can shut the door, or you may need to find a place outside of your home if your internet is spotty or interruptions are likely. Set up the computer to where the webcam is hitting you at eye level, so when you look into the camera with your head in neutral position you will be “looking” at the other participants; adjust the height of the computer or your chair, if needed, so you can naturally look into the camera whether it is at the top or bottom of your screen. You want to avoid a set up where you have to look at a different screen other than the one that houses your camera or where your eyes seem to be looking in a strange direction. While you cannot truly make eye contact with other participants, looking into the camera will simulate this. It is also a good idea to use ear buds or headphones to help eliminate feedback or echoing. Additionally, consider what will be in the background when you are on screen. Find a location where there is a blank wall or minimal items in view, so the focus is on you.

Set Up the Technology in Advance

Depending on the web tool being used (Zoom, GoTo Webinar, Teams, etc.) you may need to download software onto your computer in advance and also adjust your audio and camera settings. If possible, do this at least a day in advance of your interview just to be safe; however, if time doesn’t allow for this, aim for setting up and preparing at least 15 minutes in advance of the scheduled meeting time to avoid being late! If you are having technical difficulties, call and/or email the host as soon as possible, and let them know you are having trouble and are working on a solution. It is likely they may have an employee who will be able to assist you.

Minimize Distractions

No matter how much preparation goes into a virtual interview, the unexpected may still occur. However, the following tips should help make sure the meeting runs smoothly and you are remembered for your great interview answers and not a virtual hiccup! 1. Before you join a meeting, shut down all other programs on your computer such as your email and browser windows. This will help your processing speed and also eliminate any email notification sounds or pop-ups if you have those settings activated. 2. Follow any guidelines provided by the meeting organizer. Oftentimes these will be emailed in advance or presented on screen when you enter the interview space. 3. Mute yourself when you are not talking if you start experiencing distracting feedback when others are speaking, but remember to unmute when it is your turn to talk! 4. Animals and kids are certainly cute and can sometimes provide a nice refresher in regular virtual meetings; however, having an unexpected guest in an interview is not a good idea! If a pet or other people are typically around during the interview time, it may be best to make arrangements for them outside of that space until your interview is over, if at all possible. 5. Turn off or silent your phone(s) or any other device that may make a sound.

Dress to Impress

Dress for a virtual interview as you would for an in-person interview. Yes, from head to toe! While the interviewers may not be able to see your bottom half, you never know if you may have to get up for some reason during the interview. Also, by being fully dressed in professional attire, it will feel more like an in-person interview and help you remain in a professional mindset. Base your attire on your industry and the position for which you are applying. A suit is often recommended for interviews but is not always necessary or appropriate when interviewing for certain jobs. Consider what the organiza- tion’s employees typically wear day-to-day and plan to dress at least a step above their typical workwear.

Represent Your Best Self

Once you are fully prepared for the interview, it is time to prove you are the best candidate for the job! Here are few final tips to consider: 1. Log on to the virtual meeting about three minutes early. 2. Try to connect with others by responding with appropriate gestures and body language as you would in-person. 3. Smile and demonstrate your personality throughout the interview. 4. Share specific examples that demonstrate the value you will bring to the organization. You can use the STAR interviewing method to tell stories that state the Situation you were in, the Task(s) you were assigned, the Actions you took, and Results of your actions. 5. Express your genuine interest in the position and organization and prove how you are uniquely qualified. 6. Ask questions that demonstrate your interest and also help you evaluate the position and organization so you can make a well-informed decision if an offer is made. 7. After the interview, follow-up with a personalized thank you note or email within 24 hours.

Performing well in any interview often requires substantial preparation such as researching the company and brainstorming examples you want to share to prove you are the best candidate. Virtual interviews add more layers of complexity and require even more preparation to ensure everything runs smoothly so you can focus on answering questions and connecting with the interviewees, instead of worrying about technical issues or potential interruptions. In all aspects of an interview, the more you prepare, the more likely you will succeed in securing the job offer!

Erin Wolfram has 15+ years of experience in career services and owns and operates Career Advantage (CareerAdvantageResumes.com), where she helps job seekers rise above the competition by providing comprehensive career services such as resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn development, as well as interviewing preparation. She has a podcast called A Year of Career: 52 Practical Answers to Your Questions where she delivers quick career and job search advice each week. Erin has a Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education, Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, and Master of Science in Educational Technology and is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and certified professional etiquette consultant.