Helpful Tips to Prevail at Your Next Virtual Job Interview
By Chris Hillman, Recruiting Professional
SearchPath of Chicago, Inc.
searchpathofchicago.com
If you have a video job interview scheduled, these helpful tips will help you prepare and ensure you stand out against the competition.
Test the Technology Ahead of Time
Don’t make the mistake of waiting until the last minute to test your equipment and Internet connection, and anything else that could cause problems. Learn about the interviewing platform (e.g., Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, etc.). If you are not familiar with the technology, do a test run to make sure you can navigate the platform and project confidence with it.
Practice Makes Perfect
Videotape yourself using the same platform. Be aware that making a lot of hand movements, speaking too fast, not pausing, and not looking directly at the camera should be avoided. Play it back, make notes for improvement, and keep practicing until you feel comfortable and confident.
Set the Stage
Check out your camera’s current view to ensure what shows up on the screen won’t be a distraction. The background of your space should project a professional environment. Remove any clutter and keep the background scene simple. There should be sufficient lighting with no shadows on your face.
Same Conventions as an In-person Interview
Follow the same conventions as you would for an in-person interview:
- Be professionally dressed
- Be on time
- Jot down some notes on the points you want to touch on during the interview (make the interviewer aware of these notes, so they know what you are looking at)
- Make eye contact (with the camera, not the screen), even while you are taking notes
- At the end of the interview, have a closing statement prepared regarding the follow-up time frame and next steps
Solid Performance
Solid interviewing skills will set you apart, especially in a saturated job market. Learn as much as you can about the company ahead of time. Anticipate what questions may be asked during the interview and prepare some well-thought-out answers. Don’t forget to prepare some questions that will help you learn more about the company and demonstrate your communication skills. Well-rounded knowledge of the company and being thoroughly prepared will build your confidence and provide a solid foundation for your answers during the interview.
Make sure to be clear about what you are passionate about, and then find a way to connect it with the company’s core values or goals. Speak directly into the camera and focus on what you say and especially how you say it. Project enthusiasm, and don’t forget to smile into the camera, which is the same as making eye contact. A positive attitude will leave a lasting impression on the interviewer. Remember, the goal is to get a second interview and ultimately persuade the company to invest in you.
For additional information, please email Chris Hillman or call (815) 261-4403 x 100