How Do You Stand Out In A Virtual Interview
You stand out in a virtual interview by being prepared. Test your technology out ahead of time, make sure you have a good virtual interviewing setup, and place visual clues around your webcam so you donât forget important points. Donât be afraid to ask interviewers to repeat or clarify questions, and come armed with questions of your own.
49% of remote workers suffer from digital fatigue
Think About Your Background
You probably wouldnt invite your future boss over to your house if it were strewn with socks, right? So dont let them see that on video! Find a clean, quiet area of your living space where you can take the call. Be sure to speak with any housemates in advance to ensure that nobody will walk behind you or make loud noises while youre in the middle of discussing your professional strengths and weaknesses.
Monitor Your Body Language
Unfortunately, that firm handshake and enthusiasm you typically greet employers with during an in-person interview wont translate via video. Instead, convey confidence through your body language. Sit up straight, smile, and keep the camera at eye level to avoid looking up or down. Research shows that employers are more likely to remember what you said if you maintain eye contact, so be sure to keep your eyes focused on the cameranot the screen image of the hiring manageras you converse.
Pro Tip: Write your talking points on Post-it notes. You can then place those notes on your computer screen to avoid shuffling papers or clicking around during the call.
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Interviewing : Tips And Tricks To Help You Crush Your Next Virtual Interview
Interviews can always be pretty nerve-inducing but throw a pandemic into the mix, and youve got yourself a setup for some anxiety.
That is, of course, unless you know about these tips and tricks.
We asked some of our star recruiters to share their intel to help you stay cool, calm and collected for your next interview, whether its virtual or in-person down the road. With these nuggets in mind, youll leave your conversations with the hiring team feeling like the job is already in the bag.
Navigating Virtual Calls And Video Interviews: The Right Interview Setting
Its not as scary as you think. Many job seekers have said its more intimidating to meet face-to-face. Meeting in a comfortable and familiar environment at home can be a positive factor as you would have control over your surroundings.
On the other hand, if you find that you don’t have the proper setup at home for an online job interview, run through the following options:
- Ask family or friend if you can interview at their place.
- Ask a work colleague if they can lend you their laptop.
- Reach out to your network for the use of their offices spare meeting room
- Research co-working spaces and one-time shared office facilities
Whether or not youve had a video interview before, our updated checklist will help ensure your best chance at impressing your interviewer via video call.
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Clothes Bring Out Who You Are
Remember, this is still a face-to-face business conversation. Dress exactly the way you would dress for a face to face business meeting. This will help you to imagine yourself in this situation better and will also look more authentic in front of the camera. An important tip: Look straight into the camera and avoid excessive gestures. Another tip on how to prepare well for the interview is by having a pen, notepad and your resume ready.
How To Wow A Recruiter During A Remote Interview
Youve prepared to have the perfect remote interview, but now, its time to knock it out of the park in real-time. Heres how to impress a recruiter or hiring manager on your video call:
Dress for success.
Just because youre interviewing from the comfort of your home doesnt mean you should get too comfortable. For a remote interview, youll still want to dress as if you were meeting the interviewer in person think: a dress shirt and tie for men, and a blazer or dress for women.
But beyond that, youll need to think about what will look good on screen. You should avoid wearing distracting or bright patterns or colors or flashy jewelry, and instead, opt for neutral-colored clothing and, if you wear it, simple jewelry.
Lastly, make sure youve dressed appropriately from top to bottom. It might be tempting to skip wearing professional pants or skirts during a video call, but you may have to stand up, and mishaps happen and you dont want your dress to be the reason you lose out on your next dream job.
Make small talk.
When youre interviewing in person, it can be easier to build a rapport with the interviewer. Its not as natural on a video call, but it doesnt have to be awkward. If you can, try to make some chit-chat at the start, which can break the ice and make everyone feel more comfortable. Think of talking points ahead of time, such as a funny story or a sports reference.
Practice good body language.
Speak clearly.
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Maintain Eye Contact With Your Interviewer
Remember: The only difference between a video interview and a traditional interview is that you aren’t in the same room as your interviewer. That said, be sure to maintain eye contact with your interviewer.
You might have other distractions, things that are unavoidable when working from home, such as family or roommates. The best way to maintain professionalism regardless of the outside environment is to keep eye contact and make sure the interviewer knows you are engaged. After all, they will be keeping eye contact with you.
Pro-tip: If youre using two monitors, be sure to talk and look at the screen with the camera. Otherwise, the interviewer will look at your profile and be wondering what else youre looking at.
Pay Attention To Body Language
Your body language in a video interview can convey a lot of things about who you are as a person and potential employee. You can present a positive image by ensuring youre sitting up straight with good posture. Place both feet on the ground, and avoid slouching or holding your head up with your hand. Always try to keep your hands in your lap to avoid distracting gesturing or fiddling.
Its also important to pay attention to where youre looking. Looking at the interviewers face on your computer screen means youre not actually looking into the camera and making eye contact. Instead, look into the camera as often as possible, especially when youre speaking. This will give your interviewer the sense that youre engaged and not distracted by whats happening on your screen.
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Tips And Tricks For Acing Your Next Virtual Job Interview
If you’re job hunting, chances are you’ve had to adapt to a new part of the application process â virtual job interviews. While there are some advantages to virtual job interviews, they also come with their own set of challenges.
The right setting, the right outfit, and the right attitude are all important factors. To help you prepare for your next big interview, we’ve compiled a list of virtual interview tips and tricks. By the end of this article, you’ll have an actionable plan to follow that will help you land your dream job.
The State of Digital Fatigue
What To Expect From A Virtual Interview
A virtual job interview is much like a face-to-face one, with a few key differences. Here are a few virtual job interview tips:
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How To Be Successful In Your Next Remote Interview
In efforts to limit the spread of the COVID-19, many companies have adapted to remote work by leveraging video systems like Zoom to connect virtually with their employees. Employers, who are still actively hiring, like, are opting for virtual interactions to take the place of in-person job interviews. This shift in the career marketplace has changed the way we conduct our professional lives and hiring processes. So what’s a virtual interview? If you’ve never experienced a virtual interview before, a virtual interview is an interview that takes place remotely, often using technology like video conferencing.
Although the interviewer’s questions are likely to be similar to ones posed in an in-person interview, there will be differences between interviewing in-person versus interviewing virtually. For prospective employees, trying to make a pitch about their career qualifications and sharing their brand narrative via video conferencing software, such as Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts, can feel a bit overwhelming.
Remote interviews for jobs are becoming very common, especially in todays tech-centric world. While many people prefer in-person interviews, remote interviews usually held over a video call on a software platform like Zoom are convenient for both hiring managers and candidates, and are sometimes necessary because of a candidates location or social distancing concerns.
Tip : Show That You Can Fit In With Their Company Culture
A key task for recruiters is determining whether you would fit into the hiring companys culture, but this can be challenging in a virtual setting.
Do your research before the interview to make sure youre clear on what the company values are, and make sure youre expressive when answering questions.
This will make it easier for the hiring manager to understand your enthusiasm and passion for the company.
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Plan Your Virtual Interview Attire
Many of us love working remotely. Whether its being close to the fridge, spending time with family members, or opting for pyjama pants every day, the benefits far outweigh those pesky long commutes.
But, lets go back to those pyjama pants Are they really acceptable for your virtual interview? Heck yes !
Things to consider for your virtual interview include your shirt and your overall appearance.
You dont want to give off the vibe that youve just rolled out of bed and slumped in front of the computer for your remote interview.
And remember, dress professionally and iron that button-down shirt before you turn your camera on.
Rid Yourself Of Distractions
Virtual interviews come with a slew of distractions you wouldnt normally have to deal with when you travel into an employers office. Be sure to do what you can to eliminate these potential interruptions on your end prior to beginning the video call.
Turn off the TV, silence your cell phone, and close the window to muffle any honking horns or blaring sirens. While you cant plan for every distractionparticularly if you have childrenthe more prepared you can be, the better.
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Listen Carefully During Video Interviews
This one goes without saying, but listening during a video interview is an essential part of learning about the role and what it would be like to work there. You want to stay focused and show the hiring manager you are paying attention in the interview.
This is a great time to know what your manager is like, what the team is like, and what your day-to-day will look like.
Being curious and listening to what they have to say is one of the most important parts and youll show the interviewer that youre actively engaged in the conversation. This leads us to our next point
What To Do After A Remote Interview
The best thing to do after an interview a remote interview included is sending your interviewer a thank-you note for their time and help. You can send a thank you via email and should hit send within 24 hours of the interview.
In addition to saying thank you to the interviewer, take the opportunity to reiterate why you would be perfect for the role, focusing on what you can do for them and the company, and telling them again how excited you are for the potential opportunity to join their team.
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Test Your Technology In Advance
When you receive your automated interview invitation, make sure you have the correct software needed. For instance, if your automated video is hosted using a third-party app that you have to download, make sure you have it beforehand.
Additionally, test your tools:
- Is your microphone turned on?
- Is your keyboard properly working?
- Is your face illuminated or do you need better lighting?
All of these questions will be imperative to your success in an automated interview there’s nothing worse than realizing somethings wrong once the timer starts.
Practice Answers To Common Interview Questions
Theres no way to know exactly what a hiring manager will ask, but there are some common interview questions you can prepare for. Consider prepping answers to the following to ensure you put your best foot forward on camera:
This is another occasion where that Post-It with your notes can come in handy. Jot down high-level ideas so that you feel more prepared if the interviewer does pose any of those questions. Just avoid memorizing your responses you want the conversation to flow naturally, not feel forced or rehearsed. Lastly, dont forget to prepare questions of your own to ask the hiring manager.
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Tips For Hiring Managers Who Use Virtual Interviews
The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed’s data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.
Virtual interviews are assessments for job candidates that take place completely online. Many hiring managers use virtual interviews during their hiring processes, as they can have many benefits, like accessibility and the option to schedule more interviews in a day. If you’re a hiring manager and want to start using virtual interviews to meet with job candidates, you might benefit from learning a few tips that can help you be an effective virtual interviewer. In this article, we define what a virtual interview is and explore a list of tips for conducting them.
Related:News: Now You Can Interview Virtually on Indeed
Tip : Look Out For Communication Cues
As well as paying close attention to what your potential employer is asking you, you should also try to pick up any communication cues they exude.
For example, dont be afraid to subtly copy their level of energy or the volume and tone of their voice. This can create a positive first impression by reflecting your ability to adapt.
Honing your interpersonal skills can help you build a personal connection with the interviewer.
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Perfect Your Video Call Setup
One of the advantages of virtual interviews is that you can control your environment. Wherever you choose to do your interview â at home, in a cafe, or in a library â find a place where you won’t be interrupted.
Keep everything you need for the interview within reach, such as a notebook, a pen, your resume, and the job posting. Make sure your laptop is fully charged or plugged in.
Tips For Acing Your Next Virtual Interview
As technology continues to evolve, the workplace has been quick to follow suit adopting new innovations that save time and increase efficiency. In fact, fifty percent of employers surveyed by the Society for Human Resource Management said they use virtual interviews as a way to narrow their applicant pool. Video conferencing software, such as Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangouts, has helped recruiters reach a more diverse, global group of candidates, and offers a cost-effective way to screen prospective hires.
Due to current events like the Coronavirus pandemic and the sudden need to bring many positions online, virtual interviews have also become a necessity when traditional interviews cannot take place face-to-face. Many professionals are now working from home or pursuing new positions remotely, and the hiring process has become increasingly virtual as a result.
Mastering the virtual interview is often one of the first steps toward a follow-up interview and subsequent employment. Heres how you can increase the likelihood that an employer asks you to come in for round two of an interview.
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Prepare As You Would For Any Job Interview
Interview basics still apply for remote interviews. Just because you’re sitting in front of your computer doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare. You’ll have the best chance of getting hired if you don’t rely on being able to look up answers or rely on notes.
Read our complete guide for more tips on researching a company before your job interview.
Next, read the job description carefully. Look out for skills, responsibilities, and expectations the hiring manager has included, and write down your relevant experience. Use your experience to form the basis of your answers to behavioral interview questions. We’d also recommend familiarizing yourself with the STAR method as it’ll help you provide compelling, structured responses.
Finally, if you know who your interviewer will be, research them too. LinkedIn is a great place to start but look out for personal blogs, interviews, and other social media accounts.
Glassdoor Recruiters Answer Questions On How To Have A Successful Virtual Interview
How can I come across warm and personable through a video interview?
So, if you’re trying to come across warm and personable in a video interview, it’s really good to smile, use a lot of great eye contact, take your pauses, and also try to connect on a personal level. Right now, a lot of companies are doing video interviewing, so everyone’s in the same boat, and so you can talk about your personal experience right off the bat, and that way it’ll help with the conversation.
What should I wear to the video interview?
Can you go over proper video interview etiquette?
First, I would suggest doing a trial run before your interview, making sure the camera and microphone are all set up just so you don’t run into any issues during the interview. Next, I would make sure that the background is distraction-free, clean, and tidy, well lit, and in a functional space in your home or wherever you’re taking the interview from. And lastly, just to keep in mind that a video interview is just as important as an in-person interview. Good luck!
What are some tips for successfully completing a technical collaboration during an interview?
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