Times are changing when it comes to interviewing. With the health pandemic, virtual job interviews are more popular than ever. Some companies have adopted the virtual interview as the new process so virtual interviews will be going away anytime soon, so being prepared for your virtual interview is key!
While some job seekers might not be favorable of the virtual interview space, many benefits can be used to your advantage. Things like getting stuck in traffic, spilling coffee on your trousers, or forgetting your notes at home can all be avoided thanks to the virtual interview.
If you are looking for a job and have been invited to a virtual interview, prepare exactly as you would for a face-to-face interview but with a few other elements in mind of technology, a quiet environment and scenery.
Once you’ve done your research, answered some common interview questions, and fine-tuned your answers, the hardest part is done. Now, prepare your environment to best suit a virtual interview.
Still not sure how best to prepare? Below we share a few tips to help you out.
6 Virtual Job Interview Tips
- Set The Scene
If you don’t have a home office set up, create a suitable environment in a quiet part of your home. Make sure your background is neat and tidy and that you have a comfortable chair to sit on. Consider the artwork or items displayed in your screen background. You do not want the interviewer distracted by what is around you but focus on you and the interview itself.
Check that there is sufficient lighting and that your internet connection is strong in your chosen spot.
Ensure you are near a power source if you are using a laptop, keeping anything you may need besides your computer. Don’t forget to pour yourself a big glass of water too!
- Be Sure To Do A Test Run
Before your interview, ask if you can set up a practice Zoom call, or the platform you are using for the interview, with a friend. This way, you can test things like your microphone, your lighting, and your settings. Also, be sure to update your platform’s software ahead of time so that you don’t encounter any glitches.
Be sure to become familiar with the platform if you have not used it before. Your interviewers may ask you to do things like share your screen or send a link in the chat.
Instead, learn this ahead of time, rather than stumbling through this in precious interview time. Remember it is an interview and they are conducting other interviews virtually, so you do not want to miss a great opportunity because you did not prepare.
- Reduce Surrounding Noise
Now, this is crucial. Nothing throws you off your interview game than the sound of your neighbor’s oh-so-loud lawnmower. If you live with people, be sure to tell them you are having an interview and to please keep noise levels down.
Send notes or messages to your neighbors, feed your cat, and take your dog out for a long walk before your interview. Turn your phone and children, if possible, on silent.
- Still Dress For The Occasion
Just because you are at home doesn’t mean you don’t need to dress the part. And, we don’t just mean the top half either! Dress exactly how you would if you were meeting your potential employer for the first time, right down to the shoes.
This will help you get into the proper mindset, and if anything should happen (say you need to open a window), the interviewees won’t see your half prepared attire.
- Check-In With Your Body Language
Like you would in a face-to-face interview, body language is key in a virtual interview. Sit up straight, don’t slouch, and face the camera front on. Be sure to adjust your camera angle so that your line of sight meets the top of your screen.
Don’t forget to smile, nod, and make your normal hand gestures so that they know there’s an actual human being behind the screen. - Be Yourself
Last but not least, be your authentic self. We understand that interviews can be overwhelming, so try to relax and enjoy the process as best you can.
A few minutes of deep breathing or maybe a walk around the block can do wonders to clear your head and calm your nerves beforehand. Talk and chat as if you were there right there in the interview room.
It’s essential to also show your passion and enthusiasm for the role and company from your screen to theirs.
Good luck! And, remember, if you prepare, research, practice, and follow these simple virtual job interview tips, you are sure to ace your upcoming virtual interview.
Looking for a job? Interior Talent has a range of interior designer and architect jobs from entry-level roles to leadership positions.
Contact us today to find out more about our open roles and opportunities looking to hire.