Last week I observed 10 virtual interviews and boy did I learn a lot. Since March I have been involved in changing my company’s hiring model from being in-person to all remote. Considering what we were hiring for wasn’t even possible to work remotely in January of 2020, it was a feat to say the least. One of the first things I did was learn how to help our interviewing team navigate this process and train them. With that knowledge in mind, today I’m sharing virtual interview tips and some outfit ideas that will help you be your best!
7 Virtual Interview Tips
- It’s a real interview, prepare like it.
- In a way, you’ve got two first impressions going on in a virtual interview. One of which is being prepared for the interview (and the other is your tech skills). Just like in real life, put your phone on silent, any messaging systems on Do Not Disturb or sign out completely and absolutely NO TV or audio in the background.
- Dress up, even if it’s just a “casual” meeting.
- I once went in for a “causal conversation” and have been at that job for four years so dress like it’s an interview. For me that includes wearing shoes to feel like I’m in that mind-space of a real interview. Although virtual, I wear perfume on days that are important.
- Know where to look on camera.
- Have you ever noticed how someone is talking to you but they aren’t looking at you? It may feel weird, but practice looking into the camera and not at the screen so you are always over-analyzing yourself. The interviewer will appreciate the attention and direct eye contact.
- Tip: Put a smiley note on the camera like my co-worker did to remind her where to look!
- Do a test call with a friend.
- Even if it’s not the same platform your interview will be on, do a virtual meeting with a friend. Test your sound, echo, background, make sure your internet is fast enough, etc. Leave nothing to chance!
- Clean your entire workspace.
- I’m not naming names, but I know some companies will ask you to show them your workspace. How embarrassing would it be to move your camera around to revel a mess? (You’re talking to a person who left a clean bra on the couch after doing launch and it was on a Zoom call.) Be prepared to show your desk or remote “office” so clean your entire workspace.
- Ask how the company is navigating the pandemic. What was their response? How they are adapting?
- Put plainly, this is the best time to find out what a company’s true values are. You don’t have to wonder if a company values their employees, you will be able to quickly assess if their culture matches up with their pitch.
- Send a thank you note or (email if they are also working remotely.)
- Although a physical thank you note is better, sending a thank you email a few hours after your interview is a must when remote! Be sure to include something specific you enjoyed about the interview and thank them for their time.
Virtual Interview Outfit Ideas
I’ve lost my job before and I know how hard that is. It’s hard to think of a wilder time in the job market than now. Okay, I can think of the Great Depression which is kind of just depressing to think about, no pun intended. If you’re looking for a job right now, good luck! These tips will help you prepare for your virtual interview and crush it with confidence.
Good luck!
Kara F
I cannot even imagine trying to look for and start a new job during this insane year, but these tips are so relevant!
Hallie
I got my first Zoom interview job a few months ago, first time I ever had a Zoom interview (I am 54). I asked my daughter – who has done lots of them – for tips. Her most relevant tip – if you are going to take notes, use exaggerated hand motions so that they will see you holding a pen, and not think that you just don’t want to look at them. Also, make sure that your name shows up appropriately under your picture – I couldn’t figure out how to do this ahead of time, but I looked up how to do it and as soon as I went live, I corrected it in front of them. I hope that might have looked like I knew what I was doing.