6 Tips to Ace Your Virtual Interview
1. Spruce up your Space
Limit distractions in the background. Virtual interviews provide an intimate glimpse into your personal life. To give a good first impression, keep the area tidy and limit any interruptions from family children, pets, partners, and roommates.
2. Test your Tech
Test your technology several times before the interview – especially on the day of the interview - to make sure everything is working: double-check your Wi-Fi connection, camera, computer audio, and video conferencing platforms to confirm they are all A-OK. A certain level of tech savvy is expected.
3. Prepare and Prepare
Just like for an in-person interview, prepare to speak about why your skills and interests are the best match for this company and this role. Why is this job so appealing to you? How does the company’s mission resonate with you? What is the value you will bring to the specific role? Create relevant “success” stories on-point, based upon past work you have done (without breaching confidentiality, of course!) and be ready to share if appropriate. As you practice your responses to potential interview questions, you’ll gain confidence and be more relaxed when the camera is rolling. Also prepare a few questions you may want to ask each interviewer.
4. Dress to Impress.
Business formal, or at least business casual, attire is recommended. Put your best foot forward to demonstrate respect toward the interviewers. Also, studies have shown that you feel more confident and competent when dressed in business attire.
5. You are the Message
Good personal “fit” is a key criterion for success in any company. Interviewers want to get a sense of who you are as a person to see if you are both the right person for this job, and for the company as a whole. Build rapport with the interviewer (research in advance to see what you may have in common) and be very aware of things like pitch and pacing of your voice, eye contact, facial expressions and smiling, as well as overall body language. Practice mock interviewing while looking in a mirror to see that your non-verbal communication is in sync with what you are saying. You are the message.
6. Thank You
Thank you notes matter. They show your interest, and your respect. Immediately after your interview(s), send a thank you email to each interviewer to recap your interest and show how much you want the role. Personalize each note based upon what you learned about the interviewer or other relevant talking points from your conversation.