In the past few years, more and more companies have opted to move to remote positions, or, at the very least, virtual interviewing processes. With higher efficiency, the ability to fit virtual interviews into busy schedules, and an increased reach to find potential candidates, there's a good chance that your next interview will be conducted over a video call. Whether it's your first time, or you want to brush up on your virtual interview skills, these tips will help you score the job!
Treat it the same way you would treat an in-person interview
Just because you won’t be in the same room as the interviewer doesn’t mean you should take your interview any less seriously. Check out our job interview tips to make sure you’re ready for any interview, virtual or otherwise.
Make sure you’re in a quiet spot with reliable internet
Sometimes, the reason for a virtual interview is that you’re a busy person! That’s perfectly fine. While your first choice for location should be a quiet room of your house, your interviewers will understand if you need to speak to them in your car during a lunch break, or somewhere else that may not be ideal. Just make sure your location is as quiet as possible, and your internet connection is reliable. If you need to, you can make a quick video call to a friend before getting started to ensure your connection will be strong!
Test out the interview platform before your call
If you’ve lived through the past few years, you’ve likely used Zoom before. However, some companies opt for different interviewing platforms, like Microsoft Teams or SparkHire. Before your interview, make sure you download the necessary software and open the program, in case there is any preliminary setup that needs to be completed.
You still need to dress nice!
Yes, you’re at home, and you aren’t going out in public – but it’s still important to look professional. Make sure you are wearing business attire and appear clean and groomed (from the waist up, anyway!).
Be aware of your background
Although interviewers likely won’t be making their hiring decision based on your home décor, it’s still a good idea to sit somewhere without a visible mess, or too many personal items. If you don’t have time to clean up your room, opt for a virtual background.
Haven't been able to land an interview yet? You may need some tips on Building a Great Linkedin Profile.
