Virtual job interviews are not that much different to the traditional face-to-face interview. You still need to do your research, have your notes ready, maybe get a haircut and ensure you have a neat shirt ready to be tucked in. However, there are a few additional things that you need to consider for a successful virtual interview.

With most businesses having moved online, so has the job recruitment process. This means that many employers have shifted away from face-to-face interviews and ask you to meet up with them online.
Sounds easy enough? Sure! The thing is, although the process is quite similar, there are a few more details you need to be aware of to ensure you can successfully secure that newly wanted position.
Firstly, let’s look into what you should do before the interview. And yes, you will have to do at least some homework if you want to get your foot in the door with your next potential employer.

Do Your Homework

Remember, you’re not just catching up with a friend for a weekly update on things. No matter what position you are applying for, an interview is always a professional catch up.
You are there to impress. You are there to stand out. Be friendly. Be respectful. Don’t be too serious, obviously, having a bit of a laugh and being funny means you are human. But always keep in mind that you are here to convince them that you are the perfect candidate to do the job.
So, get your feelers ready and start investigating the company! Read their mission and vision, find out what they are all about, what they offer to whom and check out their social media. Now read the job description and requirements carefully, noting down any questions you might have.
The more information you know about the company the better you are prepared and the more confident you will feel.

Get Organised

Compared to the traditional face-to-face interview there are definitely less things you have to consider when getting organised for the day. But, that doesn’t mean they are less important! On the contrary, they can be the make or break of a successful interview.

Check Your Settings

Ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection avoiding any disruption during your interview. Even do a test online meeting with one of your friends to make sure it all runs smoothly.
While you do that, check your audio and camera settings making sure you can be heard and seen clearly.

Find a Good Spot

Having pizza and beer bottles from last night’s dinner laying around in the background isn’t going to leave a very good first impression. Nor is your dirty underwear - or someone else’s.

Having pizza and beer bottles from last night’s dinner laying around in the background isn’t going to leave a very good first impression. Nor is your dirty underwear - or someone else’s.

Another thing to be aware of is the lighting of your room. Sitting in a dark room while trying to impress your future potential employer just isn’t going to work. Make sure you have plenty of natural light flowing through or use appropriate indoor lighting.

Dress To Impress

I get it, doing a job interview from the comfort of your home might make you think ‘Do I really need to get out of my sweater?’ The answer is yes, you do. Please do.
From your previous homework you would have got a feeling for the dress code of the company. Try and dress accordingly, it will show your professionalism!
Get yourself a nice collared shirt and make sure your hair is out of your face - maybe even get a haircut (it’s a good excuse to get one!). I don’t care what you wear (or don’t wear) below the waist - whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Just remember to not get up during your interview unless you want to show them your bare butt. 😉

The 10 Golden Rules

DO‘s:

1. First Impressions Count

   It might sound simple, but hey it’s so true. How many times have you met someone new and within the first 10 seconds you either thought ‘They seem pretty cool’ or ‘Ugh, what a d***’.
   Greet your interviewer with a smile, look straight into the camera and into their eyes while introducing yourself. Take note of their name and again - smile.
   If you’re super nervous and stutter or are even feeling a little awkward - don’t stress! It shows them that you’re taking it seriously so if anything it leaves a positive effect.

2. Body Language is Key

   Silence speaks too! Sit straight, don’t jiggle around in your chair and listen attentively. Keep eye contact. Always let your interviewer finish each question before jumping in with your answer. It’s all these little things where you can show your enthusiasm merely through your body language.
   Talk clear and concisely, don’t just rattle off your answers. Don’t forget to breathe when you talk. Pausing in between your speech is a great way of keeping your interviewer’s attention.

3. Be Inquisitive

   Ask any questions you noted down in your homework or that have come up during the interview. This supports your enthusiasm for the position and also shows that you have researched the company.
   It also shows your interest and that you put a lot of thought into the job criteria, which will help you better convince that you are the right person for it.

4. Highlight Your Strengths

   You either know your strengths off the top of your head or have noted them down in your preparation. Don’t leave without having them completely presented to your interviewer!
   Communicate your abilities that you believe make you the perfect fit for the position. Show them why your background, expertise and skills make you the best candidate.
   Remember, doing your homework correctly will allow you to intertwine your knowledge with your answers to their questions.

5. Thank you Goes A Long Way

   Make sure you take the time to thank your interviewer for their time and for giving you the opportunity at the end of your interview. Restate your interest and let them know that they can get in contact with you if they have any further questions.
   Further follow up with an email, reminding them of your name with a quick thank you and that you are looking forward to hearing back from them.
   Persistence is key - but don’t overdo it!
   Don’t follow up again after sending your email. Give them the chance to get in touch with you.

DON‘Ts:

1. Don‘t Gossip

   Attention - this is a BIG RED flag! We’ve all had bad experiences with past employers or colleagues. But whatever you do, don’t speak bad of them.
   It gives the impression that you are clearly not a team player who can’t or doesn’t want to effectively work with others. Furthermore, your potential employer would think that you will do the exact same if you were to leave their company. Very unprofessional, absolute no-go.

2. Don‘t Lie About Your Past Experience

   Sometimes it’s easier to just nod and respond with ‘YES, sure I can do this’ even if you have no clue what you just got asked. Ever felt that way?
   Let me tell you, employers don’t like that. They would rather have someone telling them the truth and sometimes the truth is that you have just finished school and no, you haven’t led a team of 100 people.
   By giving out misinformation your integrity and character gets questioned and that usually comes out pretty quickly.
   The key is to stick to your guns and answer all questions honestly. If you don’t know something, let them know that you are willing to learn and work on it. Show them that you are a quick learner and gradually focus on that as your strength.

3. Don‘t Get Distracted

   It is much easier to get distracted during a virtual interview than face-to-face. Messages popping up on your phone, an email coming through in a different window or the milk you remembered you left on the bench.
   Whatever you do, don’t get distracted. Show your interviewer that they are the one and only number one priority.
   This might be obvious to you, but apparently it needs to be said… Put your phone away and concentrate on giving your full attention to the interview.

4. Don‘t Interrupt The Interviewer

   It is just as important to be a good listener as well as a good talker. By letting others completely finish what they’re saying you show respect and that you have strong interpersonal skills.
   Particularly in virtual interviews, remember to give extra time as there might be a slight delay. No need to rush into answering a question.
   Remember, speaking pauses are a good thing! It doesn’t just show that you’re calm, but also allows your interviewer to fully finish their speech.

5. Don‘t Ask About Salary

   Unless your interviewer initiates the first move, don’t raise questions about salary and wage in your first interview. You are there to learn more about the company and position, and show the best side of yourself. That is your number one priority and only that.

There you go. Keep this list at hand and go over it before your next virtual interview. And don’t forget to get rid of the dirty underwear!