3 Tips to Nail Your Virtual Job Interview
In the digital era we currently live in, it’s becoming more and more common for job interviews to be conducted virtually. There are some serious pros to virtual job interviews and, best of all, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. However, a virtual job interview does come with its own set of challenges.
Here are 3 simple tips to help you nail a virtual job interview:
Prepare your technology, setting, and surroundings: To proactively ensure success on your virtual interview, make sure your technology, setting, and surroundings are optimal for an interview. Well before your interview, test your Internet connection, audio settings, and any relevant apps to ensure they’re working properly. Ensure you’re in a quiet, calm, distraction-free environment. The last thing your potential employer wants to see is your roommate cooking dinner in the kitchen or dog barking in the background. Lastly, ensure you have a simple, professional-looking background. A bookshelf, blank wall, or simple decorations work well. Ensure that light is hitting your face and that you are not backlit by a window or light behind you.
Confidence: Like an in-person interview, you want to approach a virtual interview with a sense of confidence. Greet your interviewers with a smile, confident introduction, and self-assured tone of voice. Practice your elevator pitch for when you undoubtedly get the, “Tell us about yourself” question. Look directly at the camera when speaking and keep your hands in your lap or off-screen. This will help you come across as confident and poised.
Stay calm in the face of technology issues: If you experience wifi connectivity issues, get kicked off of Zoom, or have any other technical problems, it’s important not to panic. We’ve all experienced these issues in our lives and your interviewer will be understanding. A quick reboot will likely fix your issues, so take a deep breath, log back on, and don’t let it ruin your mojo.
