Virtual job interviews have become a common way for companies to assess candidates, especially in a post-pandemic world. While convenient, they come with the risk of technical difficulties—something many job seekers fear could hurt their chances of landing a job. Whether it’s a bad internet connection, audio failure, or an unresponsive video platform, technical problems can be stressful in the middle of a virtual interview.
But don’t worry! Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you run into any technical problems during a virtual job interview.
Stay calm and professional
The first and most important thing is to remain calm. Technical issues happen, and interviewers will likely be understanding if you handle the situation with grace. Panicking or becoming visibly frustrated may leave a negative impression. Instead, take a deep breath and handle the problem as calmly as possible.
What to do:
- Acknowledge the issue politely. You could say, “It seems like I’m experiencing a technical issue. Could you give me a moment to resolve it?”
- Reassure your interviewer that you are working on fixing the problem. Maintaining a positive attitude shows you’re adaptable and solution-oriented.
Check for quick fixes
Once you’ve communicated that you’re facing a problem, try to troubleshoot it quickly. In many cases, the issue can be resolved in under a minute or two.
Quick fixes:
- Internet connection: If your internet is lagging or cuts out, switch to a more stable connection, such as using mobile data if you’re on Wi-Fi. Or, move closer to your router.
- Audio issues: If your microphone or speakers stop working, check the audio settings on the video platform or try plugging in headphones.
- Video issues: If your camera isn’t functioning properly, ensure it’s enabled in both your device settings and the interview platform settings.
- Platform freeze: Close and reopen the interview platform or refresh the page. Many platforms like Zoom and Teams allow you to rejoin without much delay.
Communicate through alternative channels
If you’re unable to resolve the issue quickly, it’s a good idea to let your interviewer know what’s happening through an alternative channel.
What to do:
- If you have the interviewer’s phone number, send a quick text or make a call to inform them.
- If you don’t have their number but have access to email, send a brief email explaining the issue and your next steps.
For example:
“Hi [Interviewer’s Name], I’m experiencing some technical difficulties on my end and am working on resolving them. I’ll rejoin as soon as possible. I appreciate your understanding!”
This keeps the lines of communication open and reassures them that you’re doing your best to fix the problem.
Rejoin the call (or reschedule if necessary)
After fixing the issue, promptly rejoin the interview. Apologize briefly but don’t dwell on the mishap. You want to steer the conversation back to the interview and your qualifications as smoothly as possible.
What to say when you return:
- “Thank you for your patience. It looks like the issue is resolved now. Shall we continue?”
- Avoid over-apologizing, which can make the issue seem worse than it was.
In rare cases where the problem can’t be fixed (e.g., a prolonged internet outage), ask if the interview can be rescheduled. Most interviewers will understand that technical difficulties are out of your control, especially if you’ve already demonstrated professionalism in handling the issue.
Prepare for future technical issues
Now that you’ve navigated through one technical issue, make sure you’re prepared for any future virtual interviews by doing a bit of pre-planning. Prevention is key!
Here’s how you can prepare:
- Test your equipment: Before the interview, test your internet connection, camera, and microphone. Do a trial run with a friend or family member to ensure everything works.
- Check software updates: Make sure the video conferencing platform is up to date to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Have a backup plan: Keep a backup device handy (like a smartphone or tablet) in case your computer has issues. Have alternative contact information available too, such as the interviewer’s phone number or email.
- Minimize bandwidth usage: If you’re on a shared internet connection, ask others to refrain from streaming or downloading large files during your interview time.
Stay positive and focus on what you can control
One of the most important things to remember is that your technical issues don’t define your candidacy. In fact, how you handle problems is a reflection of your adaptability, problem-solving skills, and ability to remain calm under pressure. If you’re able to address the issue quickly and professionally, you’ll leave a positive impression despite the hiccup.
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