Step by step guide to acing a virtual job interview

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely transformed our day to day lives. Our homes have now become our offices and the majority of our work is now being carried out online. People who are in the middle of applying for jobs during this time are likely to be invited to attend a virtual job interview. 

Previously job interviews would have been conducted in a face to face manner. However, recruiters are now meeting candidates virtually using technology such as Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or other video conferencing software. 

Virtual job interviews are an entirely new way of working for many people. There is a big difference between sitting speaking to someone in person and speaking to them on a screen. 

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a successful virtual job interview. 

Test your technology 

If you have an upcoming virtual interview make sure you have an appropriate device on which to take the interview. Ideally, you should be using a laptop or desktop computer. Phones or tablets are not as good as the screens are smaller and they may not be as fast. 

Before the interview double check that the device is fully charged and has a strong internet connection. Ensure that your webcam is functioning properly and that you have the correct software installed and set up properly. Switch off other notifications such as email, messages and calendar reminders so they don’t end up disturbing you. 

Have an appropriate background 

Ideally, you should be seated at a desk or table in as professional a setting as possible for example a home study, dining room or living room. If possible try to have a plain background without any lights shining on to the screen. Also, your family photos, laundry or anything inappropriate should not be seen in the background. 

You want the interviewer to be focused on you and your answers, not what is on the wall behind you. So whilst having a bookcase stacked high with books or a wall covered in your awards or certificates may seem like a good idea, these may actually prove to be a distraction. 

Dress Accordingly 

Just because you are being interviewed in your own home does not mean you can wear your pyjamas and slippers. You should still dress as you would have done if you were meeting the interviewer in person. 

For most job interviews you should wear smart business attire. However, if you know that the company has a business casual dress code or you have been advised by the recruiter that the interview will be conducted in business casual it is perfectly acceptable to do this. 

Remember, if in doubt it’s best to go formal. Better to be overdressed than underdressed. 

Make sure you are free from distractions 

The kids, your partner, other family members and your pets should not suddenly appear in shot. Choose a spot in your house that is noise-free and where you will not be disturbed. Be sure to let anyone else nearby know that you have an interview so not to disturb you. 

Switch off the TV, radio and your mobile phone so you are not suddenly interrupted by your phone ringing. 

Build rapport with the interviewer 

It is important to establish rapport with the interviewer as this will help create a personal connection with them and help you stand out. When interviewing in person, rapport can be established by offering a handshake, your body language, eye contact or by using your hands when you talk. Virtual interviews mean you cannot physically shake their hand and it is slightly tricker to read people’s body language. 

So how exactly do you establish rapport during a virtual interview? 

Greet the interviewer warmly and politely, introduce yourself and be prepared to make some small talk before the questions begin. During the interview try to look at your camera instead of the screen as this will mean you are making eye contact with the interviewer. 

Be careful not to interrupt the interviewer whilst they are speaking. Talking virtually can sometimes cause sound relay issues so make sure the interviewer has finished speaking before you start talking. A good way to do this is to take a short pause just before you speak to double check they have really finished what they have to say.