Here are six essential virtual interview tips to help you prepare and get one step closer to the job or the Fellowship!
1. DO YOUR PRE-WORK
Before any interview, you should always be sure to research the company, the industry, and any competitors. Come up with thoughtful questions that will give you practical insight into the position and the company's culture.
2. SET UP THE SCENE
Set yourself up in front of a neutral color background with few distractions (e.g., a blank wall or any clean and simple area). Your location should be well-lit. Natural lighting generally works best. Be sure that whatever light source you use is positioned in front of you. Being backlit makes it difficult for your interviewer to see your expressions. If possible, use a headset or headphones with a microphone to help filter out ambient noise. Lastly, test your webcam, mic, software, and internet connection before the call!
3. MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
Dress as you would for a normal interview, and sit up straight! According to Ian Siegel, co-founder and CEO at ZipRecruiter, you should "be smiling when you join the call. It will trigger the right response from the interviewer and also relax you.”
4. DEMONSTRATE ENTHUSIASM
Showing genuine excitement can make you stand out. Consider being a little more dramatic with your expressions than you would in a normal interview since it is harder to pick up on gestures in a virtual setting.
You may wish to show interest in a particular product or recent developments from the company. Asking thoughtful, well-researched questions will help further demonstrate your enthusiasm.
5. MAKE EYE CONTACT
Make sure that your camera is at eye level. You may wish to make the video call window smaller and position it right beneath your webcam so that it appears as if you are making eye contact while you are looking at the video call. Otherwise, it may appear as if you are looking down at the interviewer.
While making eye contact is important to signal to the interviewer that they have your undivided attention, pausing to take notes (especially when an interviewer is answering your question) is always encouraged.
6. EMBRACE THE UNEXPECTED
As much as we want our interviews to be perfect, life happens, especially at home. Maybe your camera freezes, your kid sneaks in, or your cat jumps on your keyboard. No matter what happens, stay calm. Don't panic or get frustrated—maybe even laugh about it with your interviewer. Your ability to deal with unpredictable situations reflects how well you perform under stress.
Good luck with your interview!!
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions
