By Yogesh Bhat, Co-Founder & SVP, Masai School
Virtual Interview Effectiveness
Virtual Job interviews are now more common than ever, a virtual interview brings many benefits to a hiring organization as they are
- Cost effective
- Easy to set up
- Eliminating geographical obstacles in search of
Similarly it is beneficial for the candidate as there is no need for travel, they have more choices to apply and they can attend the interview in an environment which is familiar to them, their homes.
Virtual interviews are often conducted in the same way as face-to-face interviews. That said, virtual communication requires special considerations and adjustments due to the limited ability to read body language and facial expressions.
Remember the goal of any interview is to create IMPACT that earns you a subsequent interview or selection, in case of a virtual interview you need to take care of some unique challenges. I am sharing 12 tips for mastering virtual interview, the structure is broken into 3 phases – Before the interview, during the interview and after the interview.
Before the interview
- Hygiene Factors: Check technology, Hardware and software, take the Virtual interview on laptops and not on mobile phones, minimize distractions, log in 5 minutes before the Headphones with a microphone is recommended
- Lights, Web Camera and Background: Ample lighting, webcam at eye level, clean and organized background, you need to be aware of what’s behind you
- Dress Appropriately: Keep the camera in mind while selecting the attire, give attention to your grooming, minimal accessories are recommended. Dressing appropriately will show that you’re serious about the position you are applying for
- Prepare & Practice, Don’t Memorize: Do the desk research about the company, job description, script your introduction, work out a possible question bank and best possible answers
During the interview
- Start and Stay Confident: Smile early and often, appropriate greetings, being attentive and focused, demonstrating enthusiasm, bring in enough energy during the Asking appropriate questions are key to keep the engagement
- Be Aware of Your Body Language : Though it is a virtual interview, sitting straight, looking at the webcam, use of hand gestures and nodding your head will communicate you are confident, avoid fidgeting
- Eye contact with the camera : Virtual eye contact is a difficult skill to master, it requires prior deliberate practice, getting comfortable in front of camera is key
- Articulating and Pacing : Speak slowly and clearly, short sentences and pauses are better, make this a conscious practice for virtual
- React vs Respond: Taking time to respond to the question is key, react is abrupt and it is without thinking, it is largely emotional in Respond is thought through, structured
- Overcoming Technology Glitches: In Spite of best efforts and preparation, you may encounter technical difficulties, just stay calm, work through glitches, and always have an alternate option
After the Interview
- Feedback and Follow Up: Thank the panel for the opportunity and their valuable time. Ask for feedback and a good follow up with an email is recommended, but do not sound desperate
- Review Your Performance: Take time to assess TGR (Things gone right) and TGW (Things gone wrong), come up with action plans to overcome
Ultimately, the key to acing a virtual interview is proper preparation. From ensuring your technology is working – Internet, webcam & audio, conducting research before the meeting, sitting down at your computer poised and ready for any and all questions will help set you apart from other applicants. Have a copy of your resume and any other notes ready for you to reference. Set out a glass or bottle of water for yourself, close any windows, tabs or applications on your computer that you’re not using and keep your phone in silent mode.
