If you’ve been invited for a job interview these past few years, the likelihood is that at least the first round has been virtual.
There are obvious benefits for conducting interviews remotely – no travel costs, easier to schedule and less time off required – but how to make a good first impression is more challenging.
As Head of HR for Zonal, I have seen it all – from candidates wearing pyjamas to weak Wi-Fi – so, I thought I’d share seven essential strategies for nailing your virtual interview.
1
Do Your Homework:
In the competitive job market, thorough research can be your greatest advantage. I’ve interviewed someone who thought that Zonal provided tech solutions for hospitals not hospitality! So, here is my sage advice:
- Company Research: Go beyond the homepage. Read the company’s annual reports, press releases and social media presence. Understand their culture, mission, values, and recent achievements.
- Industry Knowledge: Understand what sector they specialise in and stay updated on industry trends, challenges and innovations. Use this information to formulate thoughtful questions and demonstrate your genuine interest.
- Know Your Interviewers: LinkedIn is your friend. Research your interviewers’ professional backgrounds, their published articles or talks. This can help you find common ground and tailor your responses. You don’t need to stalk, knowing where they were born is a little scary and a step too far.
- Role-Specific Preparation: Analyse the job description in detail. Prepare examples from your experience that directly relate to the required skills and responsibilities. If the location is supplied or the role, make sure it works for you. Please don’t lie.
- Competitors: Understanding the company’s position in the market can provide valuable context. Know who their main competitors are and what sets this company apart.
2
Dress for Success – From Head to Toe!
Your appearance matters, even in a virtual setting. Obviously, the pyjama example is extreme but how you present yourself is always important – you want to be remembered for the right reasons.
- Be Professional: Dress as you would for an in-person interview. This puts you in a professional mindset and ensures you’re prepared for any scenario.
- Colour Considerations: Choose colours that look good on camera. Avoid very bright colours or busy patterns that can be distracting.
- Avoid Bed Hair: The just out of bed look is a no, no. A polished appearance shows attention to detail.
- Minimal Jewellery: Jangling bangles and big earrings, for example, are unwanted distractions. Avoid at all costs.
- Test Your Look: Do a video test run to see how your outfit appears on camera. Adjust your lighting or clothing as needed.
3
Practice the Art of Virtual Body Language
How you come across on camera is very different from IRL (In Real Life). Where to look, what to do with your hands and distractions are all key to success.
- Eye Contact: Look directly into the camera when speaking, not at the screen. This simulates eye contact for the interviewer. Practice this beforehand, so you know exactly where to look.
- Posture: Don’t slouch! Sit up straight with your shoulders back. Good posture conveys confidence and attentiveness.
- Hand Gestures: Use natural hand gestures when speaking but keep them controlled and within the frame.
- Facial Expressions: Be mindful of your expressions. Smile genuinely and nod to show engagement.
- Avoid Distractions: Don’t check your phone or look around the room. Stay focused on the conversation.
4
Check Your Tech
I can’t begin to tell you how many interviews have been abandoned due to poor technical connections. Follow these tips to be tech confident and ready for a smooth interview:
- Platform Familiarity: Practice with the platform you’ll be using (Zoom, Teams, etc.). Know how to share your screen or use other relevant features.
- Audio Quality: Use a good quality headset or microphone for clear audio. Test it beforehand.
- Internet Stability: If possible, use a wired internet connection for stability. Have a mobile hotspot as backup.
- Background and Lighting: Choose a quiet, well-lit area with a neutral background. Natural light is best but ensure it’s not behind you causing shadows.
- Device Positioning: Position your camera at eye level. Use books or a stand to elevate your laptop if needed.
5
Lights, Camera, Action!
You know which space you are going to use, so you then need to check lighting, angles and background that work best in your chosen environment. Consider:
- Camera Angle: Ensure the camera captures you from the chest up, cantered in the frame.
- Background Check: Remove any distracting elements from your background. A plain wall or tidy bookshelf works well.
- Lighting: Use soft, diffused lighting. Avoid harsh overhead lights or being backlit.
- Virtual Backgrounds: If you must use one, choose a professional, subtle option.
- Be Early: Log in 5-10 minutes early to address any last-minute technical issues.
6
To Mute Or Not To Mute?
Knowing when to mute and not to mute in a virtual environment can be challenging. Here are my top tips:
- Default to Mute: Start the call on mute to avoid any unexpected background noise.
- Unmute Reminders: Place a visible post-it note reminding you to unmute when speaking.
- Minimise Background Noise: Close windows and inform others in your space about the interview to minimise interruptions.
- Audio Cues: If there’s a delay, wait a beat after the interviewer finishes speaking before you start to avoid talking over them.
7
Show Your Appreciation
Manners cost nothing and will go a long way to leaving a lasting positive impression. Remember the following:
- Say Thank You: Express genuine gratitude for the interviewer’s time and the opportunity to learn more about the role and company.
- Express Your Passion: Briefly restate your enthusiasm for the position and why you’re a great fit.
- Ask About Next Steps: Inquire about the timeline for the hiring process and when you might expect to hear back.
- Follow-Up Email: Send a personalised thank you email within 24 hours.
- Connect Professionally: If appropriate and you haven’t done so already, send a LinkedIn connection request with a personalised message.
Interviews are always unnaturally stressful situations and doing it virtually can add to the stress with unforeseen hitches. By following my top tips and preparation strategies, you’re not only more likely to make a great impression but also demonstrate your professionalism, preparation and genuine interest in the role.
Remember, a virtual interview is an opportunity to showcase your adaptability and tech-savviness – skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s workplace. With careful preparation and a positive attitude, you can turn the virtual format to your advantage and stand out as a top candidate. Good luck!
Considered applying for a role at Zonal? You can find our latest job roles here.
And if you liked this blog then you might also like to read our top tips on what to consider when applying for a job.
