Virtual Interviewing

How To Prepare For A Virtual Interview

There has been a massive evolution of the job interview and hiring process in the last few years.  It isn’t just the big organisations, but startups and medium-sized businesses are jumping on the bus and re-evaluating their entire human resources scope and processes. 

One of the significant shifts has been in the interviewing process.

With superb platforms such as Skype, Go-to Meeting and Zoom – virtual interviewing is taking a larger slice of the recruitment process cake.  It makes it even better, knowing most people are tech-savvy enough to navigate these platforms.  They are mostly easy to use and free.

Virtual interviews are allowing employers to gain a better sense of subjective attributes that you can’t ascertain with a telephone interview.  They are cost-effective if the candidate does not live locally. Decreasing national or even global travel to attend the interview.  This means that employers can cast a wider net for a larger pool of potential candidates before narrowing down their decision to the final candidates. 

Some employers will still prefer to finalise their decision in-person, but the virtual interview will be an easy and quick way to narrow down the choices.

There is a myth that technology is awkward or uncomfortable for candidates and employers.  The opposite appears to be true. 

Most job seekers and employers prefer video to phone interviews.  For both parties involved, it is far easier to read cues and comprehend language if you can see a person.

As for the job seekers, it is easier to interview on neutral ground or in their own home where they feel more relaxed. 

Prepare for a virtual job interview

Preparation is key!

There are a few essential points you need to consider before going for the virtual interview.

  1. Establish a quiet, well-lit location free of distractions. 
  2. Test your video picture, audio and microphone the day before and at least one hour before the interview.
  3. Ensure you have a plain or professional background behind you.
  4. Reset your home modem and router if it is known to get sluggish.
  5. Test your ping, download and upload speed.  The higher your download and upload the better quality experience.
  6. Have a test run with a friend on the application if you are not sure how to use it confidently.
  7. Close all unnecessary browsers, tabs and websites
  8. Make sure you know the navigation tools on the application you are using.
  9. Have all necessary documents or portfolios ready to share if needed.
  10. Remember this is a two-way conversation, so be prepared to interview back.  Get prepared with a list of question and be ready to get to know your potential employer.
  11. Dress professionally.  Wear all your clothes and present as if you were going to a face to face interview. 
  12. Silence all mobile devices to mute and put a do not disturb setting on all your notifications – computer included.
  13. If you have access to them, wear noise-cancelling earphones.  They give you better sound clarity.  This is often helpful when the other party has an accent you are not used to hearing.
  14. Speak clearly, relax and be yourself.

Virtual interviewing is going to be more dominate in the years to come. 

Regardless of whether you are the potential employer or interviewee, it is best to ensure you present well and know your technology before embarking on an interview.

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