Acing Your Virtual Interview: Top Tips for Candidates

Everyone has had to adjust and find their ‘new-normal’ with the impact of COVID-19. Zoom and Teams meetings have become a regular thing, “mute your microphone” is the most spoken phrase in 2020. We’ve all had to adapt. 

Companies are still hiring, and candidates are still interviewing amid all the changes. For those who are job searching and juggling working remotely, they will need to be prepared for a new interview process. While video interviews aren’t a new thing, most people aren’t accustomed to 100% of the interview process being virtual before being presented with a job offer. 

For companies, going through a rigorous process, without meeting people in person is also an adjustment. 

Here are our top candidate tips to help you succeed:

Preparing for your interview:

• Prepare as if you are scheduled for an in-person interview, as the same questions and flow will likely follow.  
• Prepare questions to ask ahead of time and have them ready. 
• As you may not be able to experience the physical environment of a company, make sure you prepare questions about their culture and workspace.
• Eat a good meal ahead of time, get enough sleep the night before, and get ready as if you are leaving for an offsite interview. 

Presenting yourself: Dressing for a video interview: 

• Dress like you are going onsite for an interview – you will not only look professional, but you will feel professional which will help you be in the right frame of mind. 
• Avoid dressing in bright clothing and patterns. You want them to focus on what you are saying, and not be distracted by your outfit. Video makes this more challenging. 

Managing your environment: 

• Pay attention to the room you are in, and make sure it’s conducive for an interview. Think about the background behind you and what this says about you. It can also be a good conversation starter.  
• Check the lighting in your room through your camera to ensure they will be able to see you well. 
• Make sure your microphone is working. 
• Use your camera self-view to preview how they will be viewing you and adjust as necessary. It should not be zoomed too far in or out.
• Make sure you won’t have any interruptions or distractions during the interview. 

During the interview: 

• Speak and act as natural as possible so they see the same version of you as if you were there in person. 
• Maintain eye contact with the camera (and make sure you know where the camera is!), have good posture and speak clear. 
• Remember they can see you at all times, so be aware of body language and facial expressions. 
• Minimize distractions and unnecessary background noises – music, tapping a pen, animals, etc. 
• Smile and make sure they see your true personality!
• Be prepared to share your screen, if required. You may be asked to present or talk through a task – so have this ready.

By being prepared and thinking about your interaction and style, whether virtual or in person, will hopefully stand you in good stead to succeed. Good luck.