A virtual interview is an interview that holds online; not face-to-face. Virtual interviews are becoming the norm these days, especially due to the rise in remote work and work-from-home jobs. Online interviews are similar to physical interviews. However, there are certain differences between them. This is why you need to know how to prepare for online interviews. Read on to find out how to prepare for virtual interviews.
Research on the Company
Before attending an interview with representatives of a company you have applied to, you should read about the company. Find out the preoccupation of that company, its core values and goals.
If you are going for an accounting role, for instance, study the company’s financial reports from the last few fiscal years or quarters. This will give you an edge if it comes up during the interview. Also, study other important details about the company.
Organize your Documents
Get your documents ready for the virtual interview. Such documents include your resume, your school certificates, and other certifications. Organize your relevant documents in a folder on your computer.
Label the folder appropriately and place it on your desktop where you can easily find it. You could also create a document and therein paste the links to your LinkedIn profile and your published articles that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
Find a Private Space
Find a quiet, private space where you can attend your virtual interview without distractions. If you live in a shared living space, you should inform members of your household about the date and time of your virtual interview.
Make arrangements with them on how you could have the place to yourself for the duration of the interview. Don’t fail to remind them as the day draws closer, particularly on the d-day.
Get a Good Background
During the course of the interview, the interviewers are going to see not just you on the screen, but also your background. Putting this into consideration, ensure that the area you have arranged for the interview is not only tidy, but the background wall is also neat.
Avoid backgrounds that have distracting graphics or activities. You can use a virtual background if you are unable to find a neat background within your space.
Test the App
One huge factor in the smooth running and success of a virtual interview is your familiarity or ease of use of the app that will be used for the virtual interview. Such apps include Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Team, etc. Install and practice with the app for the interview, especially if it is one you have never used before.
Try out features on the app and study what each feature does. Learn how to schedule meetings.
Have a friend invite you to a meeting. Join a meeting and observe the difference between scheduling a meeting and joining one. This is to ensure that you are not taken by surprise during the interview, such as when the interviewers ask you to unmute your audio, turn on your camera or send a document to them through the meeting app.
Practice with a Friend
Making preparations for a virtual interview includes practicing. Invite a friend to participate in a practice online interview. Allow your friend to ask you questions that the interviewers might ask, and then respond as you would in the interview. Take the practice virtual interview seriously because it will improve your ability to express yourself. By doing this, you’ll be able to speak during the interview with confidence and ease.
Prepare your clothing
A virtual interview is just as formal as a physical interview. Don’t downplay the importance or relevance of a virtual meeting. Get your corporate wear washed and ironed.
Despite it being an online interview, we advise that you dress formally from head to toe.
You never know what could make you stand up or adjust your camera during the interview. So, don’t take chances.
Test your Internet Connection
Test your internet connection, at least one hour before the scheduled interview. Verify that the speed of your connection is fast enough and that there will likely be no network disruptions. If your internet speed is slow or keeps fluctuating, find a more reliable alternative.
Ensure that you resolve every technical or non-technical issue well ahead of time.
Prepare your Mind
Having got every document and device ready, it’s time to get yourself ready. Get your mind ready and practice your talking points once again.
Make sure you are physically comfortable and prepared to sit and give full attention to the interviewers, for as long as the virtual interview lasts. Eat something light and drink a little water.
Keep everything you need close by, so you don’t have to get up to get anything during the interview.
Be Punctual
Attend your virtual interview on time. Be at the interview room at least ten minutes before the meeting is scheduled to begin. Enter the room and wait, if the virtual interview is set such that you can enter the room without needing the host’s approval.
However, turn off your camera and your microphone until the interview starts. Your being early to an interview gives the interviewers an impression that you value punctuality and you are serious-minded.
Virtual interviews are as important as physical interviews. At virtual interviews, interviewers meet you and assess your suitability for the job you have applied for.
The outcome of an online interview could go a long way in determining whether you will get the job or not. Applying these guidelines would help you be better prepared for your next virtual interview.
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