In any job interview, your main goal is to make a great impression. However, when you attend in-person interviews, you have many more tools at your disposal than in a virtual meeting. So, if you need to attend a virtual interview for a new job, how do you make a lasting impression for the right reasons?

In this article, we’ll explore some dos and don’ts of nailing your virtual job interviews.

The DO’s of virtual interviews

First, let’s look at some of the things you should do to give yourself the best chance of success. Job interviews can be intimidating, but with the right preparation, you can avoid a lot of nervousness.

Get your technical setup right

The first and most important thing to do is check that your internet connection is stable, because you won’t be able to attend the interview without it. When considering your tech setup, also consider the following:

· Be familiar with the video conferencing software.

· Ensure the camera and microphone are working correctly.

· Sit with a clear, professional background. Most video conferencing software lets you choose a background if you can’t find a place at home.

· Try to be in a room with natural light.

Be on time

Needless to say, interviewers are never impressed when they need to wait for an applicant. Organise your schedule so that you have plenty of time to get ready, set up your computer and be waiting when the interview session opens.

Dress professionally

Even if you’re attending an online interview and aren’t expected to dress in business clothes for the job, you should always dress professionally for interviews. Dressing appropriately shows the interviewer that you take the application seriously and can be professional when required.

Preparation and research

Just like any job interview, make sure you prepare early. Firstly, research the company concerned to find out what makes them tick. This is helpful in understanding the role and allows you to ask questions in the interview. Don’t go overboard with questions, but show an interest in the company to let the interviewer know you’ll be a keen and enthusiastic employee.

Body language

Video interviews don’t give you a lot of space to hide when it comes to body language and non-verbal responses. In many ways, it’s a lot like an in-person interview. Keep your posture straight, and don’t slump into your chair. Maintain good eye contact, even if it’s through a screen. Occasional hand gestures also show that you’re actively engaged in the conversation.

Documents

In most job interviews, the interviewer will already have a copy of your resume and application. But having these things open on your computer and any other relevant documents never hurts. This serves as a helpful reference point for you, but it also allows you to share your screen and show other documentation if necessary.

The DON’Ts of virtual interviews

For every great video job interview performance, there are times when you just don’t get it right. However, with knowledge and planning, you can give yourself the best opportunity for success. Here are some things not to do in an online job interview.

Becoming distracted

You should have absolute privacy when attending an online job interview. This can sometimes be difficult for people, especially if you have children at home. But finding a place where you won’t be distracted is essential. Employers want to see you completely engaged in the interview, not worrying about what might be happening around you.

Set up in a poor environment

A big killer when it comes to online job interviews is your environment. We already mentioned that your space should be professional. You don’t need a fully furnished office, but a neat and tidy background is always best. If you prefer to use a background provided by the video conferencing software, ensure it is a professional one. While a tropical island background might be fun, it’s not professional for a job interview.

Rushing through answers

The best job interviews are the ones that feel more like a general discussion rather than a series of questions and answers. In a video interview, it’s important to acknowledge there may be small audio drops or other interference. There might be a slight lag or delay, too. So, wait until you are sure someone has stopped speaking before you answer. You’ll avoid interrupting people, and the conversation will progress more smoothly.

Dressing in casual clothes

We’ve already addressed this, but leave the casual clothes out for a professional job interview. It doesn’t matter what type of clothes you might wear if you are successful in winning the position – you should always dress professionally for interviews. Casual clothes show a lack of respect for the job and the interviewer.

Ready for your next job interview?

With these helpful tips, you can now feel much more confident in delivering a standout performance at your next online job interview. If you need more assistance preparing for interviews or finding the job of your dreams, contact Salexo today.