With the growing crisis of COVID-19, many workplaces are experiencing significant disruption. During this difficult time, many individuals are on the hunt for a new job, and excelling at virtual interviews has never been more important.
To help job seekers secure the positions they’re looking for, the recruiters at Acara Solutions India have assembled tips to ace your virtual job interviews.
Prior to the interview
- Test your technology
If you are using any video conferencing software like Skype, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts, or Zoom, make sure you’re using the platform preferred by your prospective employer, and test the technology before your interview.
- Prepare your surroundings
It is very important that your space is tidy, quiet, and has good lighting. You should have a light source right above your head or behind your camera; lighting should never come from behind you or the video becomes darker and unclear. Avoid sitting against an open window so your video doesn’t look shadowy or distorted.
- Have your resume, the job description, and questions ready
Keep a hardcopy of your resume handy, and make sure you have access to the job description for the position you’re interviewing for. Prepare a list of questions to ask your interviewer. This will sure you’re prepared to speak to your experience and mention specifics about the position.
- Dress professionally
Just because you might be interviewing at home doesn’t mean you can’t look professional. It’s always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed. To make a good first impression, dress as you would for an in-person interview.
- Get rid of distractions:
Schedule your interview at a time when you know your space will be quiet. Silence your cell phone and disable notifications on your computer. You may also want to close your windows to eliminate any outside noise.
During the Interview
- Focus on your body language
Make sure you maintain a good posture during the interview. Sit on the front half of your chair to avoid the appearance of leaning back casually. Keep a pleasantly smiling face and nod when appropriate to indicate that you are listening and engaged.
- Look at the camera
You may want to look at the image on your screen during the interview, but looking at your camera will make it appear as if you’re making direct eye contact with your interviewer.
Adjust the window in your browser so your image is as close as possible to the webcam to help you keep eye contact with the camera.
- Manage your time
Video interviews tend to be shorter than the face-to-face interviews, so it’s important to answer each question succinctly. When it’s time to conclude the interview, wrap up by thanking the interviewers and getting the information about next steps.
Once your interview ends, be sure to follow up with a thank-you email. In your thank you, mention a few things you discussed during the interview, and let your interviewers know you’re hopeful to join the team.
We know this is a tough time, but we hope these tips help you get the job you’re looking for. For more job seeker resources, head over to our blog and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
