You've Had A Virtual Interview, What Now?
Despite making up a relatively small portion of total job searches, a new Glassdoor analysis revealed a startling 460 percent spike in online applications for remote jobs between June 2019 and June 2021. For many job seekers, this change to at-home employment has also changed the conventional hiring procedure, particularly interviews. Gone are the frantic parking lot searches, awkward lobby delays as you assess other applicants, or clammy handshakes with potential employers. The majority of remote candidates just open their laptops or grab their phones a few minutes before their job interview, so virtual interviews have all but removed the need for preparation. Ah, no. Before… Prepare your homework In order to stand out as a candidate,
if you are having a virtual job interview, research the company. What are the company's objectives, values, and mission? How about the organisational culture? What are the opinions of current and past employees on review websites like Indeed and Glassdoor? Who will be asking you questions? What does their LinkedIn page reveal about their professional background, education, and hobbies? Research increases knowledge, readiness is demonstrated by knowledge, and stress and worry are lessened by readiness. Prepare responses to typical interview questions in advance. Create a few thought-provoking, well-thought-out questions to ask at the end of the interview as a finishing touch. What Are You Wearing? Although Winnie-the-Pooh is a well-known literary figure, you shouldn't base your interview attire on him.
During your video interview, avoid letting your appearance or grooming routines distract you. Yes, wear pants even though the camera shouldn't be able to see your lower half since you never know when you'll need to get up for an unexpected interruption. Check the company's culture before wearing business casual and stay away from garish colours or designs. The same is true for personal grooming; if such concepts need to be clarified, this blog won't be of any assistance. Set Up Your Area No one is insisting that the space must be furnished by Chip and Joanna Gaines, but the pile of dirty laundry next to you shouldn't either be the main attraction.
Set up your computer and pay attention to what your camera is seeing in the background as you are getting ready for the real interview. Look for a place that is calm, well-lit, and has a plain or sparsely adorned wall behind you. You want the interviewer's attention during a remote interview to be on you and your comments, not the autographed Big Lebowski poster you bought at a flea market. Determine and Eliminate Potential Distracters Does your dog frequently whimper and paw at the door? Does the one bathroom in the house share a wall with your interview space? Have a young child who might bolt during a diaper change? Do you share your virtual interview space with anyone else?
Serenity now, as Frank Costanza on Seinfeld so eloquently reminded us. Please respect the quiet. Phone is Lost Leave the phone somewhere else unless you're using a mobile hiring tool like Hirect. A potential employer is looking for a job applicant that can maintain focus in a remote situation and is professional and responsible. Facebook notifications, fantasy football scores, telemarketing calls, or slightly inappropriate texts from your best buddy are the last things you need interfering with your interview. Whatever it is, it has an hour to wait. Testing...Testing... Do a dry run if you haven't used the software before (Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, etc.) to ensure that your device won't have any connection issues.
Close any unneeded browser windows or apps to keep your desktop clear. Additionally, confirm the interview's time zone. There's nothing worse than arriving a couple hours late because you were on California time and didn't realise the company was headquartered in Charlotte. Set a timer. When to arrive is a significant advantage of both virtual and in-person interviews. The virtual environment is less urgent, but you would need to get at a company's premises at least 30 minutes in advance to find parking and sign in.
Logging in five to ten minutes early to the meeting should be sufficient to demonstrate your eagerness and preparation because the meeting won't begin until the interviewer signs in. During… Really, nothing has changed. In a face-to-face interview, what would you typically say or do? Try it. You are not free to ignore social conventions just because the interviewer or hiring manager is using a camera to conduct a video interview. Body language and nonverbal clues are still crucial: Keep your eyes open. Smile Limit twitching Speak loudly. Keep a straight stance. Be involved Be yourself, most importantly! Hydration Point If you need to take a strategic break or to quiet any remaining butterflies, keep a glass of water or juice handy that you may sip on as needed.
Be cautious when drinking hot coffee or tea, and be conscious of the mug you use. No, a drink or a glass of Single Malt won't instantly transform you into Don Draper-style sophistication, as should be obvious. Make a note Quite self-explanatory, but keep a pen and notebook close by because it's always advisable to take notes during a virtual interview. Make a note of any queries you may have so the hiring manager can inquire about them later. Uh-Oh! Despite your best efforts, your two-year-old child barged into the room. Most interviewers are aware that life happens and that the pandemic has brought our personal and professional lives closer together than before. Put your phone on silent, politely excuse yourself, and deal with the interruption right away.
#NoFilter Keep that to yourself for the time being, even though you might wish you were on the beach (or the moon). Instead of using a virtual background, resist the impulse and stand in front of a plain or sparsely adorned wall. After… Establish goals Do not be reluctant to ask about timing or subsequent measures. At the conclusion of the video interview, be sure to thank the interviewer and think about sending a personalised follow-up note within 24 hours. The interview and job search processes can be tough. You'll be more prepared and professional for your virtual interviews if you follow these 13 virtual interview recommendations.
Would you like to test out these virtual interview advice? Download Hirect from the App Store or Google Play to find your next remote job right away.
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