The 5 Keys To Acing a Virtual Interview

Virtual interviews were rising in popularity even before the pandemic. Now more than ever, they are a favored method for companies to screen candidates. While you may be asked the same questions as you would in an in-person interview, there are unique aspects to this interview style that you must consider. We share 5 key things you must do before a virtual interview.

1. Prepare for the questions

First things first, you will need to prepare for the interview itself and the questions you will potentially be asked. Preparation for virtual interview questions is identical to preparation for questions during in-person interviews.

Here are a variety of question types that are asked in an interview:

  • Fit: Questions that find out if you are a good fit for the position, team, and company.

    • Ex: Why do you want to work here?

  • Behavioral: Questions that gauge how you have acted in certain situations or how you would act in certain situations.

    • Ex: Talk to me about a time you encountered a problem while working in a group.

  • Technical: Questions specific to knowledge and abilities required for the position.

    • Ex: How would you conduct a marketing audit on a company?

  • Company/Industry Specific: Questions to test how much you know about the company and/or industry:

    • Ex: Who are our company’s competitors and how do we all differ?

Do your research to find out what questions are most commonly asked by the company you are interviewing with. Once you have gathered a healthy list of questions, create flashcards.

 

2. Carefully choose the location for your interview

The location and environment where you conduct your virtual interview should not be overlooked. You can choose a room in your house, your office, or a conference room at the library. It doesn’t matter where as long as the location has these key features:

  • Free from noise and distractions

  • Allows you to feel comfortable

  • Has a good internet connection

3. Ensure your technology works and that you have backups

For virtual interviews to happen, technology must be used. Typically, most interviews are conducted using the webcam on your computer.

Prior to your interview, you should run several tests on your tech.

Double-check that internet again to make sure the connection is strong and consistent.

As for your computer, you should check the following:

  • The webcam works and is wiped clean of dust and fingerprints.

  • The microphone picks up sound clearly.

Do some test runs and film yourself in the location you have chosen. How do you look on camera? How do you sound? Does your voice project at a normal conversation level or would you have to speak louder for the interviewers to hear you?

In the unlikely event that your computer doesn’t work, have backup options on hand. For example, if you are using your laptop for the interview, keep your tablet or phone nearby. If your laptop malfunctions, you can quickly switch over to another device.

4. Be conscious of appearances

Appearances matter a lot in a virtual interview. All the interviewers have to judge you by is what they see on the screen.

Your backdrop should have an aesthetically pleasing background; one that isn’t too loud nor too plain. Lighting is also important. Prior to your interview, figure out how to get lighting that complements your face and the background.

If you aren’t sure how to go about this, I’d advise you to go on YouTube and search “how to set up lighting for a virtual interview.”

5. Practice body language and voice

This key relates to appearances as well. You can help your case as a strong candidate through your body language and voice. With those two, you can communicate a lot more than you can with just your words.

Some research claims that up to 93% of communication is nonverbal! So, it’s best to take this seriously.

You want the interviewers to come away from the interview believing you are confident, competent, personable, comfortable, and coachable. How can you do that? Here are a few tips:

Body language

  • Sit upright with your shoulders back.

  • Use your hands while speaking when it feels appropriate.

  • Rest your hands in your lap when you aren’t using them.

  • Aim to be relaxed and loose rather than stiff.

  • When your interviewers are speaking, look engaged.

  • Don’t be afraid to smile.

Voice

  • Speak with “umph” and conviction in your responses.

  • Don’t speak too fast or too slow.

  • Change up the tonality of your voice so you aren’t monotone.

  • Don’t be afraid of pauses. Taking a second to think before you speak is fine and actually admirable.

To practice body language, set up a chair in front of the mirror. Role play, ask yourself the questions, and then answer the questions while looking in the mirror. Analyze your posture and what you do as you speak.

Additionally, you can record yourself on your webcam as if the real interview was happening. Now you can analyze your body language and your voice too. Are you speaking at an appropriate pace? Are you saying “um” or “like” a lot? How can you change up your tone of voice on certain answers to make them more impactful?

Observe, refine, implement, and repeat. Follow that sequence until you are ready to ace the virtual interview.

 

About The Author

Brandon Hill is the creator of Bizness Professionals, a resource to current or aspiring young professionals for well-rounded growth and career development. Outside of his blog, he continues to work in the field of finance.

How to Start a New Career Path

We are expected to decide on and choose a career path when we are teenagers or young adults, heading off to college with our favorite majors in mind. And while some of us know the careers that suit us and would make us happy, not all of us are lucky enough to decide on the right job that’ll fulfill us or keep us satisfied. This could be because we chose incorrectly, perhaps deciding on a career because of pay over our true interests. Or it could be because our personalities have adapted over the years and what we once loved has fallen to the wayside and we no longer enjoy our chosen career path. But what can you do if you wish to start a new career?

Luckily, you no longer have to be stuck in a job that you dislike and get no enjoyment from. There are many options and paths you can take to make the transition from your current job to your next. You may wish to stay in the same industry (or even at the same company!) but work in a different team (e.g., move from marketing to sales). Or you may want to change careers and industries all together which may require you to head back to school and study for certain qualifications. 

Are you unsure on whether a new career is for you, or are you unable to think about jobs that may interest you? If so, then read on for more information on how to start a new career path. 

 

Signs You May Need a New Career

Before you start the motions of changing your career, you need to consider whether this is, in fact, the right course of action for you. Having a singular bad day for a couple of tough weeks can make even the most strongwilled of us wish to quit and try our hand at a new career, but sometimes these feelings are fleeting and fade away into nothing as we realize that we were overworked and overemotional, and that we do like our jobs. Making a rash decision and deciding to quit can have devastating consequences, so you need to be sure that this is the right move for you. 

Now, there are two categories when it comes to reasons that you may wish to find a new job. The first category contains circumstantial reasons. For instance, does your job require you to relocate? Do you not fit in with the company? Is the company closing down, etc. Of course, these reasons would typically push a person to find a similar job just with a different company.

 

Personal reasons can be the biggest contributing factor to you wanting to start a whole new career path. These reasons can be:

• Does your work constantly wear you down? Do you feel tired and exhausted most of the time, and is it impacting your physical and mental wellbeing?
• Do you struggle to see yourself working the same job for the rest of your life? A lifetime is a long time, and you need to be content with the job you have if you are to stay within the field for many years to come.
• Is the money you make no longer satisfying? Does your paycheck no longer cover the boredom or unhappiness you experience at work?
• Have your interests changed? Does the work you do no longer satisfy you?
• Do you believe that your talents could be best used elsewhere?
• Does your current job simply not give you joy?

If any of the above reasons resonate with you, then it could be a sign that you should start looking for a new career. Take your time when deciding whether this is the right move for you, and if you have trusted family and friends, be sure to discuss this option with them for further clarity. They may also offer you additional support that could make the transition between careers much smoother.

 

Decide on Your Next Career

If you have come to the conclusion that you would like to make a career change, then it’s time for you to consider which career is right for you. Make a list of your interests and your talents, and see whether they align with one another and point you in the direction of a specific career. For instance, are you a caring and nurturing individual who is also highly organized but also possesses strong communication skills? If so, then you may wish to consider training to become a nurse.

 

A Career in Healthcare

A career in healthcare is a tough but rewarding path for you to take and consider. If you haven’t got any existing qualifications, then you will have to head back to school to train. However, working in healthcare can be satisfying and allow you to make a difference, making the return to school worthwhile.

If you wish to become a registered nurse, then you will need to acquire a BSN or MSN. Once this has been obtained, you can further your education so that you can focus on a specific niche that you excel or have great interest in. Baylor University offers online DNP programs in Executive Nurse Leadership, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, amongst many other programs. Deciding to focus in a specific type of nursing can help you earn job satisfaction. 

 

A Career in Education

Educating young minds or teaching adults like yourself can be a rewarding career choice. And much like the healthcare industry, you can make a difference as you help educate the great minds who could excel and offer greatness to the world. However, to become a teacher, you will need certain qualifications and may need to head back to education yourself. 

Typically, you will need to hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject that interests you. And pass any required state exams. You are likely required to participate in a job placement experience. So that you gain hands-on experience. You may also start off as a teacher’s assistant and have to work your way up to becoming a fully-fledged teacher. 

 

Understand that it Could Take Time

Changing your career does not happen overnight. It can take time, so you will need to be patient. Avoid being hasty when transitioning between careers so that you can ensure that you have the financial and emotional support to make the move.  Because it can be quite taxing on a person (especially if you are heading back to school). And remember to practice self-care and look after yourself.

If after reading the above article you feel as though it is time for you to make the move and start a new career path, be sure to put the proper moves in motion. This means looking up the skills and qualifications needed for your new field; whether you need to obtain certain certificates; and whether you are able to study full-time or may need to keep your current job and juggle the two for now. Either way, a change in career can be exciting!

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