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:
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Fit: Questions that find out if you are a good fit for the position, team, and company.
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Ex: Why do you want to work here?
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Behavioral: Questions that gauge how you have acted in certain situations or how you would act in certain situations.
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Ex: Talk to me about a time you encountered a problem while working in a group.
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Technical: Questions specific to knowledge and abilities required for the position.
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Ex: How would you conduct a marketing audit on a company?
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Company/Industry Specific: Questions to test how much you know about the company and/or industry:
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Ex: Who are our company’s competitors and how do we all differ?
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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:
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Free from noise and distractions
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Allows you to feel comfortable
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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:
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The webcam works and is wiped clean of dust and fingerprints.
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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
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Sit upright with your shoulders back.
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Use your hands while speaking when it feels appropriate.
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Rest your hands in your lap when you aren’t using them.
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Aim to be relaxed and loose rather than stiff.
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When your interviewers are speaking, look engaged.
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Don’t be afraid to smile.
Voice
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Speak with “umph” and conviction in your responses.
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Don’t speak too fast or too slow.
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Change up the tonality of your voice so you aren’t monotone.
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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.