Video interview Tips: How to Master the Virtual Interview

Many organizations have changed the way they do business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the adaptations is that many have moved from physical meetings to virtual meetings – including interviews. If you are not used to these types of interviews, it can be difficult to know how to prepare and succeed in them.

As a recruiter, I have learned how candidates can prepare for an engaging and successful virtual interview. In this article, we will go over how you can stand out from other candidates in the next video interview.

How to participate in a virtual interview

1. Familiarize yourself with the platform

Whether it’s Zoom or Skype, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the platform you’ll be using for the video interview. If you are unsure which platform the employer uses, you can ask the recruiter when you talk about what will happen. I recommend contacting a friend or family member to get feedback on the audio and video quality so you can be sure you can present yourself the way you want. Doing this before the interview can make you feel more confident, so you can communicate effectively during the interview.

It is best to conduct the interview on a laptop or desktop computer, but if you do not have one, your mobile or tablet can also be an effective tool. Make sure to find a place with stable internet if you are using a mobile or tablet, as these devices are more prone to technical issues. If you are worried about technical problems, you can contact your recruiter before the interview to ask who to contact should such problems arise.

2. Take your time

When a recruiter is ready to schedule your interview, he or she will ask when you are available. Although you may want to show your interest by saying “as soon as possible” or suggesting a time very soon, you should try to choose a time when you can be fully present and prepared. For example, if you have children who are home because school has closed, and they need more of your attention in the morning, you can ask to do the interview in the afternoon.

If a recruiter asks you on the phone when you’re available, it’s okay to ask to get back with an email with times when you’ve had time to look at your calendar. We recruiters much prefer that you can show yourself from your best side than that the interview is done at the first best opportunity.

3. Follow the dress code

It is always important to do research on the company that is interviewing you. A significant part of this research during the interview process is the company’s culture, including the dress code. You can always ask your recruiter about this, as he or she wants you to feel comfortable and therefore wants to give you all the information needed to be successful. Once you know the dress code, you should follow it as closely as possible in your video interview. The interviewer probably views this interview the same as a physical interview, and so should you.

4. Create the right environment

It is not enough to make sure that the light is good during the interview. You should also ensure that the environment is free of distractions. This might mean leaving your phone in another room, closing all unnecessary browser tabs, and sitting down in a place where your pets can’t disturb you.

5. Make the most of your time

Most interviews have a time limit. It is important to use the time well, because the interviewer will probably want to find out many different things about you during the interview. Try to give exhaustive answers to the questions, but without irrelevant or unnecessary details.

By answering briefly, you ensure that you have time to answer the rest of the questions that the interviewer has planned to ask. If the interviewer needs more information, he or she will ask for it. You can also contact the recruiter before the interview to get as much information as possible about the interviewer, including what topics are likely to be covered and what types of questions you should prepare to answer.