With a global pandemic bringing the world to a standstill, the world wide web has offered exceptional solutions to endless problems. From online payment portals to live video interviews, job seekers are getting their dream jobs virtually!
Since it is the age of the internet, everyone is expected to know the basics of video conferencing software. So, if you’re giving your first virtual job interview, you need to prepare thoroughly.
Today, almost every company is looking for employees over the internet and thus require technologically aware candidates who can keep up with the pandemic’s demands. According to the Remote Work in the MENA poll, 9 in 10 professionals expect work from home jobs to increase over the next few years.
Now, every online software has its nuances. However, it is never too late to learn. All you need to do is keep an open mind and practice every step beforehand so that you can do as well virtually as you would in an in-person interview.
If you’re about to face the camera during your job hunt, here are some tips that will help you seal the deal!
Virtual interviews can be seamless only if you’re equipped with the proper technology. You need to check whether your equipment is updated and functioning correctly. Sometimes you might need to download plugins and apps to run the video conferencing software.
According to the Modern Job Search Strategies in the MENA poll, 51% of professionals are well-versed with video interviews, 29% are slightly acquainted, and 20% have no clue of how video interviews work.
Well, whether you choose Zoom or Skype for Business, or any other software, you must choose a professional username along with a password that you would easily remember. Plus, you should also run a thorough camera, internet, and microphone check.
Always do trial runs with friends or family in advance so that you can make any necessary changes before the interview.
Whether you’re using a tablet or a laptop, you should ensure that it is charged enough to last you throughout the interview. This is because if you face any electricity or charging issues, you must have charge in your device to attend the interview.
Plus, it would help if you chose a spot with a strong Wi-Fi connection to avoid unnecessary disruptions. Additionally, tablets are hard to manage without a stand or a cover. So, it is best if you would arrange for a way to keep the tablet stationary.
Using smartphones for interviews isn’t very feasible since a range of problems may arise. For instance, you may be disturbed by unnecessary calls, text messages, and notifications while you attempt your interview.
Moreover, facing a smartphone camera while holding it can never give you the right posture. Hence, it is best that you arrange for laptops or tablets for a video interview.
Dressing for live video interviews is as important as dressing for in-person ones. Wearing an appropriate attire will make you feel confident and portray a sincere image in front of the interviewer.
Now, it is not wise to opt for sweatpants under your formal shirt. This may affect your confidence and even show in case the camera moves. Plus, you should avoid wearing flashy, bright-colored clothes since they may look unprofessional.
Furthermore, you must always neatly iron your clothes before wearing them as they make for a good first impression. Lastly, you should wear your outfit during trial runs and ask for feedback from your friends and family.
This way, you know exactly how you look and sound on screen.
Locations that have too many distractions can affect your performance in front of the camera.
Suppose children, pets, roommates, or even your family members are present during your interview and create noise. In that case, it can disturb you and the interviewer, thus reducing your chances of getting selected.
Thus, it would be best if you chose places that are free from such distractions. Another way to avoid unnecessary interaction with people is to stick a sign outside your door to intimate that you’re busy elsewhere.
Now, once you have noise reduction settled, focus on cleaning up around you. Your screen should not reveal embarrassing items such as laundry, half-eaten meals, etc. Plus, it is wise to allow natural light in any area you wish to attend the interview from.
Finally, you must turn off text, social media, and email alerts along with software updates as well as other notifications before the interview. This will prevent these from distracting you and will not turn up while you’re talking or sharing your screen.
Logging in at the exact time your interview is scheduled to begin is a terrible idea. You should always complete your final trial, check your internet connection, and log in to the video conferencing software at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
You can also print necessary documents like your resume, job description, company brief, and other speaking points and keep them handy. Reading from sheets is not ideal; however, you may refer to them if needed.
Eye contact and good posture are vital elements of a successful interview. While it is difficult to maintain eye contact in a virtual interview, it is essential to practice beforehand.
The best way to maintain eye contact is to look into the camera instead of yourself or the interviewer on screen.
You should ensure that you appear in the center and not in the sides. Plus, your back should be straight, your chin up, your feet on the floor, and your shirt tucked. This way, you’re ready to face the interviewer with confidence.
Always project your full voice. Check your device’s microphone and speaker controls before you begin the interview. Your interviewer should be able to listen to everything you say clearly and not strain his ears to pick up what you said.
You should also remember that sometimes weak Wi-Fi signals can cause a slight delay in voice transmission. So, to avoid interrupting your interviewer or having yourself disturbed, you should pause for some time before and after speaking.
It is also crucial to prepare for some common video job interview questions beforehand. Here are the most popularly asked questions in interviews:
The best way to answer these questions is to be genuine and creative. If you provide an interviewer with a dull, unenthusiastic answer, your employer will think that you’re not interested in the position.
On the other hand, if you are overconfident or arrogant, it will make your employer dislike you instantly. Thus, it is safe to give answers that are honest, well-thought-out, and far from generic.
Just like an in-person interview, you should thank your interviewer for their time. Plus, it is ideal to follow up on the same day with a well-written thank-you note. You can once again mention why you’re the perfect match for the company and role offered.
Additionally, you can mention any pointer you discussed with the interviewer during the interview. This will make it more personal and also make your interviewer notice your interest and attentiveness.
Fidgeting and appearing nervous can put your interviewer off for good. Thus, it is best to keep calm and answer the questions as they come. Nervousness makes you appear under confident and can make your interviewer think negatively.
Thus, to prevent your interview from going south, it is best to give yourself positive affirmations as you attend your virtual interview.
You should smile but not too often or too much. A smile will make you appear confident, approachable and thus, help you ace your live video interview. Remember to speak to the interviewer in a calm tone to set a good first impression.
However, it is not wise to laugh or giggle during the interview since it may seem unprofessional. You can sport a slight smile and a relaxed body language to indicate your confidence.
Be it an in-person discussion or a virtual model; job interviews are stressful for everyone. However, if one is well prepared, the interview seems like just another discussion. So, go on, implement these ten tips for your video job interviews, and watch yourself succeed!
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