Video interviews such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and even WhatsApp have become the new normal for many companies during the remote hiring process.
The impression you make on the interviewer often can outweigh your actual credentials. When it comes to interviewing, your poise, attitude, communication and overall social skills play a big part along with your work experience to determine whether you get the job or not.
Preparing for your virtual interview is key, here are five ways to land the job!
1. Test Your Tech in Advance
You don’t have to be the most technically savvy but smooth access to your video interview is part of that all important first impressions in the virtual world. Take 5-10 minutes before your meeting to make sure your video and audio is working correctly. Solving any minor issues in advance lets you start the interview confidently, without unnecessary interruptions.
We know sometimes technology has a mind of its own so if something does happen such as bad WIFI, simply log back in to try and reconnect, or let your interviewer know. A heads up of tech challenges is always appreciated.
Those few minutes preparing will help you feel more confident and ready. And remember, if you feel nervous, take a few deep breaths!
2. Check Your Space
Your background matters. Having the right video background also is part of first impressions, when deciding what background to use, think about it from the other persons point of view. Is my background distracting? Distracting backgrounds include busy artwork or hanging pictures, a messy room with clothes on the floor or anything that might have the person focus more on what’s behind you than yourself.
Having a clean, clutter free space will help to focus the attention back onto you. If you do not have an ideal space for the meeting, you can always use a virtual background such as a virtual office or a blurred background.
Audio is another part of checking your surroundings, if there is a loud noise such as construction, cars honking, baby crying, etc. it can be just as distracting. Find a space that you know you can carve out 30-minutes to an hour of quiet, distraction free time.
3. Do Your Research
Many of us have been asked this question, “So what made you decide to apply to this role/company?” Often, candidates will study the role but forget to research the company and culture. It takes just a few minutes to look up a company’s website and social media pages. By doing so, you will be able to throw in key information about the company during your conversation that will give you brownie points. Certain things to mention can include awards, recognitions, technology they use and even name drop if you know someone in the company. Being able to relate to the company will help interviewers see how you could be a good cultural fit for their team.
Have a short list of questions. It does not need to be a long list or take up much of your time but one of the reasons candidates don’t move forward is not showing enough interest in the role. The interviewer wants to know you are just as interested about the role as they are. Don’t wait to ask the questions at the end, when it is appropriate during the conversation, ask questions when they are fresh on your mind. That will not only keep the conversation flowing but show your engagement.
4. Be Yourself
Many of us have been asked this question, “So what made you decide to apply to this role/company?” Often, candidates will study the role but forget to research the company and culture. It takes just a few minutes to look up a company’s website and social media pages. By doing so, you will be able to throw in key information about the company during your conversation that will give you brownie points. Certain things to mention can include awards, recognitions, technology they use and even name drop if you know someone in the company. Being able to relate to the company will help interviewers see how you could be a good cultural fit for their team.
Have a short list of questions. It does not need to be a long list or take up much of your time but one of the reasons candidates don’t move forward is not showing enough interest in the role. The interviewer wants to know you are just as interested about the role as they are. Don’t wait to ask the questions at the end, when it is appropriate during the conversation, ask questions when they are fresh on your mind. That will not only keep the conversation flowing but show your engagement.
5. Follow Up
The first 5 minutes and last 5 minutes of the interview are the most memorable, be sure to end the interview on a positive note, thanking him/her for their time. When the interview is done, take a moment to reflect and within 24 hours follow up via email or a handwritten note thanking the interviewer for their time and how interested you are in the position. Little gestures go a long way.
Conclusion
Finding the right candidate is crucial to the success of an organization. A recruiting partner (Like HireVentures) provides a “white glove service” to our clients by grooming and preparing our top candidates before every interview.
If you have questions about your recruiting process or would like a free Recruiting Consultation with one of our Talent Consultants, contact us today!