Declassified Virtual Interview Guide

Covid-19 has paved the way for adoption of online tools to hold person to person interactions. Organizations looking to hire now rely on these virtual tools to find a perfect candidate for their teams. But how does this affect the interview process? One difference being, instead of in-person interviews, you are now meeting your boss or colleagues via online apps like Skype or Zoom. Consider the following tips to help you succeed during your next virtual interview process.

The first thing to remember is to always be prepared, you only have one shot to make a good first impression. There are two types of online interviews, some online interviews are done two-ways, in the same style of an in-person interview. On the other hand, there are one-way interview formats where the interview is recorded and submitted to the hiring team. Prior to starting the interview conduct a test run on your device to ensure that the camera and microphone are working properly. The way you sit, the place you chose, lighting and the surroundings play in important role in putting forward a positive impression.  Lastly, don’t forget to use a professional profile picture and name on your account.

Some tips to keep in mind:

• Sit upright so that your torso is visible
• Choose a background that is neutral and does not have too many distractions
• Make sure you are in a well-lit area (the light should not be coming from underneath or just focusing on one side of your face, if you are using a lamp)
• Dress to Impress – dress professionally as if you were going to an in-person meeting (dress-shirt, blazer, tie, etc.)
• Make yourself presentable (I.e. do your makeup or cleanup your beard, etc.)

We all know that it can feel challenging to communicate a thought or an idea through an audio or video call, however there are some ways to make it easier. Remember this is an interview, but it is also an opportunity to showcase your personality.

Additional tips:

• Make sure there’s no distractions in the room, and keep constant eye contact with the interviewer
• Make sure that you’re speaking in a clear tone and pace yourself to avoid incoherent answers
• Avoid brief or concise responses (provide examples when needed)
• Prepare to answer technical questions related to your expertise
• Be mindful about your body language and facial expressions during the interview

Everyone gets nervous during an interview and it is best to practice your delivery. Recording yourself while practicing will help highlight your weaknesses and your strengths. It will ensure that you are speaking in a clear tone and show you how your posture will look like during the interview. Practice with a mirror if you are unable to record yourself.

As more interviews are moving to online applications so are team interactions, these tips can help you during team meetings or virtual client meetings as well. MTS is always trying to help candidate’s standout not only during their interviews but also as they move on in their professional careers.

Disha & Julia