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These days, more and more businesses are conducting interviews virtually, via
To help you combat this, read on for some virtual interview tips that might help you land your dream role over the coming weeks or months.
Tips for Virtual Interviewing:
- Test your technology beforehand to avoid any technical glitches.
- Choose a quiet, well-lit space for your interview.
- Dress professionally and avoid bright or distracting colors.
- Maintain eye contact with the camera and speak clearly.
- Use nonverbal cues, such as nodding and smiling, to show engagement.
- Have a copy of
your resume and any other relevant documents on hand. - Research the company and be prepared to answer common
interview questions . - Follow up with a thank-you email or message after the interview.
Ditch the Distractions
One of the top steps to a good online interview is to ditch all the distractions before your session starts. Like you would in an in-person meeting when chatting digitally you must ensure your cell phone is switched off or silent, so it can’t interrupt your or the interviewers’ train of thought. In addition, since you’ll be talking via your computer, you must turn off the email notifications and any other alerts that could come through and make noise during your conversation.
Ready to nail your next virtual job interview and land your dream job? Check out our latest blog post for expert tips and tricks to ace your virtual interviews! #virtualinterviews #jobsearch #careergoals #interviewtipsClick To TweetDon’t forget about potential distractions that could come outside of technology, too. For instance, shut windows in your home, so traffic noise won’t be a problem, and talk in a room away from anyone else who might be at your house at the time. In particular, ensure your children and pets are out of earshot as they can often be rather noisy!
Professionalism Is Key
To make a positive impression in a professional setting, it’s important to maintain good grooming and demonstrate that you take care of your appearance. This doesn’t necessarily mean having good looks or wearing expensive clothing, but rather presenting oneself in a manner that is appropriate for the workplace.
Getting a job is like parking. You have to be in the right place at the right time. In How to Interview Like a Pro, author Mary Greenwood provides strategies and practical tips about how to prepare for job hunting and how to interview.
Additionally, it’s crucial to keep in mind that even if you’re sitting behind a desk, what you’re wearing below may still be visible. While many people only focus on the top half of their outfit for virtual meetings, it’s important to be prepared for unexpected scenarios where you may need to stand up or move around.
In addition to your appearance, it’s important to ensure that your surroundings are tidy and presentable. Interviewers will be able to see what’s behind you during
Invest in Preparation
Lastly, as you would for any interview when you have an online meeting with recruiters or business owners take the time to prepare in advance. For example, conduct research on the firm you want to join. Learn not only about the people doing the hiring and other managers but also your potential co-workers plus things like the organization’s history, culture, key products or services, and branding. This will help you put your best foot forward during the interview.
Another preparation tip is to practice answering common interview questions for your job type and industry. Doing this will help you answer succinctly and with poise, and it will reduce your stress levels and make it easier for you to think clearly during the interview. 
Practice talking about why you want the job, what your career goals are, your previous positions and what you learned from them, and how you’ve dealt with challenges in the past. Be prepared to talk about your qualifications and training, as this often comes up in interviews. Whether you’ve completed an online Master of Education in Counseling Tuition, an MBA degree, a diploma in accounting, an engineering degree or something else, be ready to discuss how what you learned during these studies will help you excel at the role in question.
Other ways to prepare for your interview include testing your computer gear to avoid tech glitches during the call and printing out copies of your application documents (i.e. resume and cover letter), so you have them on hand if needed. It’s also helpful to come up with some questions for the interviewers, about the role or the company, so you’re ready to go if you get the opportunity.
Using his twenty-five years of experience, New York Times bestselling author Martin Yate has established a set of rules for job interviews that is sure to get you noticed.
