Your chances of securing your dream job are determined by what you do and don’t do in a job interview, whether virtual or physical.
The emergence of digital platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and video conference calls has breached the physical barriers and challenges associated with preparing for and attending in-person interviews, giving prospective employees better chances of securing their dream jobs anywhere around the world.
However, to ace virtual interviews, job seekers must understand the peculiarities, dos, and don’ts of virtual interviews.
Consequently, this article outlines the challenges participants might face and addresses them comprehensively.
What Not to Do at a Virtual Interview: The Don’ts of A Virtual Interview
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Do not interrupt unnecessarily
When you ask a question, it’s crucial to be patient and listen to the answer. Avoid cutting across the answer to move to the next question. Since you can’t read visual cues, be mindful not to talk over your interviewer. This demonstrates respect and active listening, which can help you establish a stronger rapport with the interviewer.
Take a moment to pause before answering questions. This will allow you to ensure they’ve finished speaking and will give you a moment to frame your answer as well.
While it’s important to manage the interview, it’s also crucial to avoid unnecessary interruptions. Sometimes, it may be necessary to interrupt to maintain momentum, but it’s a delicate balance. Understanding when it’s appropriate to interrupt can help you maintain the flow of the interview.
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Do not badmouth your present employer or anyone else
Badmouthing your present employer or anyone else, for that matter, is poor behaviour. It can harm your chances of advancing in the process and may even lead to the termination of the interview. No recruiter will appreciate this behaviour in a potential employee, and it will significantly reduce your chances of success.
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Do not go to the interview without testing your software application
Do not conduct a virtual interview without preparation. You should check out the software used by the recruiter, understand the navigation of the software application, especially if it’s an unfamiliar app. You don’t want to download an app that takes too long, a few minutes before the start of the interview.
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Avoid doing it with your phone unless necessary
It is common knowledge that laptop users tend to have a better experience than smartphone users. Additionally, some applications perform better on laptops than on phones, particularly those used for interviews. You should avoid using your phone; it looks unprofessional, unless absolutely necessary. If you must use your phone, rotate it sideways so it resembles a laptop.
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Don’t stay in a distracting environment
Try to avoid friends and family walk-ins as much as possible, especially if you can lock the door. You need to demonstrate to the interviewer that you remain focused throughout the entire process.
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Don’t read your answers
Most job seekers type out their answers based on typical interview questions. They then try to sound natural while answering these questions. Most recruiters can tell when you are reading from a script. You don’t want your interviewer to see you as weird.
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Do not show up more than 50 minutes before your interview
Please do not look desperate. The job is essential to you, yes, but please refrain from looking desperate by arriving extremely early for the interview. This in no way translates to being late to the interview. 20 mins early is a good call.
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Do not let your eyes wander
If you do, you risk appearing uninterested or as if there’s something more important or interesting than the interview. This is all the more reason you should avoid distracting environments.
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Do not drive or eat while participating in a virtual interview
It may sound unbelievable, but it happens frequently during virtual interviews. Don’t do it. It is so unprofessional. Almost every recruiter would end that interview before it even started. Ensure that you treat the virtual interview as if it were an actual in-person interview. The interview being virtual doesn’t take away the seriousness.
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Do not do the interview lying on your bed
Lying down on your bed during an interview is not ideal. Don’t do it. If you can afford it, buy a laptop stand to help you stay focused during the interview.
What To Do At a Virtual Interview: How To Ace Your Interview
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Always be Punctual for your Remote Interview
Don’t wait until the interview day to figure out how to use the interview platform. Punctuality to any and every function is professional and always gives off the impression that you are a serious-minded individual. On the other hand, arriving late without prior notice is considered rude, and the interviewer may rule you out as a result.
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Always be prepared
Do your homework. Conduct thorough research to learn about the company and the person conducting the interview (if possible). Read relevant online materials or journals to ensure you are informed about the role you are being interviewed for. Google the company to look for relevant information. Ensure you are familiar with the company, its business operations, and its key competitors. Preparation will set you apart from the competition.
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Take Notes
Take notes so you can remember what needs clarification or what requires an answer. This is essential to help you formulate questions for the interviewer. Let them know you are taking notes. It helps you look less distracted.
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Ask interesting and relevant questions
Ensure that you ask relevant and well-thought-out questions. It gives the interviewer the impression that your head is in the game and you know what you are doing. Ask three questions about the business, the interviewer, and the role at hand. Avoid generic questions whenever possible; instead, focus on strong and well-thought-out questions.
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Keep your virtual identity professional
Your email address or username is often the first impression you make when it comes to virtual interviews. Don’t give the hiring manager a reason to question your professionalism with a once-hilarious high school username you still might be using.
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Keep your email and usernames simple and professional
Try different combinations of your first, middle, and last name, or leverage industry keywords if you don’t know what to use.
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Dress Professionally
Projecting professionalism goes beyond your email address and username. For virtual meetings, dress as though you’re preparing for an in-person interview. Don’t join the bandwagon and say, “But it’s just a virtual interview; it doesn’t matter.”
It matters so much. Wear your best professional/ business attire. Also, avoid any flashy accessories to avoid diverting the employer’s attention.
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Monitor Your Body Language
It’s natural to feel nervous during an important interview, but try to communicate confidence as best you can. One way of achieving this is to sit up straight, smile, and keep the camera at eye level to avoid looking up or down.
Research shows that employers are more likely to remember what you said if you maintain eye contact, so be sure to keep your eyes focused on the camera, not the screen image of the hiring manager as you converse.
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Find a quiet space with minimal distractions
The interviewer wants to focus on you, so don’t give them any reason to be distracted by your surroundings!
Even if you don’t have a dedicated office space, you can still create a professional setting. Select a room with a suitable lighting source. You may sit near a window; it’s a great choice. Just so you’re visible on screen.
Plus, 97% of recruiters prefer virtual backgrounds that resemble office settings.
During the interview process, you’ll be answering plenty of questions, so muting your microphone frequently won’t be an option. While eliminating all distractions and background noise isn’t always possible, you can take steps to minimise them.
Let your family or roommates know you’re in an interview to avoid interruptions. Closing windows can also help block out unwanted noise, such as traffic or barking dogs.
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Don’t forget to follow up.
Treat the video interview as you would an in-person meeting and follow up properly. Within 24 hours of the meeting, send an email to the person you chatted with, thanking them for taking the time to speak with you. Just keep the email concise.
Conclusion
While interviews have a general outlook, it is important to understand the peculiarity of each and prepare adequately. The fact that it is a virtual interview doesn’t make it less formal. It is essential to follow the rules of the interview as if it were a formal setting.