Nailing Your Next Virtual Interview
Practical Tips To Set Yourself Up For Success With Your Next Remote Or Virtual Interview
How many Zoom calls have you sat through with
dreadful video and abysmal sound?
Way too many is my guess
The new norm for many jobs is virtual or remote or hybrid and that’s not going to change any time soon
If we’re going to keep working remotely then the virtual interview is the obvious next step
And, many remote jobs will never go back to the office so virtual interviews will snag the talent pool (you) from the next city, state or even country – or the beach if you wish…
How prepared are you for your next virtual interview?
Let’s look at the basics because the basics is a really good place to start – or first principles thinking is another way of saying it
How good is your internet?
This is super, super important as you don't want to be fading in and out or be cut off mid-question
If you can’t get this at home, then book a shared workspace and test it
Use a headset with a good microphone so your sound is great because if you lose video – you’ll be able to carry on with audio only
And…a headset cuts out external noise and a good microphone lets you get your best answers across
How’s your background?
Do you want your interviewer to see your washing hanging out to dry?
I love virtual backgrounds and I’m a big fan of waterfalls
You often see waterfalls in my background, but I’m also a big fan of New York with my great memories from living there – both these pictures always put me in a peak mental state
Use backgrounds that work for you, that feel good for you, that uplift you
Do whatever it takes to make things work to your advantage because the right picture uplifts your spirit and gives you confidence and makes you speak with a bit of pep in your step - do what you need to do
And then, as always, test everything before you do your interview - call up a friend, a partner, whatever and test your systems to make sure everything's working properly
And now for the most important step - practice your interview questions!
The best way to do this is with an experienced coach who’ll focus your responses, so you provide sharp and succinct answers
Or… practice recording yourself - then review your answers
Don’t speak for too long and always answer-the-question
2 minutes per answer is a nice balance
If you're talking for 3 or 4 or even 5minutes, you're talking too long
If you're giving one-word answers, then you're not giving enough information
I find 2 minutes is the sweet spot for your virtual interview answer
Practice your answers to the top 20 most common interview questions
Practice, practice, and practice some more
You’ll know you’re ready if I asked you a question at 3am and you can rattle off your answer without missing a beat
Remember to dress appropriately
Go for business dress from the waist up and – in case you need to stand up – from the waist down
Be professional always
You got the interview – congratulations – now go and land your dream job with your best pay and your juiciest perks