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4 Tips for a Successful Virtual Interview
April 30, 2020

Allie

COVID-19 has been changing the ways in which we conduct ourselves professionally, so here are 4 Tips for a Successful Virtual Interview. This has resulted in many internship recruiters conducting interviews through video call services like Zoom, Skype, and Cisco Webex.

While many of the practices of an in-person interview will remain the same for a virtual interview/video interview, there are subtle differences that should be closely paid attention to in preparation for the interview. If you are preparing for a virtual interview, here are some tips will help to secure those jobs/internships:

  1. Know Where to Focus

The etiquette of knowing where to focus during a virtual interview can be a foreign concept if this is all new to you. The rule of thumb is to focus on the interviewer while they are speaking and focus on the camera while you are speaking. It is that easy!

It is important to make “eye contact” with the interviewer which is accomplishable by focusing on the camera of your device when it is your turn to speak. During your virtual interview, you want to give off the professional impression as if you are sitting directly in front of the interviewer, making eye contact, and showing off that strong skill set as you would for an in-person interview.

  1. Prepare Your Interview Space

Because it is likely that you will be conducting the interview from your home, it is important to not allow the backdrop and your surroundings to be a distraction for the interviewer or yourself. There are endless features being created through the virtual video meeting places that allow you to select plain colored backgrounds in the event you may not like or can find a suitable background with irrelevant surroundings.

An appropriate background should have good lighting, be clean, and be in a quiet area free from distractions. Do not forget to place your cell phone on silent, turn it off or just leave it in another room.


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  1. Check Your Technology Connections Ahead of Time

Be sure to test your network connection, along with the audio and video at a minimum of 15 minutes before your interview. The testing of equipment and connections are essential for making sure everything is functioning properly prior to the interview. Also, ensure that the device you are streaming from is fully charged and/or charging before and during the interview.

Sometimes technology can let us down and it happens to the best of us at the worst time possible. Make sure that the interviewer has an alternate way of communicating with you ahead of time in the event you run into connectivity issues. If something is to occur, do not worry and do not panic. Remain calm and apologize for the misconnection issues, just be sure you can recall the last information spoken and carry on. The employer will likely understand but will be taking note of how you handled the situation.

  1. Dress Professionally

Dressing professionally applies to interviews from home, too! It is important to present yourself in the same professional manner as if you were interviewing for a job/internship in-person.

Dressing in professional attire will not only leave a great impression on the employer but will give you the confidence needed to have a successful interview and secure the position!