Remote and virtual job interviews have increasingly become common, more especially in today’s digital age where geographical boundaries are less of a challenge. Whether you are interviewing for a tech role, a management role, or a creative position, mastering the nuances of virtual job interviews is crucial. Here are some comprehensive strategies created to help you succeed in remote and virtual job interviews:
1. Do Your Homework
- Research the Company: Just like with in-person interviews, you are expected to know the company inside out. Understanding their mission is important, what their values are, their products or services, and even some recent news about them. This information helps you craft your answers and shows your genuine interest in joining their team.
- Know the Role: Go through the job description carefully and also think about how your skills and experiences fit what they are looking for. Also, be ready to share specific examples from your past work experiences that resonate with the job’s key requirements.
- Prepare Questions: Don’t forget that interviews are a two-way street – have some thoughtful questions ready that would show that you are serious about the position. Ask about things like company culture, team dynamics, or what success looks like in the role.
- Test Your Gear: Ensure your computer, microphone, and camera are all working properly. Do a test run using the same platform that the interview will be on, like Zoom, Cisco Webex Meeting, Skype, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet to see if you would be comfortable with the interface and can troubleshoot any issues ahead of time.
- Stable Internet is a Must: A solid Internet connection is very crucial. If possible, you can use a wired connection to avoid any hiccups. It is also a good idea to have a backup plan, like a mobile hotspot, should your main connection fail.
- Set Up Your Space: Pick a quiet spot with good lighting where you wouldn’t be interrupted. A clean, neutral background is best – something that wouldn’t distract you from the conversation. Good lighting is critical too, so make sure your face is well-lit.
3. Present Yourself Well
- Dress the Part: Despite not meeting in person, you are expected to still dress professionally. It is a great sign of respect for the interviewer, and how serious you are with the interview, and puts you in the right mindset for the interview.
- Mind Your Body Language: Body language still matters, even on a screen. Sit up straight, avoid fidgeting, and maintain eye contact with the interviewer by looking directly at the camera. This helps create a connection with the interviewer, even when you are not in the same room.
- Minimize Distractions: Close any unnecessary apps or tabs on your computer so that you do not get distracted by notifications. Put your phone on silence and make sure no one interrupts your interview.
- Speak Clearly: In a virtual interview, how you communicate is very key. Speak clearly and audibly at a steady pace. Avoid rambling – try to keep your answers concise and straight to the point.
- Listen Carefully: Make sure you really listen to the interviewer. In a virtual setting, there could be delays or audio issues, so if you miss something, do not be afraid to ask the interviewer(s) to repeat it.
- Use the STAR Method: When answering questions about your experience, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This helps you give clear, structured answers that are easy for the interviewer to understand.
5. Handle Tech Issues Gracefully
- Stay Calm: If something goes wrong with the technology, do not panic but stay calm; apologize for the interruption, and try to fix the issue. If possible, suggest reconnecting or rescheduling of the interview.
- Have a Backup Plan: Before the interview, ask for an alternative way that you could contact the interviewer, like a phone number or email. By this, if the video platform fails, you can still continue with the job interview.
6. Follow Up Afterward
- Send a Thank-You Email: After the interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours, to express your appreciation for the opportunity; reiterate your interest in the job role, and mention something specific from the interview that stood out to you.
- Reflect and Improve: Take some time out to reflect on how the job interview panned out. What went well? What would you do better next time? Use this reflection to improve for future job interviews.
7. Mind Your Virtual Etiquette
- Be Punctual: Log in a few minutes early to ensure that everything is working properly. This shows that you are punctual and it gives you ample time to fix any last-minute tech issues.
- Respect the Interviewer’s Time: Be mindful of how much time you are taking or allocated. If you notice that time is running out, offer to continue the discussion in a follow-up meeting or email.
8. Make the Most of the Virtual Setting
- Use Notes (But Do not Rely on Them Too Much): One advantage of virtual interviews is that you can keep notes nearby. Use them as a reminder, but do not read directly from them. Keep the conversation natural and engaging.
- Show Your Tech Savvy: If the job requires digital skills, use the interview as an opportunity to showcase your comfort with technology. For instance, if appropriate, you might share your screen to present something or use virtual backgrounds to maintain professionalism.
Conclusion
Succeeding in remote and virtual job interviews is all about preparation, communication, and making the most of the technology at your disposal. By getting your tech and environment ready, presenting yourself professionally, and communicating clearly, you will make a strong impression and increase your chances of landing the job. While the format might be different from an in-person interview, the goal is the same: to demonstrate that you are the right person for the job.
Contributed by Agolo Eugene Uzorka, CEO/ Lead Consultant, Eugene + George Consulting Limited (www.eugenegeorgeconsulting.com)
