As the world continues to become more digital, a growing number of businesses are resorting to virtual interviews as a means of vetting potential employees more efficiently. This transition to online interviewing, while it can be more convenient and less expensive than traditional methods, also brings a number of challenges for both the interviewers and the people being interviewed.
As a company that supports people in enhancing their interviewer skills, we have developed a list of ten online interview tips to help you master virtual interviews whether you find technology easy to use or not. Our top tips will help you host a professional and organised virtual interview and filter through candidates effectively. So, let’s get started!
1: Prepare in Advance for A Virtual Interview
One of the biggest challenges of virtual interviewing is the lack of nonverbal cues, so it’s important to have a clear idea of the candidate’s qualifications and experience before the interview. Make sure you have reviewed their resume and any other materials they’ve provided, and have a list of specific questions to ask. This will ensure you look professional, and there will be no awkward silences during the call.
2: Test Your Tech
Because problems with technology can be a significant source of distraction during a virtual interview, it is essential to double-check that all of your equipment is in good working order before the session begins. Conduct tests on your internet connection, as well as your camera and microphone, to confirm that everything is operating as it should.
3: Create A Professional Environment
Even if the interview will be conducted online, it is still essential to maintain an air of professionalism throughout the process. Ensure that your clothing and background are appropriate, and that your space is tidy and devoid of any clutter. This level of professionalism on a video call will encourage the candidate to mirror this demeanor and treat the interview with the same seriousness as a traditional in-person meeting. To further enhance this professional setting, preparing strategic interview questions to ask candidates can help keep the conversation focused and productive, making the virtual interview experience as effective as possible.
4: Be Confident
Confidence is always a treasured trait and can impress interviewers. Remember that it’s not about being overconfident but striking the right balance. Confidence should be paired with preparation and a genuine enthusiasm for the job opportunity to leave a positive impression during your interview. Furthermore, keep in mind that interviews involve a lot of eye contact, and an inability to maintain it can make you seem nervous. In order to avoid creating that impression, you should identify the areas where you lack confidence to overcome these barriers. If you are insecure about your appearance, for instance, you may find it difficult to present yourself confidently. In such cases, consider opting for a makeover or a grooming session. You can search online with phrases like “facial near me in Brooklyn, NY” to find the right services that can help boost your confidence and ensure you put your best foot forward during the interview.
5: Be Mindful of Body Language
Even though the candidate cannot see you in person if you have your camera off during a virtual interview, they might still able to read your tone of voice and whether you seem interested in their answers or not. To convey that you are actively taking part in the discussion, maintain an upright posture during the interview and show interest in what is being said by encouraging them by repeating parts of their responses back to them. This will also help the candidate feel at ease and that you’re actively listening to them.
6: Give Clear Instructions
When conducting a virtual interview, it is essential to provide the candidate with clear instructions so that they are aware of what to anticipate during the process. For instance, you might want to walk them through the process of using the platform for the virtual meeting, or you could teach them how to share the screen on their device.
7: Pay Attention to Nonverbal Cues
Even when you are unable to view the applicant in person during a virtual interview, you are still able to decipher their nonverbal signs by listening to their tone of voice, observing their facial expressions, and observing how they carry themselves physically. Pay attention to these indicators so that you may gain a clearer picture of the candidate’s state of mind when they are being interviewed.
8: Use the Chat Feature
There are a lot of different virtual meeting platforms out there, and many of them have a chat capability that lets you connect with the candidate in real-time. Make use of this function to ask follow-up questions, provide feedback, or clarify information that has been provided. You can also ask the candidate to use this feature to send over links during your call to relevant examples of their work or even their LinkedIn profile if you’re yet to find it.
9: Be Flexible
Since conducting a virtual interview may be unfamiliar territory for both you and the prospect, you should come prepared to be adaptable and flexible in order to make the most of the experience. If something isn’t working, you need to be willing to adjust your approach in order to make the interview as successful as it can possibly be.
10: Follow-Up
Make sure you follow up with the candidate after the virtual interview and inform them of the following steps in the process so that they can prepare for them. If they were not chosen for the position, provide them constructive feedback as to why they weren’t chosen and encourage them to apply for other positions in the future.