We are all very aware that as the world continues to navigate the new normal of remote work and virtual communication, the job interview process has shifted to an online format.
For job seekers trying to navigate the job market, the interview can be a daunting experience, but with the right tips and preparation, it can also be a fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills and stand out from the competition.
Just like Lisa, a recent college graduate eager to start her career. She has always been confident in her interview skills, but with the switch to this type of interview, she feels out of her element.
She spent hours and hours scouring the internet for advice and reading countless articles, but can’t seem to find the right information regarding virtual interview tips.
That’s when she stumbles upon a blog that promises to provide the ultimate guide to acing virtual interviews in 2023! Exciting news!
Lisa jumps at the chance to finally feel prepared and confident for her next interview!
Join Lisa on her journey as she discovers the best tips and tricks for virtual interviews, from perfecting her technology setup to nailing the perfect virtual first impression.
So, to put it simply, with the help of this blog, you too can feel confident and ready to tackle your next interview with ease!
What is a virtual interview?
To just give it a quick introduction for those of you who don’t know what they are, a virtual interview is an online interview that takes place over the internet rather than in-person. This type of online interviews are quickly replacing face-to-face interviews as the preferred method for remote candidates and organizations.
This type of interview can take place via video conferencing, phone call, or even a chatbot, but don’t worry, our blog is meant to prepare you for everything!
The benefit of a virtual interview is that it allows both the employer and potential employee to connect remotely from any location in the world. You don’t need to worry about geographical restrictions, transportation or even time constraints!
Since you’re conducting your virtual interview over the internet, it’s important to be careful with how you present yourself. This could mean using video conferencing software and setting up a suitable space within your home, ensuring you look appropriate, and presenting yourself well on camera which will help make a good impression on your employer.
But we will get into all of these details a little more in the coming sections!
Why are virtual interviews important?
Virtual interviewing have become an important part of the hiring process in 2023, as more companies move to remote work, since at this rate it is inevitable.
Thanks to advances in technology, these meetings provide you the opportunity to show off your skills and character without ever meeting face-to-face.
Virtual interviews basically allow employers to interview a larger pool of candidates in less time while saving on travel expenses. They serve as the first step in previewing potential hires before making long-term commitments or awarding job offers.
Not only that, but virtual interviews also enable employers to better assess how well you present yourself and interact professionally with others from anywhere in the world!
They also give you an advantage when competing for sought-after roles that attract hundreds of applicants per position. Acing your virtual interview will set you apart from the competition and help win over recruiters and hiring managers.
But before you proceed with one, make sure to read the job description in case your employer has specific requests or demand, in addition to that you should also include all the necessary information in your application such as your email address, your phone number in case you were going to proceed with a phone interview etc. Most employers call before they set up a phone interview with the job candidates!
The virtual interview methods and tools available
There are a variety of virtual or remote interview methods and tools available to employers in 2023, and these you will find listed below!
Virtual interview software
Most virtual and/or remote interview software will allow you to make a better impression than if you were meeting in-person. You can showcase your personality through text or video, with options for either one-on-one or group interviews.
What is good to know here is that this interview software today can do more than just the basics of providing a platform for conversations.
It enables you to use features such as whiteboarding and real-time feedback which makes the interview process more engaging for both interviewer and interviewee.
Automated calendaring helps to streamline the scheduling process, so you’re able to quickly schedule interviews with candidates from anywhere in the world. Plus, virtually all platforms offer extensive tracking tools so that you won’t miss a single thing!
So, the sky is really the limit when it comes to the range of features available through the software, so be sure to look around and find the right tool for your needs!
One-way video interviews
One-way video interviews are also becoming increasingly popular with employers in 2023. These types of interviews allow the employer to take their time when evaluating a candidate without having any interaction.
One-way video interviews allow you to elaborate on your answers and explain yourself thoroughly. Instead of being pressured by the interviewer to respond quickly, you can take the time to think through your answers and present them clearly in writing.
Candidates who do well in one-way video interviews can show off more qualities than those interviewed traditionally, such as written communication skills, technical abilities, ability to learn new technologies quickly and so much more.
Basically you can use a one-way video interview to showcase your research and analytical skills too! Show your interviewer that you’re able to craft thoughtful answers that not only address their requested topics but also come with facts, data points or examples that support your view.
Automated chatbots
Chatbots are here to stay and will play an even bigger role in virtual interviews 2023. They use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology to ask automated questions with almost human-like responses!
How cool is that?!
By leveraging the power of chatbots, the entire process of screening potential candidates can be improved drastically. Not only do they save time by pre-interviewing candidates, they also provide consistent scores presented in organized dashboards for easy evaluation by recruiters and hiring managers!
If you’re preparing for a virtual interview anytime soon, consider using a chatbot! It’s great at screening out unqualified but enthusiastic applicants, as well as optimizing the interviewing process itself so that everything can be completed faster and more smoothly.
Also, it takes away some of the biases that come with human interviewers, making sure that everyone is treated fairly regardless of their gender or race or other demographic characteristics.
Text-based live interviews
With text-based live interviews, you can have a conversation with the interviewer in real time without any video or audio. You type your answers into the chat window and your interviewer will read them and respond accordingly.
You can choose to chat using plain text or emoji depending on how formal or informal the interview is – either way, it’s a great way to have a conversation without having to be present physically!
You’ll need to prepare thoroughly if you want to make a good impression during these types of interviews, just like with any regular interview. Make sure you think carefully about each answer before typing it into the chat box – don’t rush!
To quickly conclude, the tools you can use for your remote interview are: Google Hangouts, Skype, or Zoom etc.
Now that we have covered all the tools available for you, let’s get into what really puts everything together, the tips! So check them out below!
Also Read; Questions You Can Ask Your Interviewer
Prepare your Equipment
The first and probably the most important step here is making sure you are all set technically. This means that minimizing technical problems is a key tip for attending a virtual interview in 2023. Make sure your computer, internet connection, headset and webcam are all in working order!
Technical difficulties could really make or break your interview, so caution is important!
Before the interview starts, check if relevant conference call applications are up to date and mic & headphones are working normally. The last thing you want is for your equipment/software to fail during an important job interview!
You’ll also need to make sure that you have any other appropriate software installed to participate in the virtual interview. This could be specialized plugins, third-party applications or even custom integrations depending on what is being used by the company hosting the event.
And finally, as soon as you’ve logged into your virtual room before the interview starts, make sure you have tested everything out properly and double-check that all of your equipment works correctly so that it won’t interrupt or affect the quality of your performance during the real deal!
Create a professional and quiet environment for your interview
Creating a professional and quiet environment for your virtual interview is a must. To ensure you look good on camera, it’s important to set up the space for success.
You’ll want to choose an area that has minimal distractions like background noise and a neutral background behind you, this helps the focus stay on you!
So, definitely no coffee shops or hangout spots where there are a lot of people around you!
Make sure there’s plenty of natural light coming in so the interviewer can clearly see your face because you need to be eye level, or in another words, have a webcam at eye level, when it comes to the video chat and how you are looking at your video interviewer.
Also, remember to have everything that might be needed for the interview close by, such as notes and relevant documents. Have multiple power outlets available too, just in case of any tech issues during the call.
Finally, let anyone who lives with you know about your upcoming virtual interview so they won’t disturb you during it. That way, no one will accidentally walk by while you’re live streaming or make noise while they’re playing their video game in the next room!
Do a practice run and record it
Next up, you have to know that doing a practice run and recording it is one of the most important tips for virtual interviews in 2023. You have to approach this with the right frame of mind, and this means that recording your interview gives you an invaluable opportunity to analyze how you present yourself.
Think of this like a mock interview! Even if your interview is in person, mock interviews can help you engage with the over all situation!
Using video editing software will allow you to see where mistakes were made, or if there are areas that can be improved upon. You’ll also get a better idea of what areas to focus on improving and how to boost your confidence going into the interview.
Replays also let you take notes while watching the recording – so that you can ask better questions and have more interesting responses during the actual interview. Recordings as a backup plan give you more control over the situation and make it easier than ever to prepare for virtual interviews.
This way you can also think really well about how to answer difficult questions that might catch you by surprise
Clothing tips for your interview
You don’t have to overthink your wardrobe for an online job interview. However, dressing professionally from head to toe will make a lasting impression.
So what should you wear for a virtual job interview you might be wondering? Your best bet should be an outfit similar to what you would wear in an in-person interview: shirt and tie, dress slacks, dress shirt, etc.
Also, make sure whatever you’re wearing fits well and is neat and wrinkle-free. Since the eyes are drawn to bright colors on video conferencing apps, spice up your jacket or blazer with some color accents that look subtle but still make a statement.
And lastly, avoid any kind of crazy patterns – the finer details can be easily seen on camera so go with solid neutral tones instead!
Get your timing right
Timing is essential when it comes to interviewing virtually. You want to ensure that you are present and attentive throughout the interview.
You should be aware that virtual interviews might be shorter and less formal than in-person interviews, so you’ll need to make sure your answers are succinct and to the point.
Try to avoid giving rambling, off track answers that can cause the interviewer to lose focus or get confused. At the same time, don’t rush your answers as this can give a bad impression on your ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
Make sure you have studied up on the company, industry, job description and any other information related to the position before your virtual interview. This will help you stay on track and provide meaningful insights into why you are the best candidate for the job!
Be aware of your body language
Body language plays an important role in virtual interviews just like in-person interviews. It’s essential to pay attention to how you present yourself, from the clothes you wear to the way you sit.
Make sure that your body language is clear and inviting even if it’s done through a computer screen. Smile naturally, demonstrate enthusiasm through gestures and speak with confidence – these are essential for setting a positive tone during your virtual interview.
The interviewer can tell if you’re uncomfortable or if certain expressions are faked, so make sure your body language comes naturally. Look directly at the camera while answering questions, sit comfortably but keep your back straight and act as if you’re engaged in a real face-to-face conversation!
Paying attention to small details such as posture and eye contact will ensure that you leave a strong impression on the interviewer!
As a bonus also read; 136 Most Common Interview Questions with Sample Answers
Final Thoughts
Virtual interviews will continue to become increasingly popular in the next few years, so it is important to understand how to make a great impression on potential employers.
If you keep the tips in mind that are outlined in this article, you’ll be better prepared to give a strong presentation and show why your skills and qualifications make you the perfect candidate for any job.
Don’t settle for anything less than success – and with these tips, you can set yourself up for a successful virtual interview!
Also, you can check out our interview guides to improve your job interview skills and ace your job. See you in the next article!
