Interview with Stella Magazine
QUESTION: Firstly, why do you think people may find a virtual interview more difficult to nail than a face to face interview?
I think people find virtual interviews trickier because they feel it's difficult to get a sense of the interviewers; body language may be harder to read and there's always an element of anxiety over whether the technical setup will work well (e.g. WIFI, camera, audio). That's why it's important to test your technical setup, login, WIFI, audio and video with a friend first. Have a backup computer (or phone) if something goes wrong at the last minute. Of course, have the app (Zoom) downloaded in advance on your phone - just in case. If the audio fails on your computer, get ready to use your phone for a phone call while keeping the video going. And of course, make sure it's charged up. Make sure to have a nice background or a neutral one at least - avoid a messy bed or anything that could distract the interviewer or take away from you as a professional. Remember to look at the camera if possible, and sit a good distance from the screen - personally, I like if people can see head, shoulders and hands, much like if we were sitting at a table in front of each other.
QUESTION: I suppose just like an in-person interview, what's hugely important is preparation, how should someone prepare beforehand for their interview?
Dress well - not just so that you impress, but so that you feel good. Remember that they're still going to see you on the video and expect you to be professional. Make sure that you understand the job description, you know about the company and that you can answer all the standard interview questions like "tell me about yourself". Practice answering all of the questions out loud first or do a practice interview with a friend or a professional. It's a nice idea to also have a couple of questions prepared that you'd like to ask them. For example "what's the best thing about working here?" Or "what's the culture like", or even "what's the objective of the company over the next 6 months?".
QUESTION: What should you do during the interview to come across well and make the best impression possible?
Make a good first impression by building rapport and finding a common ground. This may seem a bit more difficult over video call, but remember that everyone is adapting to this new way of working, so you can be sure that it's on their mind too. For example "Thanks for giving me the opportunity to meet over video call, it would be nice to meet in person, but still... it's great to be able to connect considering everything that's going on". Hopefully this will give them a chance to relate to the COVID situation and you can share common ground.
QUESTION: What is the best way to bring the interview to an end?
Let them do that. But if you've any questions you'd like to ask them, now is the time! Alternatively, if you feel they're unsure or didn't understand your answer at any point, ask them "is there anything that you'd like me to clarify or elaborate on further?" Of course, at the very end, you can always thank them for their time.
Do’s:
Test your IT setup with a friend before
Have a backup ready - like your
mobile phone with the app installed
Dress professionally
Smile and build rapport to start
Thank them for their time
Don't’s:
Sit too close to the camera
Look down at the camera/computer
Read from a script on your screen (they'll know!)
Have any distractions or interruptions
if possible (pets, housemates or family members!)