Best Practices for a Virtual Interview
- Test your technology
- Make sure your internet connection is good
- Confirm your camera and microphone are working properly
- This will help you to look technical savvy
- Have a neutral background and good lighting
- Tidy up your surroundings
- Have a plain wall behind you and sit in an area with good lighting
- Consider facing a window or having a lamp beside you
- Sit down prepared
- You don’t want to have to leave your computer screen to go grab something
- Be focused and don’t be clicking around on your computer
- Have a list of questions you would like to ask the employer ready
- Practice but do not memorize
- You do not want to sound robotic so do not memorize your elevator pitch, etc.
- Monitor your body language
- You can’t shake the employer’s hand so it is crucial to monitor your body language during the interview
- Be enthusiastic, keep the camera at eye level, sit up straight, and smile
- Dress professionally
- Dress like you would for an in-person interview (button-up shirt, blazer, dress, skirt, blouse, etc.)
- Make a connection with the recruiter
- Recruiters enjoy having a break from routine questions and connecting on a personal level
- Try to find a common interest with the recruiter because it helps you to stand out and be remembered
- Be yourself
- It is noticeable to recruiters when you are being your authentic self
- This helps to show if you would fit in with the company’s culture
- Be on time
- This shows the recruiter you are punctual, dependable, and respectful of their time
- Follow up immediately
- You should send a thank you email within 24 hours of the interview to everyone you met
- This shows you value their time and gives you the opportunity to resell yourself
- Consider mailing a handwritten thank you note if you have the interviewer’s address