In today’s world of remote work and digital communication, virtual interviews have become a common way for employers to connect with candidates. While offering greater convenience and accessibility, virtual interviewing comes with its own unique challenges–and overcoming these challenges can sometimes make the difference between a job offer or a missed opportunity. Here are some practical steps to navigate the stressors of virtual interviews to put yourself at the top of your interview game.
1. Do Your Research
Stand out in your interview by researching the company’s values and understanding what attributes employers are looking for. Are they seeking a self-starter, an excellent communicator, or a collaborative team player? Stay true to yourself, but tailor your responses to align with these qualities. Think of it like customizing a cover letter—highlight how your skills and experiences match the company’s needs and culture. Understanding what your company wants is crucial in making a lasting impact.
2. Test Your Tech
Unexpected technological glitches and issues can make (or break) your interview. Before your interview, make sure your camera and your microphone are connected and working properly. If you plan on sharing your screen or making a presentation, practice using the screen-share feature in advance. This preparation will allow for a seamless interview experience.
3. Adapt. Improvise. Overcome
If there are any unexpected issues, such as screen-freezing or other distractions, manage them with calmness and gracefulness. Employers may use these distractions to measure how you deal with unexpected problems or stress. Use this opportunity to showcase your focus and composure.
4. Optimize Background and Lighting
Ensure your background is as polished as your resume. Avoid displaying cluttered floors and tabletops to employers. Your background should be clean, clear, and well-lit. Too much sun or lighting exposure can create a glare across your image. Consider using a virtual image as a background to make sure the focus is on you.
5. Dress The Part
Regardless of where or how your interview is taking place, always dress professionally from top to bottom. Dressing professionally throughout the interview can increase your confidence as well as ensure you’re ready for any unexpected situations that may require you to stand up or walk around.
6. Keep a Cheat Sheet
Sometimes, in interviews, you might forget some personal experiences of yours that you wanted to highlight or a question you wanted to ask an interviewer. The benefit of virtual interviewers is that you can keep a notepad in your line of sight to organize your thoughts and remind you of things you don’t want to forget.
7. Develop a Strong Virtual Presence
Interviewers are looking for more than just your work experiences. Some interviewers will ask you questions not only to judge your answer, but to also see how you think, act, and present yourself during an interview. Though it can feel unnatural in a virtual environment, practice maintaining eye contact with the interviewer by looking directly at the camera and not at the screen. Keep your voice clear and confident, and let your personality shine through.
8. Practice Interviewing with Big Interview
Whether this is your first interview or your hundredth interview, Big Interview is a free resource for USF students to practice their interview skills. This resource replicates questions you would usually see in an interview and lets you record yourself to practice. Check out the VideoAI tool to have AI give you feedback on your interview performance, including tracking eye movement and the use of filler words. Filter interview questions by the industry and practice until you feel confident!
9. Follow-Up
A good rule of thumb in any interview is to send a well-written email after the interview to follow-up. This reaffirms your interests and values in the position you’re applying for. Send a follow-up email no more than 7 days after your interview.
10. Learn From Each Experience and Stay Positive
Each interview is a learning opportunity. Even if things didn’t go as planned, reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Stay positive, embrace the learning process, and know that every step is a valuable part of your journey.
