Virtual job interviews were a necessity during the pandemic. But many companies are still using them.
A recent survey by “Top Resume” found one-third of employers are exclusively holding virtual interviews.
While they may be more convenient, they also require some extra prep work.
Harvard researchers watched hundreds of remote interviews, of the 72% of job candidates who did not get a job offer, the majority appeared distracted, failed to engage their recruiter in a meaningful way or seemed as though they were reading from a script.
On the other hand, the 28% of candidates who had a strong virtual presence, displayed confidence, and communicated clearly, got an offer!
The majority stood out because of the following tips.
First, master the technology. This includes checking the internet connection, camera and microphone. If using Zoom, for example, do a test run with a friend. In 22% of successful interviews, the candidates offered their interviewer tips for video call shortcuts. Also, have a backup plan. Technology can fail, but staying calm and having a plan in place can show good problem-solving skills.
Next, make it look good. Before the interview begins, test the camera shot. Make sure there’s good light and that the camera is at eye level. The background should be tidy.
Remember to look into the camera, not on the screen.
Be prepared. Keep notes handy, but don’t refer to them too often. Create a Word document or Powerpoint to share on screen during your interview.
Practice, preparation and patience could help your interview shine.
The Harvard Business Review also suggests monitoring your pace: the perfect speaking pace is 115 words per minute. To put that in perspective, audiobooks and TED Talks average 150 words per minute.