In this article we will share five points of advice on interviewing via video call. Virtual interviews have become standard in today’s world. Still, many candidates make unnecessary mistakes which puts them in an awkward position and diminishes their interview performance. Do not let it happen to you! A virtual interview differs from an in-person interview in several ways. We will therefore share some key dos and don’ts, from a recruiter’s point-of-view, to help you be your best self. Some might seem obvious but, seen from the point of the recruiter, few candidates are getting it all right.
1. Dress up for an in-person interview
Make it a habit to dress up just like a normal interview. Remember that you want to project competence and that your take the job seriously. It is therefore much better to be overdressed than underdressed. It also helps to mentally prepare you for a serious discussion. In the unlikely event that your interviewer turns up in shorts you will be fine dressed in a suit while the opposite would be awkward.
2. Look straight into the camera
You should aim to look the interviewer into the eyes. To do so you need to look straight into the camera and not at the screen. The best way to achieve this is by getting some distance to the screen, keep a straight posture and not lean forward while positioning the video window at the top of the screen (read more here on How to prepare your virtual interview setup at home). Do not fiddle with anything on the side, it shows immediately. If you want to take notes – which you should – let the interviewer know at the start of the conversation so that s/he understands why you are looking away and doing something outside the camera view.
3. Spend some extra time to build relation
In a in-person interview you would be building a relation and break the ice doing small talk while meeting, greeting, and walking to the interview room. In a virtual interview you are thrown directly into the interview as soon as the call is connected. It is therefore important to spend some time doing small talk, a bit longer time than you normally would, in the beginning of the meeting, to build rapport.
4. Make an extra effort to convey energy
It is more difficult to interact, convey energy and get your messages cross in a virtual setting. You should therefore aim to keep your energy level high and be livelier than you usually are. To make sure the interviewer hears you clearly you should try to speak a bit slower and take longer pauses between sentences to avoid rambling. A good tip is to try to interact with the camera, even though it might feel a bit funny at first; speak to the camera instead of staring and use your hands and body language to tell your stories.
5. Ensure a strong ending
In the world of virtual appointments people are often booked back-to-back. An abrupt “oh it is already 10:00. I need to join another meeting. Thank you, we will get back to you.” is not the ending you want. On the way out here will be no chit chat, only a blank screen. Therefore, take control when there are five minutes left to ensure the ending you want. You can for example, ask the interviewer if, given that there are only a few minutes remaining, there is anything you have not covered. If you have a good discussion going you can also ask if you can extend the call a few minutes. Before the time is up, make sure that you restate your interest in the job, summarise some three key reasons why you are the perfect candidate, and ask what the next steps and time frame are. Then, close the call by thanking the interviewer.
We hope you have found this advice helpful. Now, go and ace your next interview!