Changing into the digital world has forced a global population of individuals and businesses to adjust the way they “always did things” before. Now, things like communicating through texts and emails, shopping online, and self check-out lanes are a common part of our day. It seemed like the entire world was slowly embracing going virtual, and then the COVID-19 pandemic arrived on the scene to push us all there, ready or not.

Now, remote work, learning, and shopping are the norm rather than the exception. It’s a common part of the job application process to ask if the position is on-site or remote anymore. And when you apply for an interview and are scheduled, chances are pretty likely it’s going to be done virtually. If you’ve never done a virtual interview before, the prep and anxiety ahead of time is similar to that of a typical in-person interview, but with a lot of different nuances. To ensure you get the best results out of your meeting, cover all your bases, and leave the interviewer with a good overall perspective of you, use these strategies.

Why Virtual Interviews Are Taking Over

Whether you prefer in-person or virtual, you’re going to have to get used to remote meetings as a common part of the majority of jobs anymore. When it comes to interviews, there are a lot of reasons why potential employers prefer this method of “meeting” you over the traditional kind anymore. From convenience to cost to safety, employers are quickly realizing the benefits of virtual interviews, like:

●      Saves companies the cost of bringing in someone to conduct the interview

●      Allows them to be more flexible with their scheduling times

●      Adds a seamless process to the interviewing procedures since the same person or people can interview everyone, regardless of where they’re located

●      Increases the convenience of not having to meet, wait around for someone to show or not show up, and waste extra time talking after the interview

●      The stress of meeting in-person is reduced

●      They’re able to expand potential hires outside of their immediate location

●      No one is exposed to potential infectious diseases

For these advantages, many employers are eliminating in-person interviews, so it’s time for you to prepare yourself to make your virtual meeting as beneficial as possible.

Strategies to Help With Your Virtual Interview

You’ve probably heard the horror stories with the Zoom meeting mess-ups gone viral and you don’t want to be the next one. That’s completely understandable! With these strategies, you can learn from other people’s mistakes so you don’t have to make your own:

●      Make sure your computer and WiFi are up to the interview task. Download the software ahead of time that the interviewer requests you to have. Check your WiFi connectivity and speed, and run the test setup for audio and video well before your meeting. Repeat those steps again an hour before your interview.

●      Consider the lighting and scene. While you’re on your test video, you might notice the lighting isn’t optimal. Change your setup until you’re satisfied with the overall picture. Then check out what’s in the background. That’s what the employers will see, so you want to make sure you come across professional. A window with blinds down or a curtain, or a blank wall, are the preferred background views. Clean up your desk area and anything that shows up on the screen.

●      Minimize distractions. Things happen and we can’t prevent all of them. But if your virtual interview is in your home, and so are your kids and pets, you’re going to have to consider how to try to eliminate distractions as much as possible. Maybe you can have someone take your kids and dogs to the park during the interview. Whatever you can do to minimize your chance of getting interrupted, try to make it happen. Don’t forget to turn off the TV and radio in the background!

●      Be prepared when you sit at your desk. Focus on the interviewer, stay off your phone (turn it off if possible) and be ready to answer any questions that may arise. It’s okay to have notes in front of you, but if you have to reference your sheets for every point you’re trying to make, it’s not going to look professional.

●      Use in-person interview strategies, too, to prepare. The interviewer will likely ask you questions about their company and see if you have any concerns. Do your research ahead of time so you know the mission and values of the business you’re applying for and come up with three or four well-thought-out questions that show you’re interested in knowing more about the job. These could be something as simple as, “What would the typical day in this position look like?” “What traits does your ideal candidate possess?” By having questions prepared, you can impress the interviewer.

●      Reduce your nervousness. If it’s a big deal job, it’s perfectly common to be a little anxious. But remember, you’ve prepared with all these strategies, so the next step is simply to wow the interviewer with your communication skills and knowledge. You can do it, whether it’s in-person or virtual!

As long as you prepare ahead, use professional tactics like dressing well and looking sharp, and you know your stuff, a virtual interview doesn’t have to be much different than an in-person one. With these strategies, you’ll get the best results possible from your remote meeting!