Tips for Virtual Interviewing
by John Ellsworth
It is clear that a job search in 2020 will likely be very different from a job search in 2019. This is true not just because of changes in the labor market since the pandemic began, but also because of changes in how candidates will interview. It is inevitable for interviews to be conducted remotely over the next several months -- and many will be by video conference.
Preparing for a virtual interview is not altogether different from preparing for an in-person interview -- you still need to prepare for the conversation and be ready to make your pitch for the role. But there are nuances, including new areas of preparation you shouldn’t ignore. Things to consider in your prep for your virtual interview include:
The software
Your space
Your appearance
Your readiness
Your follow-up
The Software
Your interview invitation will usually include a link to employer’s video conferencing software like Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, JoinMe, or another. Make sure you install and test the software a day or two in advance of your interview to lower the chances of a last-minute technology failure. Then 10-15 minutes before the call, re-check that the software is working, your internet is performing well, and that the audio is properly configured to work with the devices you want to use on the call -- earbuds, AirPods, laptop speakers, microphone, camera, etc. Then test the audio and video settings. Be prepared and leave the interviewer with the impression that you can handle the technology you will probably depend on to work remotely for the next several months, at least.
Your Space
When you join a video interview as a candidate, you are allowing the interviewer into the space you will be in for that interview. It’s your job to present yourself in a clean, professional environment - even if that doesn’t extend beyond the field of view of your camera. You want an environment that won’t detract or distract from the message you want them to walk away from the interview with -- namely, that you’re the one for the job! Although, some video conference solutions let you pick an image for a background for your video feed, rather than showing your actual environment, they can be glitchy and might trim your hair oddly or shift focus depth during the call, so I suggest that you not use them as a candidate. It also projects confidence to be comfortable being seen in your own space.
Your Appearance and Engagement
Before your meeting, find out what the dress code for the company is like, and match or beat it for your interviews, just as you would if you were going on-site. Your appearance and demeanor are no less important to the person interviewing you because you’re at home. How you position the camera is also important. Give the interviewer more of an eye-level view of your face, rather than a desk-level view, and look at the camera, not at your screen. Watch some TV presenters to see what tricks they use to engage the audience. Sit up straight and pay attention to your body language on the call. Smile and nod to give cues that you are listening. Take notes when you normally would. And definitely don’t surf the web or look at your phone.
Remember that the pace of your conversation will be slower over video technology than in person. Speak slowly and clearly, and recognize that there are transmission delays between when you say something, when they hear it, and likewise with their responses. Practice interviewing over video with a friend so you can feel this delay in action, and get their honest feedback on your posture, delivery, and engagement.
Preparation
Have a succinct elevator pitch about yourself ready, and remember it’s harder to keep your audience’s attention over video than in person. Focus the pitch on how your career progression has prepared you for this role and practice keeping it under two minutes. Tailored it to each specific role, but keep it centered around the core story of your career you can tell someone in your sleep. Beyond the elevator pitch, it’s important to come to the interview with some knowledge of the company. I try to prepare by understanding their business, their products, and the problems they solve for customers. You can also look for special projects they’ve been involved with and try to relate those to some of your own experiences.
Remember to also prepare questions for the interviewer! I always try to learn what the hiring manager needs to achieve by filling this role, or if I’m speaking with someone other than the hiring manager, what they need from this position for their own success. I try to get everyone to offer their perspective on what it takes to make someone successful in that role and at that company.
Though it might be tempting to think you’ll be able to refer to prepared notes on a call than it is in person, in truth it is very hard to pull this off without making it obvious that you’re drawing from notes rather than your memory. I suggest keeping your notes for questions you want to ask, rather than for telling your story. Sort your questions and the points you want to make by importance, then print these for your call, rather than juggling apps which might give the interviewer the sense that you are multitasking. As I mentioned above, it’s totally appropriate to take notes, and you absolutely should make note of important points from your interview so that you can refer to them when you follow up after the call.
Thank You Notes and Other Follow-ups
What’s in a good interview thank you note for a job you actually want? First, show appreciation for the time spent considering you for the role. Second, recount the 2-3 most important things you took away from the meeting. Third, offer your perspective about those 2-3 things, which might include your thoughts about how you’d approach them, why you’re well equipped to solve them, or the like.
It’s a different world out there than it was in January. But not everything is different. Good interviewing skills and habits are important to develop, and they will serve you well regardless of the interview setting.
About the Author
John is a career software Product Management and Product Marketing leader with experience across multiple markets, in organizations large and small, and at US and global companies.