Navigating Virtual Interviews: Best Practices and Strategies

Phone and video interviews were especially common during the COVID-19 epidemic, when governments all around the globe imposed social distance recommendations to minimize the virus's spread. Numerous companies are expected to continue to depend on virtual interviews to make employment choices as these requirements relax. So, in this essay, we will go through the greatest techniques to succeed in your next virtual interview.

Moris Media, a top PR Boutique and Digital Marketing agency in India, has adopted the Hybrid work model since its inception. All our candidates are selected through virtual interviews. Our HR Team therefore provides some guidelines that can help you succeed in this new normal as far as interviewing process is concerned.

Deciphering Virtual Interviews:

A virtual interview is one that takes place remotely, occasionally over the phone, but more frequently than not via the use of technology such as video conferencing and other online communication platforms. Virtual interviews are often done in the same manner as in-person interviews. However, owing to the restricted capacity to understand body language and facial emotions, virtual communication necessitates unique considerations and changes.

The ideal preparatory guide to face virtual interviews:

1. Test your technological tools beforehand:

A virtual interview involves technologies such as a computer camera and microphone, a software package (such as Google Meet or Zoom), and a stable internet connection. Check all of your equipment at least a day before your virtual interview to verify it works properly and can be utilized to communicate successfully. This includes having a working computer that fulfils technical requirements, downloading any required software, and verifying the connection is strong enough to support streaming video.

Make sure that your internet connection is working. It is always ideal to login to the system a minimum 15 minutes prior to the designated time provided to you. Turn on the sound and video to confirm that everything is ready for your talk.

2. Dress professionally:

Even if you are attending virtual interviews, you should dress the same way you would for a face-to-face interview. Not only will this help you look professional and enthusiastic about the chance, but it will also make you feel more prepared and confident. When doing an interview from a remote location, such as your home, you should anticipate it to be just as official as one conducted in an office—if in doubt, business casual is a decent norm to follow. While the way you dress is strictly your prerogative, a professional outlook matters during interviews.

3. Be prepared ahead of time:

As with any interview, taking the time to prepare ahead of time will provide the greatest results. Simply because you are in front of your computer does not mean you should depend on your capacity to swiftly search up answers or on pre-written responses to which you may refer. Have the ideal preparation so that when you respond, it does not appear that you responses appear awkward or scripted.

Employers may provide you with a list of questions to answer ahead of time, which may assist you navigate your research. More often than not, you will be asked to provide responses without having any previous understanding of the questions. If this is the case, prepare similarly to an in-person interview:

Prepare responses to frequently requested interview questions.

Research the company you have applied for.

Examine the job description carefully, noting your applicable credentials.

Have some real life experiences ready to share that highlights your capabilities.

4. Avoid possible distractions:

The most ideal location to do an interview at home is in a calm area with minimal interruptions. Choose a clean, professional-looking area so that the interviewer can concentrate on you rather than what is around you. You may utilize a bedroom or guest bedroom, your kitchen table, or even cleared-out closet space if you don't have a separate office area. Place your computer on a table or desk rather than your lap or sofa.

Inform others with whom you share space about the place you will use for your interview, the time of your interview, and the fact that you and your quiet space will be off-limits during that time. Explain politely that it is ideal if the home remains calm with few distractions during this period. If at all feasible, keep your pets in a separate room during peak working hours.

5. Maintain a professional outlook:

Since video or phone interviews restrict the opportunity to communicate with body language, it is critical to utilize body language in a clear, professional manner. If you are asked something unexpected, stay calm, gather your thoughts for a minute and then respond.

Maintain an erect posture before the camera with your face occupying the centre of the computer screen, avoiding blank areas above or below the head. In most interviews, you shake hands with your prospective employer at the start and conclusion of the conversation. It's a vital body language clue that will aid in the establishment of the bond. Instead, discover alternative methods to welcome and exhibit excitement, such as smiling and making eye contact.

6. Try to build a rapport:

Establishing rapport is essential in every professional interaction because it helps you to stand out from the crowd by establishing a personal connection with the interviewer. When you interview in person, your excitement, body language, handshake, and early small chat all contribute to the establishment of a rapport with your future employer.

It is still vital to develop techniques to create rapport while conversing digitally. You may do this by being prepared to discuss a shared interest, inquiring about your interviewer's experience with virtual interviews, or by finding another neutral subject to learn more about your interviewer.

7. Present yourself as you are:

Remote interviews are providing you the unique facility of communicating from a setting you are familiar with. Make use of this comfortable ambience to project yourself effectively to your interviewer. It’s the way you present yourself that significantly determines whether the recruiter feels you are the right choice for the organisation. Exhibit confidence through appropriate use of facial expressions and body language and ensure that you have made the ideal preparation related to the job role.

8. The practice of following-up:

Plan to send a timely follow-up after your interview. Within 24 hours of an interview, write a follow-up email thanking the interviewer for their time and letting them know you are accessible if they have any extra questions. Contact the HR representative or recruiting manager you've been dealing with to get a list of your interviewees' email addresses.