Virtual Interviews are becoming more common. So here are few tips to ace your next virtual interview.

The pandemic has pushed us to adopt many new things.  One thing among them is work from home, online, or virtually. It has shown us that despite being from one hemisphere of the globe, we can serve the other hemisphere as well. The virtual interview is relatively new to the new graduates. So, fear always works in them.  To remove that fear from their mind I have planned some tips. 

Tips For Virtual Interviews 2021

An interview for the job whether online or offline have always been a factor of nervousness to an interviewee.  It is quite simple. This is because he has so many questions in his mind. How is Virtual interview etiquette?  How he will perform in the interview? And how he will answer the questions, and give off body language. Ultimately will he get the job?

When it comes to securing a new job, it is essential to make a professional impression. One thing can help you stand out from the crowd.  That is an outstanding communication skill. A person with a strong public speaking ability is tempting to prospective employers.

What are virtual interviews?

In a virtual interview, an interviewer and interviewee stay at their places. The interview is conducted by video conferencing or through any other online communication platform.  An effective virtual interview is similar to a face-to-face interview. But body language and facial expression reduce severely.

You can follow these considerations for preparing for a virtual interview and stand out in a virtual interview.

1. Your space should look professional

See the home design magazines and learn how can you rearrange the things of your background setting without distracting the interviewer. Choose a place free of distraction, so that the interviewer can focus only on you. If it is impossible to rearrange your homely things, only then consider a photo of a famous building or your college or university campus as a background setting.

2. Wear professional attire

You can wear the same dress as you would wear in case of face to face interview.  A button-down shirt and blazer matched with pants is an excellent combination for both men and women. This attire will give you a professional look.  You should have a calm and confident posture during the virtual interview.

              

3. Be ready in advance

You may expect the best result if you prepare seriously for the interview.  Though you are always sitting in front of a computer, still you may not be able to answer all of the questions. You should possess natural conversation quality without looking around.

Moreover, they may ask you questions without your prior knowledge. You may take preparation for that and do the following:

• Have a thorough knowledge of the company that will interview you.
• Read carefully the job description that will be given to you according to your qualifications.
• Prepare a list of your achievement and experience.

4. Test your tools beforehand

Tools like camera, microphone, computer, a software program like google meet of zoom, and stable internet connection are a part and parcel of virtual interviews. Check all the tools before the day of the interview, to see whether they are in a working condition. A working computer can download any necessary software and can sustain streaming video.

5.  Use professional body language

For interviews, first impressions are critical. You do, however, have some control over your body language. Before you click the “camera on” button, check to see if your body language is on target. 

Adjust the camera so that your face remains in the screen’s center. Straighten your posture. Because the virtual interview will take place via video or cell phone. There will be fewer opportunities to use your body language professionally. You also have no scope for shaking hands with the interviewer. So, in a virtual interview, use alternative methods of greeting, such as smiling.

Virtual interview during COVID

In normal interviews, you should wear a mask. But at the time of virtual interview during covid, it is a great relief that you have not to wear a mask and cover half of your face as you are attending a Virtual interview during COVID from the comfortable space of your home.

Recruiters will assess your communication style to determine whether you are a good fit for the organization.

Preparing for a virtual job

To prepare yourself for a virtual job follow these considerations.

• Calm Your Nervous System.
• Conduct a Practice Run on Your PC.
• Select the interview location at Optimal Lighting.
• Eliminate Virtual Backgrounds.
• Eliminate Distractions.
• Log in early and perform a test of the setup.
• Maintain a Professional apparel

Zoom backgrounds for interviews

Next, come to the unavoidable zoom. Now I will tell you about the dilemma of Zoom backgrounds for interviews.

In close-up,  your eye line should be roughly two-thirds of the way up the frame. The spectator enjoys seeing the human face fill the screen with the eyes being roughly two-thirds of the way up.  It is better if you set this before the day of the interview.

 It is very pathetic to constantly look at the video images till the virtual interview continues. Besides, it is painful for the eyes. It also seems funny to look at your image and put on a smiley face all the while.  But all these are unavoidable. So look to your webcam instead of your image.

Place your camera on the upper of the computer corner. You should be in the shot’s center.

Types of virtual interviews

Two types of virtual interviews are available live and on-demand. 

Live virtual interviews are two-way online conversations using video conferencing software. These interviews must be organized in advance and allow employers and candidates to engage virtually. These interviewers use Skype, Zoom, GoToMeeting to conduct live virtual interviews.

On-demand virtual interviews are another option. These easy-to-use interviews allow candidates to complete interviews at their own pace, recording their responses to specified interview questions. Recruiters and hiring managers can also analyze and assess candidate responses on their own time.

Virtual Video interview.

Effective video interviews are of two types:

• Communication with the employer or recruiter on a real-time basis, or a series of pre-recorded questions.
• Interviews conducted live on video

You will communicate with the employer in the following ways:

• Joining video conference using a URL sent by your employer, or
• Receiving a call through the use of video conferencing software.

Platforms or live video interviews are:

• Skype
• Zoom
• Google Hangouts

When connected, the interview will start through eye contact and greetings.

Maintaining eye contact throughout an interview is an efficient method to convey an air of involvement. Ensure that you are gazing directly into the camera rather than at the screen to offer the interviewer your undivided attention and to appear engaged.

Virtual mock interview

The Virtual mock interview is a rehearsal.  It enables the applicant to develop effective responses, practice nonverbal communication skills, and familiarize themselves with interview conditions. A mock interview is an imitation interview, including in-person, telephone, or group interviews.

The techniques that are popular in virtual interviews are: 

• Structural interview approach.
• Behavioral interviews are second.

About 88 percent of human resource experts evaluate these two interview techniques (structured and behavioral) as effective.

Conclusion

Due to occurrences of the Coronavirus pandemic, when face-to-face interviews are not possible, virtual interviews have become necessary. As a result, many professionals are working from home. So, the virtual interviews for the hiring process have become inevitable