How to Prepare for your Virtual Interview: Preparing for the New Norm
by James P. Outreach & PR ExecutiveWithout beating about the hypothetical bush, the future of
the labour market in the UK is looking rather bleak.
Reports suggest that we are on course for the worst
recession in more than 300 years. The Institute for Policy Research meanwhile
has warned that more than one million young people could be unemployed by 2021.
While those searching for work are going to be facing
stiffer competition, there is an additional challenge — the virtual interview
process.
Admittedly, online interviews have been a part of many
companies’ processes for years, but since the Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown
was implemented, it has become a staple.
Furthermore, the virtual interview looks as if it’s here to
stay thanks to the fact it allows employers to interview a plethora of
candidates in a short space of time, at little expense to the business.
Additionally, unsuitable applicants can simply be sifted out prior to their and
the employer’s time being wasted at a face-to-face interview.
Now we understand why companies will be keen to maintain the
idea of a virtual alternative, let’s take at how you, the jobseeker, can make
sure you utterly boss your opportunity.
A new reality
The first thing to be aware of is the fact that an online
interview is actually different — disregarding the obvious. If you treat like a
standard face-to-face interview, failing to adjust yourself, chances are you’ll
face a particularly rude awakening.
Professional interview coach Sarah Johnston told the BBC: “Interviewing
online and interviewing in person are two completely different experiences. Job
seekers share that it can be challenging to connect with the interviewer online
because there is often less small talk and its harder to pick up on non-verbal
cues.
Know where you’re going
Have you ever sat down the night before a face-to-face
interview and planned out how you’re going to get there, checking Google Maps,
parking, and the entrance to the building?
Your online interview should be no different — well, maybe a
little. Discover how to use the platform it’s going to occur on. The recruiter
should instruct you in advance of where the interview will take place, whether
it’s Zoom, Skype, Teams, or another alternative.
Conduct a trial run before the big day with a friend or
family member and ensure you know what’s what.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
It might seem like somewhat of a cliché, but a lack of
preparation is only going to result in one thing — disaster. Just because the
interviewer isn’t in the room with you doesn’t mean that you can just sit and
read off a script the entire time.
Research the company beforehand, know the details of the job
you’re applying for, and most importantly, know what you’re going to say when
they ask you questions!
Check both your camera and microphone work. The last thing
you want to do is start flustering because things aren’t working.
Dress up
You might not be attending a fancy office block; in fact,
you might not even be leaving the comforts of your bedroom. But that doesn’t
mean you should turn off your professionalism.
Put on the exact same attire as you would if it was a
traditional interview. Tailor this decision depending on the company. If they
are a typically formal company then wear a suit or a dress. Alternatively, if
you’re going for a role at a more modern, laidback business, then you may want
to adapt and wear something slightly more relaxed such as a men’s casual shirt
or woman’s blouse.
Don’t be tempted into pulling on a shirt and tie without the
trousers as this could seriously backfire if you need to get up to grab a
document or pull a blind!
Strategic set up
A definite difficulty of conducting your interview over
webcam and not in the office of the employer is the potential hazards that
could make you fluff your lines.
The best thing you can is plan strategically where you are
going to sit. It’s probably best not to sit directly in front of a window or a
door, as you might get an unwanted ray of light appearing.
We’d advise picking a space at a table in front of a blank
background. If you have kids, or anyone else living in the house, warn them
that you are going to be on a call for a certain period of time.
Make sure that the washing machine or tumble dryer isn’t
going to transcend into a high spin and pop your mobile phone on silent for the
duration.
There are a number of ways you can prepare for your online
interview, helping you to get that all important job. But most importantly —
just stay calm!
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Created on Sep 21st 2020 07:30. Viewed 314 times.