Virtual interviewing has become a way of life during the pandemic, and something that is probably here to stay. Time savings and ease of scheduling are just some of the benefits to online interviews, but they require special attention as well. There are some things you can't pick up on if you aren't in person, so you need to be extra attentive to facial expressions and audible nuances. With potential distractions at home this also gives the interviewer an opportunity to see how you react to unforseen situations, something inevitable in the work world as well. As much as we tell our spouse/children/pets to stay quiet, there are stories aplenty of a doorbell ringing, dog barking or smoke alarm going off in the middle of interviews! How you handle these kinds of situations will tell the interviewer a lot about you; it's not just what you say.
Virtual Interview Checklist
- Check that your location is well lit - it may seem fine in daylight but check what it will look like on camera.
- Verify your background is professional - no political or religious symbols, or piles of laundry!
- Dress the part - just because you are at home doesn't mean you shouldn't be presented professionally.
- Do your best to talk to the camera, not the screen.
- Wherever possible use your laptop instead of a phone and make sure that it is fully charged.
- Don't talk about how awkward it is to do a virtual interview - this makes you sound inexperienced.
- Make sure you have the necessary software for the service you will be using and practice using it. You may be a pro at Zoom but haven't used Skype -- it will be different.
- Have your camera at eye level or slightly above.
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About Ascension Search Partners
Boasting more than 50 years of combined recruitment experience, we know what it takes to deliver the right talent. Ascension Search Partners was founded on the belief that talent acquisition is a true business partnership, and we believe search partners should offer extensive market and functional knowledge, with an in-depth, consultative approach.
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Virtual interviewing has become a way of life during the pandemic, and something that is probably here to stay. Time savings and ease of scheduling are just some of the benefits to online interviews, but they require special attention as well. There are some things you can't pick up on if you aren't in person, so you need to be extra attentive to facial expressions and audible nuances. With potential distractions at home this also gives the interviewer an opportunity to see how you react to unforseen situations, something inevitable in the work world as well. As much as we tell our spouse/children/pets to stay quiet, there are stories aplenty of a doorbell ringing, dog barking or smoke alarm going off in the middle of interviews! How you handle these kinds of situations will tell the interviewer a lot about you; it's not just what you say.
Virtual Interview Checklist
- Check that your location is well lit - it may seem fine in daylight but check what it will look like on camera.
- Verify your background is professional - no political or religious symbols, or piles of laundry!
- Dress the part - just because you are at home doesn't mean you shouldn't be presented professionally.
- Do your best to talk to the camera, not the screen.
- Wherever possible use your laptop instead of a phone and make sure that it is fully charged.
- Don't talk about how awkward it is to do a virtual interview - this makes you sound inexperienced.
- Make sure you have the necessary software for the service you will be using and practice using it. You may be a pro at Zoom but haven't used Skype -- it will be different.
- Have your camera at eye level or slightly above.
DOWNLOAD PDF