Amidst covid19, some organizations are still hiring to maintain business continuity. These companies are turning to technological means to recruit new team members. To adhere to social distancing as one of the major preventive measures of the pandemic, many are adopting virtual ways to conduct interviews.
As a job seeker, you should be ready to embrace this new normal and make a lasting impression on your employer. Here are 5 sure tips to ace your first virtual interview.
1. Prepare Your Environment
Be mindful of your background. Ensure it is not cluttered or too busy. Try to avoid noisy or busy areas. If possible get a quiet spot in your home where you can feel comfortable and relaxed for the interview. Ensure there is proper and enough lighting in your preferred spot for the interview and eliminate any distractions in your background. A quiet and serene atmosphere relaxes you and frees you from anxiety.
2. Test Your Tech Tools
Make sure you have continuous access to the internet and check if your camera and microphone are working appropriately. Consider wearing headphones to cut out on background noise, and test the clarity. Ensure your device (computer/tablet) is fully charged or plugged in an outlet to prevent battery outage. If you are not familiar with video calls, practice and acquaint yourself with it before the day of the interview.
3. Dress For Success
Dress as if you were being interviewed face to face. Look professional from head to toe. It boosts your self-confidence. How you are dressed gives the interviewer a perception of who you are and how much you respect the position you are interviewing for, so take your time and look your best. Dressing appropriately is very important.
4. Check Your Body Language
Body language is a none verbal way we communicate with others. Your body language during virtual interviews can convey your feelings to the interviewer. You should project yourself as confident and ready to work. Aim to make a positive first impression. Show enthusiasm for the role. Genuine enthusiasm inspires employers to choose you over other candidates. Be yourself and give them a reason to consider you for the position.
Try and do the following:
- Maintain good eye contact
- Sit upright
- Nod when necessary
- Smile genuinely
5. Know Your Unique Selling Point
Although it is a video interview, focus on winning the heart of the employer. Prove to the employer that you are the right person for the job. Choose the right words when answering questions. Exhibit your unique skills to convince the interviewer and tell your success stories. This gives the employer an idea of what you are capable of doing and sets you apart from other candidates.
Interviews, whether face to face or virtual plays a vital role in the recruiting process. Master these tips, set job alerts here, apply for jobs here and land your dream job with confidence.
