A virtual Interview is a job interview conducted remotely, typically via video conferencing or online communication platforms, rather than in person. Like a phone interview, virtual interviewing allows employers to conduct a preliminary screening of the candidates to decide who they want to advance to the next stage of the interview process. And like phone interviews, this saves the employer time and money (on candidate travel expenses), and enables them to screen large numbers of candidates efficiently.
For the job seeker, virtual interviews have some distinct advantages over telephone interviews. Most notably, you now regain some of the positive elements of non-verbal communication and body language. This makes it easier to build a rapport with the interviewer. Just like with any other interview, one key to success in the virtual interview is ensuring you are prepared to answer the questions. This is the same type of preparation you would use for an in-person interview. If you haven’t already, we strongly recommend that you review the commonly asked interview questions. Also, Career Services staff members are available to give a “mock video conference interview” to practice your skills.
Helpful tips:
- Verify that your username and profile picture are both appropriate for a professional interview.
- Test your equipment. Call a friend early enough before the interview to verify that your camera and your sound are both working, that the proper microphone is active, and that your connection is stable. Make sure you have enough time to fix any problems you may encounter during the check.
- Keep the camera at eye level and at arm’s length.
- Look at the camera during the interview, not the screen. Looking at the camera will make the interviewer feel like you are looking them in the eye and will help build rapport.
- Confirm date, time, and who will be involved in the interview.
- Verify your time zones! Make sure that you are aware of what time zone your interviewer is in and that you are 100% sure what time the interview will be taking place in your time zone.
- Conduct the interview in a quiet room where there will be NO interruptions or distractions.
- Have an appealing yet professional background.
- Write down the interviewer(s) name(s) and use it/them frequently. This also helps build rapport.
- Dress professionally, top to bottom. You never know when you may have to get up.
- Have your resume and notes organized in front of you, including the questions you want to ask.
- If you need time to think about an answer, let them know. Otherwise, your silence will be disconcerting.
- Monitor the time on a nearby clock. Respect the time parameter set by the interviewer.
Another key to success is utilizing your “voice” properly. Consider some of these helpful tips:
- Tone – Enthusiastic, expressive, and warm. Avoid monotone!
- Pitch – Try to end sentences on an “up” tone.
- Volume – Appropriate for the situation. Most interviewees do not speak loud enough. At the beginning of the interview, ask them if they can hear you adequately.
- Tempo – Watch your pacing. Try to get in a rhythm.
- Clarity – Concentrate on proper enunciation. Avoid mumbling.
- Hesitation – Prepare your answers in advance so you can answer the questions confidently.
- Pauses – It is acceptable to briefly pause for emphasis or dramatic effect.
- Language – Absolutely no slang or profanity. Avoid clichés and colloquialisms.
We also recommend reviewing the body language hints in the “Interviewing Basics” section of this guide in preparation for video conference interviews.
Examples of video conferencing tools:
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Meet
- FaceTime