Prepare for Your Next Virtual Interview with These Tips
Transitioning from the military to a student is full of challenges, but overall the process hasn’t changed too much from past generations. The transition from education to starting the next career, however, has changed quite a bit.
Phone interviews have been around for quite a while, used mostly as a screening tool to make sure an in-person interview is worth everyone’s time. And it may surprise you to discover that virtual interviews were being used long before the world was forced to adapt to remote working conditions in 2020.
Virtual interviews allow both parties to get a feel for each other, without costing any extra time or money. They fall somewhere between the screening phone interview and the formal in-person interview. Sometimes they may even take the place of an in-person interview.
Preparing for a virtual interview looks quite a bit like preparing for any interview. Research is required of the company and the position and you’ll need to prepare for the regular interview questions. Checking up on the company via social media is a good idea as well, so you can see any new releases or information they’ve shared.
How to prepare for a virtual interview?
The level of preparation for your virtual interview will vary based on your familiarity with the platform the company wants to use.
First, find a quiet space that is brightly lit, preferably in front of a bookshelf or blank wall. Or, if you are using Zoom you can get a free virtual background.
You'll also want to make sure your phone or laptop is charged, silence all notifications and make sure everyone who may be in the house knows you are not to be disturbed.
If your internet is unstable, download the interview software platform on your smartphone and use that instead.
What should you wear for a virtual interview?
As far as what you should wear, this isn't that different from an in-person interview. Pants are still required! Overall, you should wear at least business casual and avoid tops with small patterns so you don't look fuzzy on camera.
Be aware of dangly earrings or chunky bracelets that may interfere with the audio or be distracting to those watching and listening.
How early should you join a virtual interview?
When traveling for an in-person interview, there are many reasons you may wish to arrive early. From traffic to finding out where to park to needing a quick freshening up in the restroom, these things can add up. But what about a virtual interview, how early should you arrive?
Many platforms have a virtual waiting room, where the host can admit you from when tehy are already. This means you can join five to 10 minutes ahead of time.
How do you answer virtual interview questions?
The content of your answers shouldn't vary just because you are in a virtual interview. But you may want to pay special attention to your tone and volume. You don’t want there to be any delay or echo, so speak slowly and clearly.
Also, wait a few seconds after the other person has stopped talking before you begin, to avoid cutting them off or interrupting them if they are just pausing.
You also want to pay attention to your body language, sit up straight and try not to talk with your hands too much. Try to set up the camera so you are looking squarely at your interviewer, not up or down at them.
Extra Tips for a Virtual Interview
Practice by recording yourself on video and play it back to check audio and video quality.
Be yourself, don't let technology prohibit you from letting your personality show.
Don't say anything you wouldn't want others to hear during the interview as it may be recorded and shared with others.
Use the mute button as you see fit, particularly if random noises occur during your interview when the other person is speaking.
Set the name on your profile to your full name, include your pronouns and double-check that your profile is up-to-date with location and other information.
Consider wearing earbuds during the interview so you can be heard clearly and so you can hear them clearly.
Virtual interviews give you an opportunity to practice your interview technique without having to travel. Being open to participating in them may open more doors for your future.
Ready to learn more about how VVC can support you as a student veteran? Start here.
