Even as we see a renewed focus on employers returning to the office in different capacities, virtual interviews are here to stay in the hiring process.
With a layer of technology involved in connecting for the interview, several factors could come into play that impact your interview success. A slight internet disconnect could cause a larger disruption in conversation, or an untimely update could make you late to the call.
While some principles of interview preparation are the same in a virtual setting, some require more thought and intention. Keep reading for strategies on how to prepare for a successful virtual interview and put your best foot forward with potential employers!
1. Have the Proper Setup
You’ll feel much more comfortable during the interview if you take the time to set up your space and your device ahead of time.
Think of your schedule the day of the interview – where would be the best place to take the interview to ensure you can focus, be present, and limit distractions?
- We recommend making sure you’re on a laptop or desktop where interviewers can easily see you. If you must take the interview on a mobile device, propping it up on something horizontally is helpful.
- Make sure to silence or close any applications and browser windows that might interrupt the conversation with notification sounds.
- Lighting is a little thing that goes a long way to how you appear on camera. Whether a lamp or a window, light sources above, in front of, or to the side of you will be a big help. Having a big window or lamp behind you will negatively affect how you appear on camera.
- Check your call settings! Having stable video and audio helps both you and the interviewer concentrate on each other, and the content being shared.
- If you have a good pair of headphones you can use to improve audio quality, consider using them. Just be sure to double check your microphone and speaker settings after plugging in!
- How does the background space behind you look? Considering using a blur effect for your background or use a simple virtual background if needed. You’ll see Team Lighthouse members using images of our office spaces as virtual backgrounds if we’re taking a call with you remotely!
2. Make Sure You Dress Well
“Well” can be defined as whatever feels authentic and comfortable for you, and you feel is putting your best foot forward to make a positive first impression. Represent yourself in a way you are proud of.
Being on video with the hiring team members who are interviewing you will also give you a sense of the dress code for their team and what the expectations are if you get the job.
Even through a video call, taking care of your presentation will help your confidence level during the interview. You’ll notice your focus, energy, and communication improve. Look good, feel good, right?
3. Arrive on Time – Or Ahead of Time
Same as with an in-person meeting, you want to show up to where your interview is taking place with enough time before it starts!
Even for a virtual interview on your computer, it’s important to leave yourself enough time to make sure you are in a clear head space to start the call and don’t feel rushed. Logging on ahead of time will give you a chance to test your camera, microphone and background so you can be ready when the interview starts.
We find a lot of candidates we meet with have various security settings on their computers for WebEx, Teams, and Zoom. Logging in early ensures you can allow video and microphone settings on whichever platform your interview is taking place. Having a back-up device such as your cell phone ready in case of any issues is also recommended.
Additionally, if the interviewer has provided you with their contact information, have that handy in case of any technical difficulties. It’s definitely more stressful to try and troubleshoot the settings once the interviewer has joined.
4. Practice Your Communication
Typically, initial interviews with hiring managers are 30 minutes to 1 hour long. The interviewer has specific questions and information they want to gather from you. Ensure that you give them time to prompt you and inquire further about your experiences.
If you feel yourself getting long-winded, pause and double check that you are on the right track. It’s totally okay to pause and say, “Did that answer your question? I can continue to provide additional examples if needed.” Remember this is a two-way conversation, and the interviewer is prepared to receive questions from you as well. In fact, they look forward to it! Thoughtful questions help you position yourself during an interview, as well as ensure you can determine if the role is a good fit for you.
Additionally, maintaining eye contact with whoever you’re speaking to by looking at the camera instead of the screen can go a long way. Body language and maintaining good posture is also important and can be recognized even through video. If you feel comfortable, another added tip is to use hand gestures when appropriate to emphasize certain points.
5. Do Your Research – On the Company, and Yourself
The company values, team culture, and specific skills and knowledge needed for the job will likely come up in conversation. Be prepared to speak on these items and how they’re relevant to you.
You’ll feel much more comfortable having information to pull from as you’re answering their questions and ensuring you’re sharing information that’s most relevant to the interviewer.
Having some notes by your computer to take a peek at during the call is okay! Having your resume and portfolio (if applicable) pulled up for easy screen sharing can be helpful, as well.
Try not to rely on them by reading off them, but they can be helpful references to make sure you’ve shared everything you want in order to sell yourself as a great job candidate.
Bonus tip: following up in the 24 hours after the interview goes a long way! A thank-you email to everyone you met with – or even a written thank-you note, if you have a mailing address – still goes a long way. Hiring processes can be long and every step you can take to stay top-of-mind with the hiring team makes an impact.
We Can Be a Guiding Light on Your Job Search
At Lighthouse, our process usually involves a screen with one of our recruiters prior to your conversation with the hiring manager. While that screen can be slightly more casual than the interview, following the above steps will still set you up for success!
Once you move on, the first conversation with the hiring manager is usually still virtual. If you are local or required to be onsite/hybrid, some will ask you to come onsite where many of these tips can still be applied! You can always ask your recruiter/point of contact for tips and to clarify expectations prior to your interviews.
If you’re looking for a partner to help you navigate the technology job search, our Lighthouse technology talent managers can help you put your best foot forward towards your next best opportunity in tech! Head to our jobs site to see our current open roles or sign up for job alerts.
