Virtual interviews have become more common in recent years, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, they are the norm as employers try to conduct their hiring in the safest manner possible. Getting ready for a virtual interview requires some additional tasks than your standard in-person interview since there are additional variables to consider beyond the content of your responses. Check out these 10 tips to prepare for a virtual interview: 

1. Take it Seriously 

Virtual interviews may feel like they are more casual than in-person interviews, but that certainly is not the case. Take the opportunity seriously and give it the same amount of preparation effort as you would if you’d be face-to-face.  

2. Test Your Technology 

Ensure the device you plan to use for the virtual interview is operating at full capacity. Delete any unused files or programs that may slow down your connection so you don’t have to be stressed by your audio not working or your video freezing.  

3. Practice Using the Platform 

Once you find out what platform the interview will be hosted on, practice using it. This not gets you comfortable with the settings and options, but prevents you from realizing right before the interview that you need to download an additional plugin before you can use it.  

4. Pick a Non-Distracting Background 

Look for a spot where your webcam will provide the clearest video of you. Position yourself in an area in which you are facing a light source, rather than having it behind you and casting you in the shadows. Also, pick a location in which your background is simple with little visual clutter.  

5. Dress to Impress 

Even though the interviewer is likely only going to have a view of you from the shoulders up, it’s still important to dress to impress. Select a professional top and groom yourself at the same level you would for an in-person meeting so you look polished and convey confidence.  

6. Get Rid of Pop-Up Notifications 

Avoid your mic from picking up on extraneous noises during your virtual interview. Before your interview, review your device’s settings and disable all notifications so your interviewer doesn’t hear or see pop-ups.  

7. Look at the Webcam 

During a virtual interview, you are likely to naturally look directly at the interviewer; however, this means you’re likely looking away from your webcam, so your video won’t mimic the eye contact you would have in person. Practice looking directly at your webcam when you deliver responses, rather than at the video box of the other participants.  

8. Perform a Trial Run

Ask a family member or friend to hop onto a video call with you so you can perform a trial run of your virtual interview. Being able to practice the transitions, such as waiting a few moments after the interviewer finishes talking before you start (so the mic has time to fully pick you up), can help you feel more at ease.  

9. Focus on Body Language 

A downside to virtual interviews is the lack of opportunity for non-verbal communication, which is a major factor in establishing rapport with your interview. Focus on your body language as you prep – ensure you are sitting up straight, smiling, using a clear tone of voice, and looking at the webcam.  

10. Practice Delivering Responses

Since it can be harder to leave a memorable impression on your interviewer when you’re a video on a screen, it’s essential to make your responses as deliberate and persuasive as possible. Practice delivering key points you want to make and have specific past examples ready to support your claims and stand out from other candidates.  

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