Interviewing for a job used to almost always require traveling to the company in person, but nowadays, quite a few application processes include a phone or virtual interview. A virtual interview is an interview conducted online using video conferencing software like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. Virtual interviews are becoming increasingly popular because they offer a convenient and flexible way for employers to conduct interviews with job candidates who may not be able to meet in person. They work in the same way as in-person interviews, but due to the nature of the virtual setup, candidates will have additional considerations that they’ll need to keep in mind, such as their Internet connection, background, and camera angle, if they want to make the best impression.
Choose Your Setting
Preparing for either a virtual or telephone interview starts with ensuring a professional, distraction-free background.
- A solid-colored background is the safest choice. A background full of pictures or books runs the risk of distracting the interviewer so they don’t fully focus on what you’re saying.
- Experiment with camera angles to find the best setup.
- Good lighting and a comfortable chair make for a better experience.
- Choose simple but professional hairstyles and shirts to present a polished appearance.
- If you’re doing a phone interview, make sure to find a quiet place with good phone reception where you won’t be disturbed.
Prepare for the Interview
The same level of preparation that someone would do for an in-person interview should be done for a virtual or telephone interview. However, there are a few additional things to consider.
- Make sure the computer, webcam, microphone, and Internet connection are all working properly before the interview.
- Have a copy of your résumé and the job description handy table.
- Log into the virtual meeting platform a few minutes early to make sure everything is working properly.
- Come prepared. Prepare answers to common interview questions, and research the company beforehand. Be ready to discuss your qualifications and experience.
- Have a list of questions prepared for the interviewer. This can help to show your interest in the role.
Additional Resources
- Preparing for a Phone Interview: Refrain from chewing gum or having a snack while participating in a phone or virtual interview.
- 25 Phone Interview Tips To Get You to the Next Round: Doing the same level of preparation that you would do for an in-person interview can help you move on to the next round.
- The Ultimate Guide: How to Prepare for a Phone Interview: Employers hold phone interviews in part because they want to confirm that the applicant wishes to move forward with the application process.
- Phone Interview Tips That Will Help You Get Hired: Writing down notes with important information about the company is an easy way to set yourself up for a good interview.
- 31 Phone Interview Tips That Will Secure a Second Interview: If possible, find out who is conducting the interview and look them up on LinkedIn beforehand.
- Tips on Preparing for Your Internship Phone Interview: Asking questions about the company is a great way to end an interview on a strong note.
- How to Ace a Phone Interview: It’s important to have an answer to, “What are your salary expectations?”
- 13 Best Phone Interview Questions to Ask Candidates: Reading about how companies prepare to interview candidates can be helpful for candidates preparing for their own interviews.
- How to Ace a Phone Interview: It’s a great idea for applicants to keep a copy of their résumé in front of them during a phone or virtual interview.
- 19 Tips to Nail Your Phone Interview and Stand Out From the Crowd: The best way to start a phone interview is by answering the phone, “Hello, this is [Name].”
- How to Prepare for a Job Interview Really Well: Google the company on the morning of the interview to find out the most up-to-date news and information about the organization before the interview begins.
- Video and Phone Interview Best Practices: These tips are aimed at college students but helpful for everyone.
- Phone Interview Cheat Sheet: One great idea is to review the job description and come up with three questions about the job’s duties and career path.
- Ten Tips for Knocking Your Virtual Interview Out of the Park: A strong Internet connection is a must for virtual interviews.
- Virtual Interviewing: Four Simple Steps to Prepare: Virtual interviews require thinking about your surroundings in order to make a good impression.
- How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview: Test all apps and equipment before the interview starts to make sure that there are no issues!
- How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview: Pro Tips From Nasdaq Talent Acquisition Experts: Try video chatting with a friend to make nothing is distracting or inappropriate in the background before your interview.
- Eight Tips for Acing Your Next Virtual Interview: Almost every interview includes the question, “What is your biggest weakness?”