Into the Details: Virtual Interviews

It remains to be seen when and if face-to-face job interviews resume as the norm, or whether virtual interviews become employers’ first choice even after the pandemic ends.

In some ways interview prep is the same whether the interview is virtual or in-person, and in other ways it is, of course, very different when you are not meeting your interviewer(s) in person.

These things haven’t changed:

· Do some research on the employer, so you can answer their questions and demonstrate what you know about them, and come up with some questions of your own

· Do salary research, so you are prepared if the subject is brought up by the interviewer(s)

· Take care of bio needs before the interview

· Be on time!  For a virtual interview, plan to log into the meeting a few minutes prior to the starting time; for an in-person interview, you should arrive about 10-15 minutes before the time of the interview

· Dress appropriately (and not just from the waist up!)

· Have answers prepared (but not memorized!) for questions you are likely to be asked - you should be very clear on why you are a strong candidate for the position and why you think they should hire you

· Be prepared for behavioral questions:

• "If you were faced with [specific challenging work situation], how would you handle it?"
• "Tell me about a time when you [faced a challenge at work or in your life]."
• The employer is seeking more info here about your experience and judgment

· DO NOT LIE or misrepresent yourself – more on why lying during the job search is an extremely bad idea here and here

· Practice (mock) interviews are strongly recommended

· Have questions prepared for interviewer(s)

· Do not try to take over and direct the interview!

· Do not ask questions about salary, benefits, perks, vacation, days off you will need, etc. especially in a first interview (these things are best discussed when an offer is made) - your questions should be about the position requirements and what success would look like in that job

These things are different:

· Check functioning of devices, apps, and wifi; make sure the device you are using for the interview is charged or plugged in, that you know how to use Zoom, Teams, Skype, etc., and that your camera and microphone are working

· Have a glass of water nearby in case you feel thirsty

· Have an uncluttered background (whether virtual or real), with little or no movement behind you if it is a real background

· Minimize any noise, interruptions, and distractions, from people, pets, and devices; close the windows if it is noisy outside

· Laptop or desktop computers are best; if you are using another device, make sure it is still, and it is best if the camera is at eye-level

· The light source in the room should be in front of you, or you may appear as a faceless silhouette to the others on the call

· Remember that “eye contact” is looking right into the camera - practice this if you need to

· Attending a virtual meeting and being interviewed virtually are very different experiences; remember that you will be “on stage” every moment of the meeting (again, practice can help a lot here)

Additional tips:

· Have the job description on hand so you can read it just before the interview, so it is fresh in your mind what the employer is seeking for that position

· You can also have notes and your resume/cover letter nearby but those are for quick reference; you don’t want to read your answer to a question or seem that you are not engaged in the conversation

· Questions to ask at the very end:

• “Are there any other responsibilities of this job we have not already discussed?”
• “What is the next step in the hiring process?” “What is the best way for me to follow up?”

· Remain polite and professional from start to finish, even if you feel that the interview is going very well - remember you are being evaluated for the entire time of the interview

· Send “thank you”s same day or next day; short and sweet is best, email is fine for this, and you should send a separate message to each person who interviewed you

· Follow up ONCE (email is best) either a week or two after the interview or according to any instructions you were given, then let it go and turn your attention to the next job you will apply to

Good luck!

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