1. Test your technology and the interview link:
Ensure that your laptop and phone are fully charged. Check your internet connection, camera, and microphone. If you need headphones, be sure to purchase them well in advance. It is important for your answers to be heard clearly. Sign-in to the virtual interview link at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting, confirm that the link works and that you will be ready to go as soon as the meeting starts. It’s best to come prepared for the interview and it is mandatory to be on time.
2. Create a professional scene and reduce distractions:
Determine the best location to have your virtual interview. Find a quiet room with great lighting. You may want to sit near a window or a blank wall to ensure that you are the center of attention. Check that your surroundings are neat and clean, whether you're sitting at a table or in your home office. It is difficult to persuade an employer that you are a detail-oriented and organized if your location background is messy. When in doubt, it is always a great idea to select a virtual office background and use that image for your interview.
3. Dress the part. SUIT UP:
Just because you’re logging into the interview from the comfort of your own home, doesn’t mean that your wardrobe should in any way reflect that, lets suit up! It is expected for you to wear a suit, especially if this is your first time meeting anyone from this company. It is best to dress formally for virtual interview(s). Even if your interviewer is dressed casually, you may want to stay on the side of at least business casual for your follow up interviews. Leaving a great impression and professionalism is key.
4. Prepare for the most common interview questions & have your answers ready:
Prepare for the interview by studying the most common interview questions. A quick search on google should be great, for example, “Top 5 Interview Questions”:
Tell us about yourself!
What is your greatest strength?
What is your weakness or an area of development?
Tell us about a time you had to deal with a difficult project or team member/client, how did you overcome this challenge?
What makes you different from other candidates? Why do you want this job?
Demonstrate that you are very passionate about the role, show that your are committed to excellence, and that you are looking forward to excelling as a potential new member of the team.
If you have used any of this advice or if you have tips that have helped you ace and interview, sound off in the comments below, we would love to hear your feedback!
Until next time, #REMAINAMBITIOUS!
Author:
Michael Omoruan
Media & Communications Contributor,
Young Ambitious One, LLC
Media/Film, Career Advice, and Professional Development
I am passionate about visual storytelling and aligning with brands that promote community outreach and social change. I am also a published writer in the Meridian, The Student Voice of Lehman College Newspaper. I write about media, film, career advice and professional development.