How to Nail Your Virtual Job Interview

Phone and virtual interviews have become increasingly popular among hiring managers and recruiters in recent years. For those doing the interviewing, the very few drawbacks to this higher-tech screening process are easily offset. They can evaluate more people in less time, turning a large “maybe” pile into a smaller “interested” pile without blocking off their calendars for weeks.
 
However, there can definitely be a few drawbacks for job seekers. If you don’t take a virtual or phone interview with the same seriousness as you would an in-person interview, you could easily miss out on a great opportunity. Make sure you stand out in the applicant pool with these three virtual interview tips:

Do Your Research

Review your resume and be prepared to discuss your background, especially your most recent job or two. Interviewers also sometimes ask why you moved from company to company, so be ready with an answer that focuses on your side of the story. One big mistake people make in interviews, virtual or otherwise, is thinking that they only need to answer questions. Interviews should go two ways: The interviewer asks you questions, and then you ask questions of the interviewer. Research a company’s website and LinkedIn page and have several questions ready ahead of time. Also, if any questions arise during the interview, jot them down, too. Companies like candidates who are motivated, prepared, and curious.

Get Ready

On the day of the virtual interview, prepare as if the interview were in-person. Take a shower, do your hair, put on your interview clothes. Be ready for the call 10 minutes ahead of time by going into an “office-looking” room with good lighting and a mostly blank background. Probably most important is to make sure your end will be completely quiet during the interview. That could mean having someone else watch your child or giving your dogs their favorite bone and shutting them in another room. Finally, right before the interview, take a deep breath or do whatever makes you feel calm and confident, and the minute the interview starts, sit up straight and smile, even if you are on the phone. When your body and environment are ready, your mind will be, too.

Tell Your Story

This is the hardest part of any interview, virtual or otherwise, and it’s where a great resume really pays off. You know you have a good resume when it not only describes your background, but also makes you feel confident about what you have done and what you have to offer. Many interviewers or recruiters start with the ice breaker, “Tell me about yourself.” This doesn’t mean summarize your resume; it’s a test to see what you think is important about yourself. Whether they use the words or not, the interviewer is asking, “Why you?” The answer should be in the summary paragraph on your resume, and the most important part is your value proposition—the combination of education, experience, skills, and personality that makes you uniquely qualified for that specific job. Finally, don’t hold back on telling your story; you are not bragging when you tell the truth!