7 Common Virtual Interview Mistakes Made and Tips To Avoid Them

During this challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic, most companies are now considering virtual interviews for screening and shortlisting new employees. In fact, a recent survey by the career-services platform Handshake found that 89% of employers are now relying on virtual interviews for hiring new talents. This rise in numbers is due to the adoption of social distancing in many countries amidst the pandemic.

Virtual interviews, also known as video interviews refer to conducting an interview remotely, where the recruiter or hiring manager and candidate will connect and have discussions with each other online using video conferencing software. It is a safe and efficient alternative for screening candidates and filling roles when compared to the conventional method of hiring.

For many, virtual interviews are a new concept. Many job seekers make mistakes when interviewing remotely by not paying attention to the small details – such as their outfit or background. Consequently, this might hurt their chances of moving forward and attaining the desired position. This is to say that even if the interview is held online, it should be treated as if the interview were conducted in an office face-to-face.

To complete the interview without making any mistakes and feeling more confident, it is crucial for candidates to get familiar with the online interview process.

Check out these 7 common virtual interview mistakes and tips to avoid them:

Test Your Technology And Tools Beforehand

A virtual interview would require certain technological tools such as a camera and microphone on your computer, connecting software (such as Google Hangouts or Zoom), and a reliable internet connection. Check all of these beforehand, that is, at least a day before your virtual interview so that you can communicate effectively with the hiring team without any glitches.

Also, before the interview, make sure that your camera is positioned right, because, setting your camera in front of your interviewer is certainly not a good idea will make you look unorganized. Ensure to set the camera in advance and ideally, your camera should focus straight on your face. Along with that, check the camera functionality, angle as well as video and audio quality.

Maintain Eye Contact

This is one of the common mistakes made by many job seekers, as they are not clear where they should look during a virtual interview and eventually they end up staring at other places instead of the interviewer. You have to maintain a clear eye-contact with the interviewer at the same time it should not be staring at one space.

Instead of staring or looking at yourself, either way, try to look at the interviewer when answering your questions. This makes it look that you are confident and engaging. To avoid any other distractions use earphones.

Ensure Good Internet Connection

 

Poor internet connection, video, and sound quality can spoil your virtual job interview. Therefore, take enough time to double-check the interview platform, internet connectivity, and anything else that could possibly create problems. If you are experiencing a lag with your internet then try to reboot your router, or reach out to the provider for assistance or else find another space that has a stronger internet connection.

You should also avoid last-minute connections on any online platform and stay prepared at least 10 to 20 minutes before the interview. If other members in your home are also sharing the same internet connection, limit or avoid net surfing during your interview as it will help in avoiding bandwidth or slow internet connection issues.

Dress Up Smart

Even if it is an online interview, make sure to dress professionally as you are attending a face-to-face interview. This will help you to stay more focused, prepared, and confident in an interview. Avoid dresses with patterns or stripes as it can distract the interviewer. It is ideal to wear a business suit or shirt to look best.

Choose A Clean And Silent Space

Even if it’s an online interview, your interviewer may notice your background and if you have a messy surrounding it could be a distraction for both the interviewer and you. To be focused, choose a clean and quiet place with a good internet signal and minimal visual distractions to attend the interview. Arrange things at the place you choose and set up a clean background.

Relax, Don’t Hurry Up

Stay relaxed and answer each question in a calm and composed manner. If you are speaking online for the first time, make sure to practice it with your friends or family members.

Focus On Body Language And Posture

It is critical to focus on body language and posture because it conveys a lot about your overall personality. Maintain a good posture by sitting straight on a chair and avoid leaning. The use of certain slight hand gestures will make your conversation look natural. Convey your confidence by expressing yourself in a clear, professional way.

Keep a smile on your face and give a confident nod whenever required to look attentive. Employers often report failure to smile, usage of too many hand gestures, and bad posture as top body language mistakes made in virtual interviews.

To ensure you’re on the right path to success and to make a good first impression, consider these tips as you prepare for your interview. Just like in face-to-face interviews, try to find ways to establish rapport with your interviewer and get your dream job by preparing for this digital recruitment era.