11.2: Ten Tips for Virtual Interviewing Success

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Understanding the importance of virtual interviewing and being able to make a positive first impression during a virtual interview is a skill set that can increase your chances of successfully landing a job in an environment that increasingly requires mediated communication skills.

Consider the following ten tips for success as you prepare for your next virtual interview:

Prepare notes in advance. However, refer to them sparingly.
Show up/sign on a few minutes early and think about your virtual background.
Dress to impress (even though it’s virtual).
Test your set-up: camera glare, eye level toward camera, too far-too close to camera, audio, etc.
If you believe hand gestures enhance your communication, be sure to practice slightly elevating hand/arms movements, so they can be seen.
Use facial expressions to show when you are really engaged.
Incorporate a virtual handshake.
Put a disclaimer out that you may feel a little awkward not being in person and that you will do your best to minimize any barriers. Also, feel comfortable communicating barriers on their end as well.
Set aside time for practice sessions. Tape record at least 2-4 practice sessions, observe sessions, and do some self-talk/self-reflection. Also, feel free to share practice session(s) with trustworthy friends/family and ask them to give constructive feedback.

While practicing, pay close attention to how you sound: too fast/slow, too soft/loud, etc.
Also check for good posture: back as straight as possible, face towards camera, shoulders back, etc.

Minimize interruptions: put pets in a safe place so you/interviewers won’t see/hear them during the interview, ask family/friends to support you by not being seen/heard during the interview, shut doors and windows so that outside/external noise level is decreased.

This is not an exhaustive list but by implementing these tips, you will be better positioned to succeed in a virtual interview.

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(18) Zielinksi, D. The Virtual Interview. July 1, 2012. Retrieved from: https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-magazine/pages/0712tech.aspx

(19) Miller, B. Pros and Cons of Virtual Interviews. August 26, 2021. Retrieved from https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/