With the pandemic there has been a tidal shift in the way organizations and recruiters vet applicants. According to research by Workest by Zenefits, fewer than 14% of recruiters conducted virtual-only interviews pre-pandemic. However, a recent Gartner Inc. poll indicated that since the pandemic 86% of recruiters are conducting virtual interviews using video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Skype or Google Hangouts.
It is clear: virtual interviews are here to stay! By following the tips below and preparing in advance, candidates can effectively engage with their audience virtually.
Now that you’ve landed the interview, select a quiet space and set the stage!
Background
The background should be distraction free, neat and tidy. If you want to use a virtual background, log into your Zoom account, click on the Zoom Rooms link, go to Account Settings and follow the directions to select and set up a virtual background. Try different backgrounds to ensure there are no shadows and distortions around you. Test out your background in advance with a friend or colleague.
Audio
Consider using noise cancelling headphones to improve the sound quality and block out pets, family members, traffic and distracting sounds.
Lights
Ensure that your conferencing space is well lit so there are no shadows on either side of your face. If there are windows or lighting on one side, turn your desk around. Or purchase an external light such as a ring light (sold on Amazon for $20-$40) that stands alone or attaches to your laptop. Also, lighting on devices typically casts a blue shade over your face. Find the display settings on your device and turn the color to a warmer, more flattering shade.
Technology
Use a laptop or desktop computer (not a phone) that is fully charged or plugged in. If possible, use an ethernet cable to hardwire your device to the internet versus relying on a wireless connection. Turn off notifications on your computer and silence your cell phone. Lastly, check your internet speed (optimal speed should be 1.5-3.0 Mbps) and bandwidth to enhance video quality.
Camera
The most flattering camera angles typically occur when the camera is located just above eye level. So, either place a couple of books underneath the laptop so you can angle the camera slightly downward or investigate purchasing an external camera (sold on Amazon for $25+). Webcams have a higher image quality and can be placed on top of a laptop or a stand.
Attire
Dress professionally as you would for an in-person interview to enhance your confidence and performance. Avoid wearing tops or ties with small dots or fine stripes as these can be visually distracting.
Body Language
With the small screen lens, it is even more important to be mindful of body language. Demonstrate your interest by sitting up straight, leaning slightly forward and keeping hand movements under the camera. Lastly, while this may seem obvious, smile with your mouth and your eyes to appear approachable and engaging.
Rehearsal
Ahead of your interview, test out your set up and technology, and practice, practice, practice!
Good Luck!
- Jody Perl, Career Coach, CRC Board Member
