Quick Tips on Virtual Interviews

If you don't want to be like the guy in the image above, then read our tips from hiring managers on setting up and performing in a virtual job interview. It's not difficult if you are prepared.

Once you’ve got your laptop set up and working well, a virtual interview is just like any other. Here are a few tips to help you prepare.

• Test the link beforehand to make sure it works.
• Make sure it is your name at the bottom of the screen when you log in - not your partner or flatmate or parents. The interviewers will be looking out for you and wondering where you are.
• Treat it as a formal interview. Dress appropriately and set yourself up in the right environment; a quiet space where nobody can wander past.
• Make sure the screen is reasonably well lit. Interviewers want to see all your face, but they don’t want to see up your nostrils. Nor do they want to be talking to someone at a great distance.
• Ensure the sound quality is clear. Check different places around your house if you find your connection drops out.
• Connect into the meeting a couple of minutes before (not half an hour), but never be late.
• And, if you do lose the connection, don’t panic. The interviewers understand technology can let you down. They recommend you keep their cell phone number or email next to you so you can contact them and explain your situation to get reconnected.
• Don't forget to do a practice run with someone before the interview to make sure you have sorted all the points above.

During the interview

• Create rapport by smiling and showing a bit of emotion, which is hard to do if you’re in a shadow or at a distance. (Maybe put a smiley face sticker next to the screen as a prompt to smile?)
• Say hello when you first appear on screen. It makes everyone feel more at ease.
• Take advantage of the screen by having notes at the side – if you’re worried you’ll forget what you want to emphasise - but only as prompts. At the best of times people can lose their train of thought but interviewers won’t be impressed if they notice you are continually reading off notes.
• Don’t ramble. Answer each question, then stop. If you feel uncomfortable if nobody is saying anything, then ask if they’d like you to give them a further response. Often they’re simply writing notes but you can’t see that on screen.
• Put your best foot forward by preparing, preparing, preparing. Know the company you’re applying for. Interviewers don’t want to hear you have not had a chance to research.
• Think of your interview as a two-way street. The interviewer asks questions to get to know you. You also need to ask questions to find out about the role and company to make sure you’d like to work there. It is your last chance to make an impression so have a couple of appropriate questions ready.

Want to hear more advice from hiring managers and interviewers? Then read this more indepth blog of advice. Contributors include Manukau DHB, Spacetime, Ezyvet, Auckland Memorial Museum, RUSH Digital, Gentrack and The Warehouse Group.

Want help?

The AUT Employability and Careers' team run regular workshops on job search etc. Book into a workshop through Elab online. Not used Elab Online before? It's easy - just click on 'Current Student' and put your AUT name and password, and you're in and ready to access everything you need. If you're a graduate, click 'Graduate'. (We offer employability and career support to graduates for up to two years after graduation.)

Written by AUT Employability careers writer Angela McCarthy