Six in 10 recruiters employ video technology to interview candidates, whether or not the position is remote.
If you’ve been gainfully employed for a long time, you might never have done a virtual job interview. Booking an interview time, going to the brick-and-mortar office, and sitting at a time with the recruiter used to be how things were done. And while many companies still prefer to see job candidates face-to-face, others leverage the power of the internet to achieve the same goal virtually.
Whether you’re laid off, decide to leave a company to pursue new opportunities elsewhere, or are fired on questionable grounds, you might need to dust off your virtual resume and prepare for virtual job interviews.
Here are four tips to remember if your next job requires an online interview.
- Practice Makes Perfect
You’ve no doubt heard the saying that practice makes perfect. Whether you’re new to online interviews or have done them before, it’s a good idea to practice. You only get one chance to make a good first impression, so you’ll want to hit the ball out of the park during your virtual job interview.
Find out what technology the company uses for online communication, whether Skype, Zoom, or another, and practice using the right one.
Choose someone you trust to help you practice. They can pretend to be the recruiter while you practice by answering questions often asked at job interviews. One reason to choose your help wisely is you want honest feedback — not just someone who’ll tell you what you want to hear. Constructive criticism will help you prepare for the real thing.
- Find a Suitable Location for Virtual Interview
If you want a good virtual job interview, ensure you have proper lighting. Even if you answer all the questions, ask the right questions in return, and otherwise perform in a way that casts you in a positive light, the actual lighting in the room can make or break your chances of getting a job. So, stay away from rooms that are too dark.
Your best bet is to position yourself in a room in front of a window where your face is toward the window. That’ll ensure you have a good light situation that shows up well on camera. Avoid overhead lights or lamps since they may distort what the recruiter sees when looking at their computer screen.
- Get Rid of Distractions
It’s also a good idea to get rid of distractions that could get in the way of your virtual interviews.
As much as you may love your cat or dog, for instance, they don’t need to be on your lap or by your feet during the job interview. You should also switch off your phone, turn off the TV, and put away anything else that could lead to a less-than-desirable performance.
- Log in Early to Make Sure Everything’s Good to Go
You’ll want to avoid any tech problems during the virtual job interview. One way to prevent this is to log in well ahead of the interview to ensure there are no issues. Check the video, audio, and internet connection so you’re ready to go without embarrassing delays during the interview.
Remember that failing to plan is like planning to fail. You’ll want to plan so you can control whatever variables are within your control.
Looking for a new job can be exciting, stressful, or sometimes both. If you find an opportunity to get your dream job, that can be an exciting proposition. But if you need to find work after losing your job unexpectedly, that can be stressful. Wrongful termination occurs more often than you might think. Sometimes it’s the result of a company failing to accommodate an employee after that worker gets injured on the job and files a personal injury claim.
Talking to a law firm like Cruz Law Firm, P.A., an employment law and civil rights practice, is a good idea if you’ve been wrongfully terminated and wish to explore your options.
Keep these tips in mind ahead of a virtual job interview. Knowing what to do will help you put your best foot forward and make a great first impression.
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