Interviews via video chat were once the exception, but during today’s strange times they are increasingly becoming the norm. 

Meeting a potential future employer for the first time in a virtual setting can be daunting, but may also work to the interviewee’s advantage, once the right techniques are implemented.

Just like any normal office-based interview, virtual interviews also follow a similar etiquette, but with a few small tweaks. 

Here are some of our top tips on how to prepare for a virtual video call, so you can ensure you make the best impression possible through a video lens.

USE YOUR SPACE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

You are interviewing on your own turf, so take advantage. Set up your camera in an area you know will work well for an interview. Ideally, film against a simple backdrop, i.e. a blank wall. This will eliminate any distractions and place the focus on you. Face a natural source of light and avoid any noise distractions.

AVOID BACKGROUND NOISE

Speaking of noise, it can be useful to search online for noise cancellation apps. Some apps, like Krisp as an example, can eliminate background noise at the push of a button, making sure your voice is heard clearly at all times.

PREPARATION IS KEY

Gather your materials just like you would for a face-to-face interview. Organise your files and notes so they are easily accessible and ready on-hand. If you have space, you might also consider printing off some of your key talking points and pinning them to the wall behind your camera.

GET CONNECTED

Your interviewer may want to use a video application you are not used to, so it is important to familiarise yourself with their chosen software. Do test runs and make sure you have a clear WiFi connection. Have a mobile phone with data at the ready to hotspot if connectivity issues arise. 

STAY UPDATED 

Online chat programs like Skype, Zoom and Microsoft Teams are continually rolling out updates for security and other reasons. When you chat with someone via one of these programs, you both need to run the same version, so make sure you open the program and run a test an hour before the interview to see if an update is required. If you dial in and an update is required, you will have to wait for it to download and install, which may result in you being late.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Why not practice a mock interview with friends or family? Dress as you would for your interview, test the lighting and practice speaking through your headphones or microphone. Practice eye contact by looking directly at the camera rather than at your computer screen. Imagine that the person who will be viewing this video is right there, pretend you are talking to that person. Smoothing out any glitches beforehand that may occur will give you confidence to enter your interview free of worry or doubt.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER

With the absence of that all-important handshake at the beginning of a traditional interview, positive first impressions must be given in other ways. Just like a face-to-face encounter, appearances matter. Dress to impress! Be mindful that our everyday natural look may appear differently on camera. So as mentioned above, be sure on your mock interview you are comfortable with your look, for example, a necktie pattern or suit colour may look stronger or more vivid on camera and may be distracting to the interviewer.

FINAL THOUGHTS 

With social distancing now a part of everyday life, it will be important to embrace any opportunity to have that all important interview needed to secure your dream job. So remember to enjoy the experience, enjoy meeting new people (all be it virtually) and the very best of luck to you in your next interview.

To speak with a specialist consultant, contact Armont Recruitment on +353 1 556 3399 or hello@armont.ie