What are key things to keep in mind during a virtual job interview?

Your virtual interview is today. Here are ways to be your best.

• Be ready: You need to be physically and mentally ready, sitting in your “action” position, even if the employer has yet to log on. Remember—you never know when someone else has logged on to a virtual interview/meeting or who has not logged off.
  • You are qualified, that is why you got the interview. Now, it is time to share how you will fit into the job. You need to explain how you will take action to make the organization better, more profitable, and more successful.
  • Talk to them, not at them. It is a challenge when video interviewing, you must breathe, blink, and wait (at times). Silence is okay.
  • Ask a question after completing your answer/reply. This gives you time, but also creates a conversation.
    “I’ve enjoyed working with Excel and Python, what platforms are you currently using?” You can create these cues.
     
• Support the interviewer: Yes, you want this to be a valuable experience for them too. Ask them if your volume is okay, and if you cannot hear them—tell them.
   
• Eye direction: Do not look at yourself on your monitor, look at them/the camera.
   
• Pay attention to time: Time is on your side—either it is a specific interview time slot, or the answers are timed. Have visible access to a clock. Do not look down at your watch.
   
• Consider your body movement - no rocking or shifting. Lock your chair in place if possible. Hands should be still in front of you.
   
• Q & A: typically occurs at the end of an interview; have at least two questions, but no more than four.
   
• Conclude: with thanks and appreciation, next steps/timeline, tell them you want the job and why.
   
• Let the hiring manager sign off first: Then, spend 5 minutes, post-interview, to debrief—notes, thoughts, and things you might adjust next time.
   
• Thank you and follow up post-interview should be sent via email. Share a takeaway from the interview.