Navigating a virtual interview

By Harish Athreya

Shaalini was so scared as she got a call from the company to which she had applied for a job, giving her a date to appear for a virtual interview. She had less knowledge about the process of video interviews. She rushed to her uncle who just retired from a HR manager’s post to get some insights.

After listening to Shaalini’s woes, her uncle said:
“Sometimes you are forced to attend a virtual interview due to certain situations. You should be knowing about navigating a virtual interview.
No need to panic, I’ll explain some aspects of the same to you.

Get ready the previous experience files

Firstly you should think back on your experience and be ready with examples of projects that are of important significance, feedback that helped you change your perspective, and challenging projects that taught you about many more avenues. It doesn’t matter whether the above experiences and examples are from classes, internships, or past jobs. What matters is having some examples in mind so you don’t have to think too long during your interview to come up with answers to those questions.

Prepare in advance

Ensure your computer is updated, has a reliable internet connection, and has a functional camera and microphone. Always test your setting beforehand by running a test meeting on the interview platform. Have a plan B if your internet is shaky and becomes unstable.

Set up a space

Choose a clean, quiet area of your home to minimize distractions. If there are others in the house, let them know not to disturb you.

Show up on time

Time is an important factor by which people form an opinion on you. Hence be online a few mins early.

Dress professionally

Dress as you would for an in-person interview. Don’t ever appear in your casual outfit. If you know about the company, then choose your outfit based on the company dress code.

Research your interviewers

You’ll be well equipped if you can research in advance about the interviewers. This will help you be ready mentally to face them.

Effective non-verbal communication

Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and use gestures to convey your interest. As an erect posture, eye contact with the interviewer shows your confidence throughout the interview.

Be aware of your surroundings

Make sure the interviewer can see your face clearly and that your surroundings should be neat and respectful. Don’t hang the clothes behind or stick any posters of your choice. Plain wall is the perfect choice.

Greeting the interviewer

At the start of the interview process, your first impression can be decisive. Your greeting can determine the interviewer’s impression of you.

It can make a good first impression on the interviewer as people form their first opinion in a few seconds.Your interview greeting communicates who you are. It is a part of the interview etiquette,your wear, your words. These elements are powerful communication tools you can use to your advantage.

1. How to greet your interviewers:

A few small tweaks in behavior can make the difference. You can use your first sentences and your attitude to demonstrate your interest in the position and your determination

■ Be polite.
■ Use formal language.
■ Maintain eye contact.
■ Be aware of your non-verbal greeting.
■ Mirror your interviewer.

Stay focused and visibly engaged

Don’t fidget and fumble. Your focus should be on the interviewer and your response to them. They should see your dedication and enthusiasm clearly.

Don't rely on a cheat sheet, be prepared

You can refer to your sheets once in a while but don’t read them through. You must be prepared to answer without reading.

Ask questions

Politely ask for permission politely to ask questions about the company culture, such as how the team stays connected, how professional development is supported, how your role is defined etc.

Follow up

Send a follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview to thank the interviewer and let them know you are available if they have any questions and Send your thank you note or any follow-up questions promptly.

If you’re well prepared for the virtual interviews, there won’t be any hassles in navigating them! As the saying goes, ‘Being prepared is the battle half won’!!”

Shaalini’s fear of facing the virtual interview vanished and she stepped out with a renewed confidence, equipped with the knowledge.

 

9036709599

dwijodaya@gmail.com

www.denhym.com