In the midst of the Coronavirus workers are diving head first into technologies we have not had to use in the past. Remote interviewing is a whole new ball game but here are some tips to help you prepare.
Preparation:
Research the company that you are applying for. Ensure that you can discuss the mission statement, and core values easily. Don’t assume you can look it up during the interview.
Make sure that you have a copy of your resume with you when you sit down to refer to during the interview.
Write down some key strengths and skills that you want to highlight during the interview.
Bring a pen and paper to take notes.
Control Your Environment:
We have all heard stories about embarrassing things happening behind us in zoom calls in the last month. Remind family and or friends that you are in a business meeting.
Find a quiet place to have your interview. Children and or animals can cause distractions whenever possible. Put a note on the door of the room you will be in.
Remove distractions from the area that you will be holding your interview.
Check Your Equipment:
Ensure that you have internet connectivity.
Make sure that your computer is working and you have a working camera.
Virtual Cals, Virtual Confusion Methods?
It is likely that you will receive notification for a request to interview and a link to the video chat method the employer is using. Take the time to research the program and practice using it with a friend or family member.
Choose your environment carefully. You want to avoid any embarrassing stacks of laundry, controversial pictures, political statements that could be in the background.
Prepare for the interview as if you would be sitting across from the employer. Virtual Interviews are still interviews and you are being evaluated for how you prepare and show up for the interview.
Select a place that allows you to be seen in your best light. Do not have your computer camera facing a window so that you are in shadows.
Note the angle of the camera. You do not want the camera to point straight up your nose.
Resource:
Practice/Authenticity:
Practice answering typical interview questions but do not memorize.
Be yourself. You are the right person for the right job for you.
Dress the Part:
Prepare for the interview as if you would be sitting across from the employer. Virtual Interviews are still interviews and you are being evaluated for how you prepare and show up for the interview.
Men consider a button up shirt and slacks (you never know if you have to stand up suddenly!)
Women may consider a silk shirt and slacks.
Monitor your Body Language:
Dr Albert Mehrabian breaks communication down to 7% spoken words, 38% tone of voice and 55% body language.
Negative Non Verbal Communication Indicators:
Furrowed forehead
Nose crinkle.
Eyelid flutter.
Lips pursing.
Jaw moving to the side.
Repeated touching of the nose or eyelid.
A smirk, corner of the lip raised.
Looking in a different direction while verbally responding.
Negative Torso Language Signals:
Shoulders slowly rising and turned inward shows a lack of confidence in what's presented, and a sense of discomfort.
The “Lint-Picker,” looking down and performing an irrelevant action i.e. picking imaginary lint, is a sign of disapproval and dismissal.
Positive Non Verbal Communication Strategies:
Consistent eye contact.
Raised eyebrows.
A perked head position, nodding in agreement.
A head tilt to the side is a submissive signal, exposing the throat and neck; it conveys inquisitiveness and interest.
Positive Torso Expressions:
A ventral exposure—leaning inward is a positive sign of interest.
An upright, but not stiff open chest that parallels the other person is a sign of congruence and agreement.
Follow Up:
I would recommend in the case of the formal interview that you send a thank you note to the employer. In a virtual interview the followup communication can be done via email. Make sure that you thank the employer for the opportunity to interview and indicate your interest in hearing from them.