15 ways to prepare and succeed at virtual job interviews

Globally, COVID-19 has seen much of the workforce move from physical, face-to-face interaction to the virtual, online world.

As a result, many job interviews are now being conducted virtually in Malaysia. Recruiters and hiring managers require candidates to get organised and prepared quick-smart, ensuring they are set up with the right technology and tools.

FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, even Instagram Live and Stories, have helped us grow accustomed to communicating socially via screens (mainly on our mobile phones or tablets). But when it comes to job interviews, there are numerous additional considerations to be taken into account when preparing for your online job interview, whether it's through Skype, Zoom, or any other communication platform. 

Importantly, just because you are not physically present does not make the interview any less formal.

So what are the common platforms used by recruiters and hiring managers when you can’t physically meet at an office or worksite?

It’s essential to be familiar with these popular video interview platforms:

• Skype
• Zoom
• Google Hangouts
• Microsoft Teams
   

A simple Google or YouTube search can provide you with a quick introduction, tour and tutorial of how these platforms work. By doing so, you’ll avoid any additional stress that comes with navigating new technology – you’re dealing with enough pressure for the interview as it is.

Related: 5 ways to handle interview nerves 

Navigating virtual calls and video interviews: The right interview setting

It’s not as scary as you think. Many job seekers have said it’s more intimidating to meet face-to-face. Meeting in a comfortable and familiar environment at home can be a good thing as you would have control over your surroundings.

On the other hand, if you find that you don't have the right setup at home for an online job interview, run through the following options:

• Ask family or friend if you can interview at their place.
• Ask a work colleague if they can lend you their laptop.
• Reach out to your network for the use of their office’s spare meeting room
• Research co-working spaces and one-time shared office facilities (this will come at a cost)

Whether or not you’ve had a video interview before, our updated checklist (below) will help ensure your best chance at impressing your interviewer via video call. (Psst! #12 can help you ace your interview answers!)

15 Hot tips for video interviews

1. If you’re using your mobile phone, do not hold it in your hands in selfie mode. Find a way to prop it up either on a stand or shelf – and consider the camera angle. The interviewer should not be looking up your nose or seeing your side profile.

2. Conduct the interview indoors. Just because you have a mobile phone or laptop doesn’t mean you should do it at the beach or the park.

3. Don’t conduct your video interview on the couch.

4. Do a test run with a friend or family member. Check connection, lag, microphone, volume, lighting and outside noise. If you already know the platform used for the video interview, create an invite with a friend, and test that the web link or app opens up and connects successfully.

Related: 4 questions that will impress in a job interview

5. Your interview attire should be what you would otherwise wear to a face-to-face interview. Some candidates think that just because they’re at home means they can stay casually dressed. That will not bode well with the recruiter or hiring manager. Simultaneously, only dressing your top half should be done with caution – people have been known to stand up or grab a glass of water, only to reveal they are not appropriately dressed for their bottom half.

6. Related to the point above, ensure you have a glass of water nearby. You may get a dry throat from talking and getting up to leave the interview is not only rude, but it will ruin the momentum.

7. Still, on the topic of interview attire, be wary that some colours and patterns will not translate well on camera. Avoid anything too bright or clothing with stripes, patterns or checks.

Related: 10 common job interview questions in Malaysia

8. Watch your posture. You may appear slouched on the screen, so make sure you’re seated comfortably but also upright. It helps to check how you appear beforehand in the ‘video preview’ settings.

9. Ensure your interviewer is not looking at a zoomed-in close-up of your face. A reasonable distance is a headshot or having your shoulders in the shot, depending on the space you have around you.

10. Show you’re engaged and try to make a connection. Natural physical cues are less evident due to screens. Show engagement by nodding your head or responding every few minutes. You will otherwise appear bored or not focusing on the discussion. Also, find a way to establish rapport so that the video interview is not so clinical.

11. Have a pen, notepad, questions and your CV in front of you. A video interview from home means taking notes or referring to your CV and list of questions is generally acceptable, as long as you’re not entirely relying on them or causing you to forget to interact.

Related: What to expect in your second interview

12. Since the interviewer cannot see you physically, get your notes ready. Keep standard answers next to you. These would keep you focused, especially if you tend to get nervous, or if you are worried that you will miss out vital information that you want to relate to the hiring manager.

13. Accept that because of technology, no matter how good your connection is, there will be lags or buffering or sound cutting out. Leave more gaps of silence between questions and answers, and don’t be afraid to ask your interviewer to repeat themselves if the sound does cut out.

14. Related to the tip above, ending the video interview may not occur as naturally as it does in person. Ensure you have asked all your questions and find out what steps are next. When you say goodbye, stop yourself from repeating goodbye once the interviewer has responded. You will end up in a cycle of repeating yourself. Wait until they’ve responded, then hang up.

15. Ensure you have officially logged off before you relax. Many candidates have reacted without realising that the interviewer was still connected to the interview video call.

Related: 10 important career lessons most people learn too late in life

The good news is, despite the current climate of uncertainty due to COVID-19, companies and recruiters are still meeting candidates. Now is not the time to be complacent or assume there is a hiring freeze everywhere – you may still land a new role.

While it’s doubtful that you will be asked to attend a face-to-face interview any time soon, demonstrate your preparedness when you speak to your recruiter on the phone, or when replying to their email by stating you are set up and ready to do the interview virtually.

Video calls and video interviews can be highly effective when you prepare and practice – going forward, it will be the standard process and expectation for most jobseekers, as COVID-19 continues to impact the hiring process.

Importantly, know that if you’re using a professional recruitment consultant, they are also adjusting to the new reality, so reach out for help if you have any questions or concerns.

Read more:
Contracting vs permanent job: Which is better for you?
5 interview questions to ask to tell a great candidate from a good one
#BecomingTechies: How I became a pioneer cybersecurity strategist in Asia