How To Ace Your Virtual Interview
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We all are indeed by now very familiar with the technology platform called Zoom, especially now that most job opportunities begin on Zoom in one way or another. For example, while some companies may use similar platforms, most current interviews are conducted virtually or over the phone. Webinars are also a very popular method of finding potential hires. Due to these current virtual settings, it is important that you are as professional and prepared as possible while on Zoom. In this article, I will provide five tips on the best ways to present yourself through a screen.
1. Lighting
One of the most important requirements of a virtual interview is that the interviewer can see you well! It is best to sit in a well-lit area and frame yourself from the waist/chest up. If your room is dim or your face is dark, this is already an improper start. To combat this, I have a very bright lamp on my desk that I angle on my face to get the right amount of light.
2. Background
We all have heard hilarious stories of people having funny or weird images or items in their backgrounds during a Zoom, but this is not acceptable during an interview. If you have a crazy poster, weird object, or anything else that would be deemed immature, unprofessional, or distracting, I suggest removing from the frame before the interview. If your bed is in the back, make it up and straighten anything else in your background.
3. Sound Quality
Not being able to be heard or understood due to sound quality issues can be very problematic when it comes to virtual interviews. Be sure to test your microphone before entering the Zoom call, and before you begin answering questions consider asking if the interviewer can hear you well. If you are using headphones or earbuds, make sure they are charged.
4. Your physical appearance
Just because you are not meeting the interviewer in person does not mean you should dress casual. If they can see you, you better appear put together. Your entire body will not be showing, but your makeup, hair, and top should be neat and professional. A darker lipstick can help you avoid being washed out on their screen, and also remember to smile and sit up straight like you would in an in-person interview. Additionally, it can be helpful to accessorize with jewelry to show your style. The camera should also be directly in front of your face, not any higher and not any lower. Stacking books below a laptop is a good way to make the camera eye-level- you want to show your best angle!
5. Limit distractions
Everybody is working or doing school from home. Do not worry if you are in your bedroom, as long as it is a quiet place in your apartment or house; all that matters is that you are in a space where roommate or family background noise will not interfere. No one should enter the room when you are in the interview, and there should not be anything around you that could distract you! Put your phone away and turn it on silent!
As a senior I am currently beginning the job application process and am scheduling interviews for myself, so I wanted to share some tips that I have learned so far. Use these rules for any virtual interview or webinar you may have!
